Squash Successes

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Brondesbury won 'Club Of The Year' from Middlesex Squash this year. This not only reflects the success of the first team, Division 4 Champions in case you hadn't heard, but also the introduction of a second team in the Middlesex league structure as well as a thriving membership. It usually goes to one of the larger clubs in Middlesex and the committee in particular felt that the club is going in the right direction in terms of members, league squash, and our welcoming atmosphere. For that we have been rewarded and thanks to all who help to make the club what it is. There will be a formal presentation of trophies some point soon, watch this space. 

A few months ago we held a one day tournament followed by drinks and a BBQ. It was such a success that another on will be held on the 10th September from 2pm. If you would like to attend let me know, spaces are limited to 16 , a small fee of £5 which will go towards prizes, all abilities welcome. 

The internal leagues are proving to be popular, if you would like to be included in the next set which will start in September drop an email to [email protected] . 

Lastly on September 24th (6pm till late) Brondesbury's Got Talent will be returning for one night only. The event is organised by tennis legend  Matt Bamford and over the years many of the talented individual who have appeared have gone on to bigger and brighter things. The list is too long to mention them here. Anyway if you have a talent which you want to share with the club or want to attend drop an email to [email protected] . Tickets are £20 per person, family tickets are also available. 

 

 

 

 

Squash June

A quick heads up to let you know that the off-peak rate will be increasing to £4 from the 10th July. Guest fees (£2 per guest) are also being re-introduced, so if you are playing a non-member then a fee of £2 is payable.  I have put one of the old coin meters back up on the wall outside court A. Please use this for guest fees and fees on Friday social nights. 

The box leagues are well under way and proving popular. If you would like to be included in the leagues next month send an email to [email protected] . The leagues are organised in terms of ability so you would be expected to play 4 or 5 games in the space of 6 weeks againt similarly matched players. 

A tournament took place on 11th June and owing to its success there will be a tournament every 3 months. The next one will take place in September (Date TBC). There's a poll currently on the Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/jpzhyxj) about the date. If you would like to attend and not on Facebook group let me know your preferred dates from  the following - 3rd, 10th, 17th or 24th September. 

If you know anyone looking to join our membership for the rest of the season is only £40, bargain, so spread the word. 

Lastly a reminder if you are leaving the clubhouse late at night to do so quietly. If taxis are being booked stand out on street to wait for them or give them your number to ring you when they arrive. 

Squash News May

A number of folk have asked about re-instating the box leagues to inject a bit of competition to their games. We have found a site called Squashlevels http://www.squashlevels.com/menu_login.php which meets all our requirements. If you would like to participate please register at Squash levels site below and select your club as 'Brondesbury Cricket &'. To be included please register by 28th May (we could also set one up for the raquetball players if they want). 

The team matches will be starting in the next couple of weeks. This will mean that courts will be booked from 7:30pm-10pm every Wednesday till the end of August. Thanks for your understanding and if you are free on Wednesdays feel free to come down to support the team. Fixtures will be put up on noticeboard next to court B. 

Finally we are looking to have a club tournament on Saturday 11th June (Time TBC but likely mid-late afternoon). Due to court constraints it will be limited to 16 players and there will be a £5 entry fee. Let me know by 24th May if you would like to take part. 

A reminder that we have our regular social nights on Friday from 6:30-9:30pm, all members welcome. 

 

Squash AGM Update

The squash AGM took place on Thursday. I'll give a brief outline of what was covered and I can provide a full copy of minutes on request. 

The club currently has 103 members and we see a steady stream of enquiries about membership coming in. We ended the season last year with 120 members and it has taken us to May to get back up to past the hundred mark. Turnover at the club is high at the club and from the information we have about departing members it is due to moving away from the area, other commitments such as family or work, not playing enough to warrant renewing. It was pointed out that more could be done to stem the outflow at the end of the season and to find out more about reasons for non-renewal. 
 
In terms of finances the club is doing well with a large surplus at the end of March. There can be significant unexpected expenses which come up throughout the year which put a dent in this, such as building and ground maintenance. The club has made some improvements to the clubhouse to brighten the place up and it is a constant topic at the committee meetings. A slight concern is that both squash membership and court income has gone down since last year. The off-peak rate introduced with the online booking system can be identified for the drop in court income and the membership income is partly down to the timing of when people join. 
 
The club has a wide range of abilities and continues to put two teams into the Middlesex Squash Leagues. Our 1st team topped their league and will be getting a well deserved promotion to Division 3 next season. The second team are hoping to 'do a Leicester' next season and have title hopes in our sights. Thanks have to go to all who played for the teams over the course of the season and here's to another successful year. 
 
While the team squash provides a competitive outlet for the more advanced players it was mentioned that more could be done internally to get people playing each other. Internal leagues, regular tournaments and social events are all areas which we should be revived at the club. 
 
The AGM finished with a vote for the Squash Representative where I was up against Darren Jones. It was a close call with 7 votes in my favour to Darren's 5.  While the role is not arduous it would be useful to have input into the direction of the squash club. With this in mind if you would be interested in being part of a squash committee I would love to hear from you. 
 
I said it would be brief so best finish off, before doing so thanks for making Brondesbury Squash the great club that it is and hope to see you around soon. 
 
Adam 
 

Squash - April News

As mentioned previousy the Squash AGM will be Thursday 5th May (7:30pm) in the clubhouse. I will be putting myself up for election again to represent the squash section on the committee. If anyone else wants to be challenge this please do so by sending an email to [email protected] stating that you want to put yourself up for election at the Squash AGM. The AGM will be brief with an update on the squash section, the wider club, and take any questions or suggestions about the direction of the club. If you can't make it but have any questions which you want raised please get in touch and it will be raised in your absence, hope to see you there. 

Following on from that on the Firday 6th May there will be a squash social and quiz. Quiz will start at 8pm sharp and there will be light bites available at the bar. There will be prizes so you have a few weeks to swot up. 

 

 

Spring Squash News

It's a busy week of squash next week. Monday is our free coaching; first session starts at 6pm and is for ladies only, second session starts at 7pm and is for ladies and gents. Let me know if you would like to attend.  

Tuesday the courts are booked from 6:30pm-9pm for the monthly social so whether you are new to the club or just fancy meeting other players head on down for some free squash.

Wednesday is the final league match for the first team and unless they get an extreme case of the yips should be crowned division 4 champions. The match kicks off at 7:30pm, the bar will be open to grab a beer and watch Brondesbury's finest in action.  No pressure boys. A huge thanks to all who have turned out for both teams, travelling the length and breadth of London in the process and being great host to visiting teams. 

It is a bit overdue but the Squash AGM will take place Thursday 5th May 7:30pm in the clubhouse. I will send out an agenda nearer the time. 

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