| Abshot Autumn Newsletter I wanted to title this ‘Post Covid’ Abshot plans, but I’m conscious of jumping the gun and speaking too soon. It seems Covid will be with us for some time, it’s how we move forward, manage our lives and learn to adapt in its presence. Firstly, I’d like to reflect on the last 20 months, reiterate our sincere appreciation for the members who were able to continue paying their membership subscriptions whilst we were closed. Some during a lockdown and some during the whole period, those that showed optimism and commitment by renewing whilst we were closed or insisting on their membership remaining active. Please don’t ever think this generosity is forgotten, it was the foundation of Abshot being able to open so quickly, it enabled a wage for the team members who were exempt from furlough, it allowed fixed costs to be paid (insurance, equipment lease, services etc) this together with Directors not withdrawing incomes during closure gave us a head start when restrictions were lifted. Repaying those that have supported us is a difficult balancing act, it was in excess of 150 members so financially from the losses we have experienced and with Abshot now fully open with overheads back to pre-covid levels, crediting monies is not possible at this stage. We can however express our gratitude, guarantee a fixed price membership subscription, and provide discounted offers on our concessions. I’d also like to express my sincere thanks to all employees that have stepped up and worked through when we have been permitted to open. In particular our Membership Secretary (and everyone’s private concierge) Nickie, who has worked endlessly cancelling memberships, suspending memberships, re-instating memberships, amending renewals and managing the booking system. This is the difference between Abshot and corporate, all our members are communicated with personally and individually. Optimistically looking to the future, we will review Abshot every 4 weeks to see what is working and what isn’t relating to classes, booking system, and most importantly footfall. Feedback is welcome but please be realistic with requests as we continue our journey of the new normal. Below is a ‘wish list’ of facilities improvements we would like to work towards in the next 12 months, not a promise but a goal that we’ve set: Gym Equipment upgrade: We purchased new squat rack & new dumbbell weights, and additional equipment has been ordered Swimming pool area: New Flooring Additional studio space Tennis Flood lighting – lighting has arrived and will be fitted soon Locker system / changing room benching – quotation for work awaited Swipe entrance system Supply and demand are major factors to our timescales, but the clock is ticking and we will endeavour to start these improvements from October 2021. We are pleased to welcome a new squash professional to Abshot, Alex Philips who will be organising junior & adult group sessions and available for private lessons. Please see below for more information. The Tasty Teapot will continue to supply us with snacks and light lunches, savoury & sweet including the BEST cakes and we hope to expand on this service with evening lite bites. A major ‘prop’ throughout the past 20 months has been the founding of Abshot Estates Limited. The bespoke property concierge managed day to day by Jack Jowett and saw the return of Abshot receptionist Amy, has grown from strength to strength holding an enviable position in the local Estate Agency market. For anything relating to property, buying, selling, renting or managing please do not hesitate to pop into the office or email enquiries. As always, we welcome comments and suggestions, keep in touch. Best regards Jason Vigiers |
| Revised class time table from week beginning 4th October. We have added and amended classes to ensure that all abilities have the appropriate classes to attend, please read the class descriptions on GymSync to make sure that you are attending the correct class for your ability and progression. www.abshotcountryclub.com/fitness-centre/class-timetable Remember complimentary Gym Inductions are available – just ask at Reception to book an appointment to ensure you are getting the most from your work out, help and advice on the equipment you are using or just have a refresher on the basics. Our instructors are on hand to show you how to use equipment and give you a starter work out programme. Pool bookings On reviewing usage of the pool it has become apparent that the evening sessions are predominantly used for a quick dip after a workout rather than an hour of swimming lengths so booking will no longer be required after 1.30pm. |
| Please remember to cancel classes, courts and pool bookings if you can no longer attend. It is frustrating to have spaces on classes that other people are waiting to attend. You can cancel via GymSync or call us on 01489 573926. And please turn up on time! Of course, we know that sometime things just get in the way but late comers not only risk the chance that their space will have been given to a waiting member but it is also extremely disruptive to the Instructor and other participants. Gym users – we provide wipes at stations around the gym plus blue roll and sprays – please wipe down equipment after every use, this was a requirement before covid and even more important now. We know most people do, this is just a reminder. Aqua classes – we are lucky to have an extremely well supported set of aqua classes, not only for the exercise but a thriving social community too ! We have recently increased the class number to 16 which, whilst greatly reduced from our pre covid number of 25, does means that the changing rooms are busy again. Please be as quick as you can changing. If you are just drying, dressing and leaving please vacate the pool first with others that wish to shower, using the changing rooms after. More benches in the changing rooms will be provided soon. |
Welcoming Alex Phillips, our new squash professional. Alex is a Level 3 Squash and Racketball Coach and Former PSA World Ranking #126. He is a 6 times Mens Hampshire Closed Winner and Ex European Junior No.1, having played for teams in France, Germany and Italy. Alex will be offering private coaching which can be arranged by contacting him on 07853863277, alexp28@hotmail.co.uk. £20 for 40 minutes coaching. Junior squash will resume, now on a Wednesday, from 22nd September, with Alex – 3.50pm – 4.30pm – Beginners Age 7-10 years 4.30pm – 5.15pm – Beginners Age 10 years plus 5.15pm – 6.00pm – Improvers £3.50 junior members , £5.00 non members. No need to book, come along and join in. Adult Squash Club Morning, Sundays 11am-midday with Alex, no booking required, just turn up. |
‘The Tasty Teapot’ supply a wide range of homemade sausage rolls, scotch eggs, sandwiches, rolls, snacks, lunch pots, sweet bites and AMAZING cakes. You can take away or eat in and enjoy with a lovely cup of Mozzo coffee or a tea from our Teapigs range. Afternoon teas can be pre ordered, please ask at Reception. If you would like to see other items available let us know ! |