2025 AGM

SACTA AGM 2025 Minutes

The meeting was held at the Ross Memorial Library, November 25th

Attendees: Mary Wobma, Christine Taylor, Richard Bale, Keith Wobma, Mark Clark, Mike Power, Peter Lyman, Francie Lord, Derek Stafford, Jenni Loudwell

Apologies: Wilf Young-Lai

2024 AGM minutes reviewed . Motion to accept Richard Bale, seconded Peter Lyman, Carried.

REPORTS

Treasurer – Mark Clark

The financial details were reviewed by Mark. SACTA is in a good position showing an increase of $516.12 over the 2024 result.

Peter Lyman asked if there are plans to spend some of the funds. Not at this time, ideas will be considered during the next season.

Adult Tennis -Derek Stafford

We had 14 signed up which was down on last year's numbers but still split them into 3 groups across 3 coaches. We were lucky with the weather with no postponements for weather.

We must try to run the 8 weeks on the dates advertised to avoid breaks and confusion with the people signed up. I will send out reminder of next year's class well ahead of start date to hopefully get some repeat business and hopefully see an increase in numbers.

Youth Tennis – Keith Wobma

SACTA Tennis camp held the weeks of July 7-11 and 14-18 with 17 youth attending playing 1 Hour from 10-11 AM. They all played with the red, yellow and green balls and most players finished playing with the green balls. Registration for this Tennis event was improved using the new system however some parents appeared to use the old system. Interestingly no players 5-6 or 7 signed up probably no Tennis Tuesday this year. This summer was the hottest and water breaks were a must. The town let us use the Arena 3 days and the players really enjoyed that. The new tee shirts with the Ted Michener logo were well received by the players and their parents. Thanks, Mike, for assisting.Youth Centre Tennis boys and girls’ group under 15 was not held this year due to retirement of Debby and start of the new coordinator who is looking forward to planning.

2026 Youth tennis camp is scheduled for July 6-10 and 13-17.

Social Tennis – Jenni Loudwell

Social tennis began on May 20th and ran weekly until mid September. While attendance was not high, those who played enjoyed the format of changing partners throughout the session.  Several visitors joined the sessions and were surprised that there was no fee to play.

As we continue to promote SACTA and hope to further increase membership, social tennis is a worthwhile session. One or two more members who are willing to look after the sessions would be welcomed.

Weekend Mixed Doubles (MXD)- Wilf Young-Lai

We started about mid-May this year and ended the last weekend in September. One Saturday we had 24 players and had to send one group to play in Chamcook. Another Saturday we filled 4 courts. Other than those 2 days we were only able to fill two courts for most of the season so participation was about average again this year.  Many people were not aware of the rules for MXD. For next year the rules will remain the same.

1.We will continue to provide balls for members.

2.You don't have to sign up to play.

3.Non-members are welcome to join us as long as they bring a can of new balls.

Tournaments

Memorial Tournament- Wilf Young - Lai

This was the 26th year for this tournament. This tournament was started in 1999 as the Sree Memorial Tournament and has now become the Memorial Tournament and Barbecue. This is the only organized event where playing members and non playing members can get together socially.  This year there was a record number of participants, 32. We even had a couple from Ottawa that joined SACTA just to play in the Memorial.

Tish and John Ralston won the Sree Trophy which is now featured prominently in John's living room. Lesley and Aaron Simpson won the Lyman Trophy which is now on display in the Library.

Next year the Memorial will be played on the Saturday after the Masters and we will take down the canopy after the barbecue.

Masters- Jenni Loudwell

The 17thTNB Masters was another success. Player numbers jumped from 37 in 2024 to 50 this year.

The usual small but enthusiastic group made sure all was in place. Short work was made of putting up the canopy as a large group of members were on hand.

We were without Mark Thibault this year but the event ran efficiently.

Christine Taylor's catering (muffins at 9am) and the cooking of the salmon for lunch was at her usual high standard. This was accompanied by a rice pilaf and salad. We thank Christine very much for all her efforts.

It was hot on Saturday, a little less so on Sunday and all play was completed by 4.30pm on Sunday.

We heard from many players who said this is one of the best run Masters and how they enjoy coming year after year. The standard of the food and our hospitality is always acknowledged.

Again this year we received generous support from our sponsors who have all been thanked for their continued commitment to the event. In addition we received vouchers from the Algonquin golf course totaling $125.00 and a $50.00 voucher from Ted Michener for The Gables.

