GSTC Update: Encouraging Progress, More Work Ahead

Hi [[firstname]],

I wanted to give you a quick update following last week's meeting with Bristol City Council regarding the future of our community.

Firstly... thank you; The response from members over the past few weeks has been incredible. Over a hundred of you wrote to the Council, submitted statements, contacted councillors and the press, left Google reviews, shared our campaign and, most importantly, told your own stories about what GSTC means to you. Many of you have also volunteered your time by creating surveys, attending meetings and working on strategy alongside the committee.

It's making a real difference.

The Council commented on the volume of responses they received, and many of your statements and questions were even read out during the Full Council meeting.

The meeting with BCC

I'm pleased to say the meeting was positive. I was joined by Holly, one of our member-volunteers, and Councillor Christine Townsend, who kindly attended in support of the club.

The Council told us that their preferred option is for Greville Smyth Tennis Club to continue running the courts. They also recognised the value the club delivers to both the local community and Bristol City Council.

Since launching our campaign we've also made real progress. We've become a Community Interest Company (CIC), which the Council confirmed should make a longer-term lease much easier, and they've welcomed both our community membership analysis and the introduction of Pay & Play as positive steps towards broadening participation.

What happens next?

We're now entering negotiations on a new lease.

The Council wants to ensure our long-term vision aligns with both Bristol City Council's and the LTA's ambitions for affordable, accessible and inclusive park tennis. Many of those principles are already central to what we do, and we'll continue working with the Council to strengthen our offer where appropriate.

We're not there yet

This is a genuinely encouraging step forward, but nothing has been agreed yet.

Please keep talking positively about the club and sharing your experiences. If we need your support again over the coming months, I know we can count on you.

Thank you again to everyone who has helped. Your support has brought us to this point, and we'll keep you updated as discussions continue.

See you on court soon!

James Mikkelson
Chair, Greville Smyth Tennis Club