The Giraffe Club was set up to keep ex-university players and supporters in touch with the club, informed as to what is happening in the club and to keep them involved in real tennis. Our aim was for Giraffe Club members to receive an annual newsletter giving information on the past season at the club and news of upcoming events. Giraffe Club members are invited to the Cambridge Weekend, which will be held on the 17th and 18th of May 2008. In 2007 the club welcomed members back to Cambridge for a weekend of enjoyable tennis and social events. As one of the premier events on the Real Tennis calendar, the Varsity Match attracted many Old Blues and has benefited enormously from the continued and passionate support of ex-players and Alumni. Giraffe Club members are also invited to attend the tremendous on-court post match meal.

The 2005/06 season has been the most successful in the history of student tennis at Cambridge. The men’s team defeated Oxford 6-0 and the women’s team made their mark with an unexpected 4-2 victory, the first Cambridge success since the contest was begun. There have also been many outstanding individual performances including David Woodman becoming the Amateur champion.

The Giraffe Fund has been able to make a significant contribution to these successes. For example, it provided bursaries to cover the cost of rackets and membership for newcomers to the women’s team. All the Giraffe funds are dedicated to the continuing development of student tennis and have been invaluable to the success of both new and current players – this year’s Varsity match saw us field the men’s team with handicaps of +5, 7, 7 and 10. The newsletter reports further on what we have been able to achieve with your help and your continuing generosity is greatly appreciated.

Membership of the Giraffe Club is £** and this fee goes into the Giraffe Fund. Life Membership is available for £***. If you feel able to make an annual donation, please use a banker’s order as below. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Charlotte Barker & Burak Salgin
Women’s & Men’s Captains, 2006/7

** The suggested minimum donation for membership is £40
*** Please contact the CURTC Pros for further information

FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE GIRAFFE CLUB
BANKER’S STANDING ORDER – ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
Please set up a Banker’s Standing order to pay to Barclays Bank, Sidney Street Branch, Cambridge the sum of £40 (suggested minimum) immediately and thereafter, annually, on the 1st of October until further notice, the sum of £40 (suggested minimum).  Please contact the CURTC Pros (pros@curtc.net) for the bank account details and confirm when the Banker’s order has been set up.