2025 Membership – Jenni Loudwell

2025                                  2024

Total members: 73             Total members: 66

Family members: 18           Family members: 13

Individual members: 30       Individual members: 30

Family member numbers range from 2 to 6

18 new members this year, 8 members from 2024 did not renew.

The draw for the racquet if renewing membership early was very popular. Sally McAllister won the racquet. Thanks to Alex and Lily at Racquet and Sports Specialty Store in Saint John who added a donation to the amount SACTA paid.

The executive approved the hiring of an NBCC student to complete a marketing plan to assist us in increasing membership. The plan was produced at the end of May. Initiatives were introduced during the month (a survey on Facebook, an Instagram account opened, posters created and more). The promotion was largely focused on families and youngsters. Monthly plans were provided up to October.

Much of the information will be better posted earlier next year. The plan has given us a solid base from which to work and how to approach younger people to join SACTA.

President – Mary Wobma

Pickle Ball – Players played on Town courts 1&2 on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. If courts were needed for tennis play during their designated times, they were very accommodating so worked out well.

2025 – I’ve informed Mervin Hanselpacker and Terri Atkins that our Master’s Tennis Tournament is scheduled for August 7-8-9 so they are aware of our plans to host the event again for 2026.

The Pickle Ball group made a presentation to the Town requesting they consider building pickle ball courts. Suggestions included setting up something on our parking lot or looking at the Mallory Sport’s field area. I was told that their membership was low this year. I’ve sent an email to Terri Atkin indicating I would like to be included in any discussions regarding our parking lot. I also reminded him that our $20,000 donation assisted in the paving of that area. This involves more than just adding lines as they would need to fence in a portion of the area so not sure where that would leave the parking issue. On the grass but that may not be the best solution. We shall see what the Town decides to do.

Courts were repaired in the fall by the Town crew, unfortunately they left quite a mess behind. I again sent an email to Terri Atkin and he said the issue would be addressed before they shut down the courts for the season.

Masters Tournament – Sponsors received Thank you letters, and we were able to secure a contact for our salmon skewers so going forward we should be able to continue offering this little treat at our Masters. Want to thank Christine Taylor for her additions of rice pilaf and salad to round out the lunch. Her cookies and muffins were also well received. Thank you to Christine Taylor for cooking our salmon skewers to perfection!! Great to have our own personal chef as part of the SACTA team.

Tennis Play – This was a great season for tennis!!

Max Curxon has expressed an interest in working with the youth to encourage young people to take part in tennis. The meeting agreed that he should be invited to present his ideas and plans.

Motion to accept the reports from Richard Bale, seconded by Francie Lord. Carried.

2026 Executive

Past President – Wilf Young – Lai

President – Mary Wobma

Vice President – David Robichaud

Secretary – Jenni Loudwell

Treasurer - Mark Clark

Social Convenor - not currently filled

Youth and Adult programs – Derek Stafford, Keith Wobma, Wilfred Young-Lai

Member at Large - Mike Power (webmaster)

Proposed Youth Member at Large – Max Curzon

General Discussion Items –  To be addressed in 2026.

Max Curxon has expressed an interest in working with youth to encourage young people to take part in tennis. The meeting agreed that he should be invited to present his ideas and plans.

Peter Lyman asked if there are plans to spend some of the funds. He raised the possibility of a court with a softer surface in the area,

Adult lessons – keep to one complete session. Earlier pitch to NBCC for students to take part in lessons. Derek will attend any NBCC forums.

Youth lessons – new payment system simplifies the process. Announcement could be earlier. Approach the Youth Centre manager earlier in 2026.

NBCC Practicum/Marketing – agreed that the student did an excellent job. Monthly plans will be used again next year, starting earlier. Post rack cards at NBCC – order more cards (100 in 2025). Should there be a promotion/marketing budget?

Rufus Nel is available for another doubles clinic next season.

Send information for website updates to Mike Power.

Requests made – ask to Town to paint a 'net line' on the back wall of the arena, schedule a demonstration of the ball machine at the start of the next season.

Rack card should state 'no dress code' and membership costs.

A joint approach to the Town by the tennis and pickle ball players.

New Business from Wilf Young-Lai

1.Decision re. booking courts 3 and 4 for private lessons.

2.Incentives for paying membership early.

3.T shirt decision.

Motion to adjourn: Christine Taylor, seconded Peter Lyman.