A very recent piece of news to give hope for the future: cover for two of the claycourts has been ordered - you will soon be able to continue to play even during torrential downpours. Very good news! Photos hopefully in my next blog.
Another improvement to the Club facilities has been under way this week: doubtless because of the great success of the restaurant under our capable chef and the new proprietors, the terrace area has been doubled. New tables and chairs will follow presently, all ready for the spring and summer days when it is so agreeable to eat under a completely blue sky. Those few members and players who have not yet sampled the varied menus, will have no excuse but to join the happy band of regular clients. Remember friends of your families are equally welcome: they may even be lucky enough to witness a spectacular match on the centre court.
And speaking of spectacular tennis, I was one of the few who watched an extraordinary match when the tournament referee (juge-arbitre) left his complex arrangements, to beat his athletic Cannes opponent in three sets. This, with innumerable service-volleys, and in spite of a groggy left-knee, and a developing cramp in his right leg! Bravo Didier! Unfortunately this was one of the last matches possible: back came the rain to make more than 7 days lost out of the 14 available, and an inevitable tournament cancellation. (Watch out for the Junior events scheduled for July.)
A few privileged members were invited to the private exhibition of Nicole Bélanger's paintings a week or so ago. This event took place in their newly-built modern mansion in the Peyrebelle area. This residence is fortunately quite spacious, for the alacrity with which Nicole (='Coline') executes her works of art, may one day soon, present a severe problem of accommodation for her strongly supportive husband, Gilles. Here is my photo showing something of the paintings (acrylic on canvas): a much more complete view is found on her website: www.coline-art.com
Just a word now about the Nature happily around us at the Vignal; looking carefully at the many ash trees around the courts, you will see a yellowish-green material on many of the branches. Here is a photo:
This material, called lichen contains algae along with fungi; the two organisms live together for their mutual benefit. This association is called symbiosis; the algae contain the pigment chlorophyll which facilitates photosynthesis, and this vital process using sunlight provides glucose which is food for the fungi, (and incidentally oxygen for us!) The existence of so much lichen around here, is a good sign that there is no atmospheric pollution by sulphur dioxide - a gas which destroys lichen. A good environment then!
Forthcoming Club events are round-robin tournaments both in the Ladies' group and the Dutch group. See the respective Captains Judy Haar and George Buter for more details. Now get back to practising when the courts are dry again. Bonne chance et bon tennis.
