Summer at the Sports Club

We’ve already had some fantastic weather with cricket, tennis and social events in the evenings and at weekends – albeit that we need some rain as well as sunshine! It’s been great to see so many people – seniors, juniors, younger children and families - enjoying themselves on the tennis courts, the cricket field, the open spaces and in the clubhouse as well. There will be yet more activity over the next few weeks as we move into the school holiday period with tennis and cricket camps as well as some additional events and activity at the Lant.

So a few items of information and a couple of requests so that everything runs smoothly as we get busier during the summer period.

- Access to main room: we are delighted that Pathways have decided to move their Summer Holiday Club to the Lant this year. This is an indoor/outdoor actvity club for 3-8 year-olds over the period 21 July-29 August and Pathways will have sole use of the main room from 8-5 each weekday. If you do need access to the kitchen, a polite request to Pathways staff will do the trick – but otherwise the door to the main room will be locked for safeguarding reasons.

- A Day at the Darts: our Centre Manager Anthony Ingram has organised a world class darts event at the Lant Clubhouse on Sunday 24 August, starting mid-morning and running unƟl early evening. This is a ticket-only event with wristbands issued to ticket holders. Most rooms in the clubhouse will be in use for the event, although toilet facilities will be accessible for other users on the day. 

- Car parking: on some evenings and weekends our car parking capacity can be stretched. We are grateful to those cricket players, parents and spectators who park in the overflow area on the field to the south of the cricket boundary. We have also agreed with the Catholic Church that we can use their car park on occasion, whilst in return members of the church can use the Lant car park when they anticipate a large congregation. So please respect any car park spaces that are coned off for church use. Better still walk, cycle or share a car.  

- Good behaviour: please can parents and dog owners keep an eye on their charges. We welcome youngsters and well-behaved dogs at the Lant but we have had the occasional unfortunate incident that should be avoidable with appropriate oversight.  

Left/lost property: we get a steady flow of coats, hats and other items left behind in the clubhouse or outside. These will be removed from the foyer and other public areas on a weekly basis and retained safely for four weeks. If our Centre Manager has not received any enquiry after that time, the remaining items will be donated to a local charity.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions as to how we can further improve our operations at the Lant. 

I wish you all a great summer.

Bob Harris

Chair of Berkswell & Balsall Common Sports & Community Associaton

07802 406658

15 July 2025