MINUTES FROM SQUASH COMMITTEE MEETING ON 28/4/25
Present: Allan Curry (chair) (AC), Dave North (DN), Lesley Vitty(LV), Wayne Eastaugh (WE), Keith Linsley (KL), Tim Barker (TB)
Apologies: Andy Smith, Bob Aynsley (would be late as coaching but meeting concluded before he joined), Roger Tames
1. No matters arising as such save see below.
2. AC and the committee thanked KL for his work on how outside/ “extra curricular” events for squash courts should be charged and discounts to be applied. The Committee agreed to adopt this structure for the year and review this time next year.
3. There will be future discussion re junior membership fees and court costs as an item agenda at the next meeting after WE has extrapolated some information re court usage for the next meeting. WE to action.
4. ES funding applications – Richard Vitty is doing school visits and will liaise as appropriate. BA is doing work with various charities. AC and BA are working together to promote walking squash,
5. Discussion re shirts and club centenary. Committee keen and happy to promote but concerned about admin of the same. AC to liaise with club chair further and feed back.
6. WE updated on leagues. He is doing work to try to integrate squash levels. Some discussion about inputting game scores as well as match result. Some concern about this reducing friendliness of matches and where there are occasional mismatches, players worrying about losing points on squash levels if they “take it easy” on opponents. WE to look to introduce squash levels and then consider further.
7. AS had circulated a report re maintenance issues. See below.
Squash Maintenance Report for meeting 28/4/25
The wall mounted extract fan in the male changing room has now been disconnected as it is not required.
The electric radiators which were not working in the squash areas have now been repaired or replaced as necessary by Gi.
I discussed the possibility of installing an electric radiator in the lobby of squash court 4 with Gi. The estimated cost would be approx £400 for materials and installation. Gi is however concerned about the running cost as the club's electricity and gas prices have just increased significantly and the heat would just escape from the lobby as there is no insulation.
I have fitted accessory dishes in the female showers.
The shower heads in the female shower room appear to be clogged by limescale and require descaling and there is a really strong smell of drains. I will report these issues to Gi.
8.BA had similarly prepared a report re coaching. See below
Courses are all running smoothly, with 66 paid up for the present course, which ends on Sunday, 11th of May, before restarting again for the last course of the season on the following Sunday, 18th of May. I am just starting to prepare for the next course, contacting all players currently involved and the 11 I have currently on my waiting list. I expect numbers to be healthy again despite the weather settling into warmer days.
Still getting free tasters, which primarily are coming via word of mouth (2 successful ones yesterday, with one definitely joining ladies beginners and one advanced). Also, Richard helps spread involvement by actively sourcing parents of his Juniors, getting them involved in my courses to positively encourage their kids development. Get fewer enquiries now through the banners, but still definitely serve a positive purpose. Social media is another hook to be further explored.
Liberdade start their 4 week course with me this Wednesday and I have liaised with their Staff, ( who incidentally I am actively encouraging them into squash via my adult courses), and I will have 10 students attending. I have 2 courts reserved, which will be fine, but when I run games, if it is okay, I may utilise another court if they are not booked on the day? Apart from 1 student, I have permission to take photographs and a short video to evidence the fun we are having and to attain England Squash funding. Also working on Walking Squash and will be trying to arrange a suitable evening to get interested parties down to positively further this venture.
The Men's pathways league and Ladies league, which I manage, are going well and are definitely a great way to help encourage membership and then build confidence and participation with others who are often in similar situations, having just joined. The Ladies' drop-in session on a Friday afternoon is going strongly.
9.Ladies Squash
LV stated 1st team came 3rd. 2nd team did the league and cup double. 3rd team came 3rd in their league. The ladies will be running coaching through the summer and coaches in addition to Richard Vitty will be approached to assist.
- Mens teams
DN had provided an update before the meeting as below.
Northern 1 - Premier Div and Northumbria Cup winners
Northern 2 - 3rd Div 1 (lost playoff to get into Premier Div)
Northern Juniors 1 - League 2 and League Cup A winners -- promoted to Div 1
Northern 3 - 7th Div 2 (won playoff to avoid relegation)
Northern 4 - 7th Div 3 (won playoff to avoid relegation)
Northern Juniors 2 - Div 5 winners - promoted to Div 4
Northern 5 - 5th Div 5
Discussions started re future of Juniors 1 team - ie whether they stay as a ringfenced Junior team in Div 1 or integrate into Men's teams (with Juniors 1 being renamed Northern 3).
Have asked captains for feedback regarding food options and team squash in general and will report back for next meeting.
Summer League starts 2nd June - will be sending out email shortly to gauge interest - responses will determine number of teams (but probably 2 or 3 based on recent years- mid-week home games (Tues-Thurs, to accommodate ladies training on Mondays). Match fees £28 (£3.50 per person) to cover court costs.
The committee thanks DN and LV for their support of the club teams, the team captains and congratulations in particular to mens 1, ladies 2, junior 1 and 2.
11.The bike shed is finally complete. The committee thanked AC for his efforts re this.
12. No health and safety issues
13. Safeguarding – a concern had been raised about the way a junior parent has spoken to his own child after a match at the recent junior tournament. It is not known if the individuals where from Northern. The club will look to circulate a code of conduct and then follow up if there are any future incidents.
14. County squash -
Cai Younger has joined committee (with main role being Summer League Secretary). Still looking for Treasurer and additional members/Trustee(s).
12. AOB
DN raised the markers awareness course he would like to offer. This would be with the assistance of Joe Witherspoon. This was supported and DN will progress.
Date and time of next meeting 7.15pm Tuesday 20/5/25
