It has been a long wait since my January post, but I think my regular readers will have guessed the reason. Quite simply, I had no definite news of the eventual sale of the Club. So here is what we have all been waiting for - the new owners of the Vignal, will be in possession from the 2nd of July.
So now we know! And the next question is how will this affect our tennis, reservations, refreshments, conversations, & meals in the restaurant?
In the case of our beloved game, I witnessed a summary inspection of the courts this morning: no doubt substantial work on the clay courts will be instigated to correct faulty drainage, & lack of sufficient surface layer; but this will be quite an enterprise. I would expect only one court to be out of action at a time, but we will wait & see what is decided.
Reservations will be made in the usual way, your correspondent in the Office will be the new owner, Olivier Faubert. His charming wife, Virginie, will be delivering your coffee & other drinks from the bar, & will be assisting the new Chef (name later) in serving the exquisite meals we all deserve! An important distinction from the numerous earlier restaurant gérants will be that there will be no lease - the business will be run by the Club owners themselves.
There have been two notable group events over the last months: a roundRobin followed by a meal & prize-giving by our Dutch contingent. You will see clearly below various well-loved characters, with the valiant Captain & organiser, George Buter in the centre.
This month of June saw the Ladies Group arrive in flowery apparel for a similar tournament. Here they are posing before the matches.
Again congratulations to the indefatigable Captain, Judy Arrieta. This group disappeared after play, to the villa of one of the members, for a collective lunch & swim.
Look forward to a lot more tennis in the coming months, but keep a cap on, & drink plenty of water in the hot weather. Keep fit & well!
