The Handicap Competition is now well under way, with 49 entries, the highest number for many years, including players of all levels of skill and experience. There is also a Plate competition for 1st round losers. The finals of both events will be held on Sunday, 24 November, followed by the traditional nibbles in the bar. Once again the tournament is organised by Paul Heneghan, our indefatigable Squash Secretary, and we are most grateful to him for his efforts, which include keeping us up to date on the Website.

Club night continues to be popular with new members, beginners and improvers, including recently, some of our Junior players. We appreciate the continued support of several team players, who are able to offer advice and encouragement to the less experienced. Members of all sections are welcome to join us, and to ‘have a go’ at squash.

This Thursday (7 Nov) we are hosting a match with top players from the Leisure Centre, organised by our own flying Scotsman, Jimmy Harrison. We hope to demonstrate what we have to offer, in terms of both competitive skill, and value for money facilities, and regard this as an important opportunity to increase our playing membership. Errol will be taking part, and may not be able to attend the Executive meeting. A copy of our Welcome letter will be circulated at the Meeting for members’ information.

This weekend (9/10 November) we are hosting a Junior inter County friendly event. Junior squash is still in a formative stage in the County, and, under Errol’s leadership, Evesham Squash is taking a key part in its development. Congratulations to four of our juniors, David Sillence, Matt Powell, Matt Smith and Oliver Ecmanis, who have been selected for the Worcestershire squad.

We will be hosting an England Squash level one coaching course on 30 November/1 December. This coincides with the Head of the River, but, as it will take place almost entirely in the squash courts, should not conflict with the rowing activities.

England Squash Affiliation

As previously agreed by the Executive, England Squash affiliation fees are to change, with effect from 1 Jan 2003 from a court capitation charge to an individual membership basis. Thereafter, all Squash members and Squash playing Full members will become individual members of England Squash, based on Club membership renewals as at 31 Dec 2002. On present information it is likely that there will be about 90 adult and 20 junior members.

Social & Administrative

We are planning to hold our now traditional Christmas curry night on Thursday 19 December at Maheens, and afterwards at Marilyns. The Section AGM will be held at the Club beforehand.

Squash Courts

I have now had a meeting with Catherine Arkell, who has reviewed the papers, and will be advising the Club on possible action against the contractors who supplied the flooring. We have a further meeting arranged for Thursday (7 Nov), and I will report the latest position to the meeting.

Club Facilities

Members have expressed their appreciation of the increased water pressure in the showers, and the improved heating, following the installation of the new boiler. However, we were very concerned to learn of one member deciding not to renew her membership, and another lady contemplating leaving due to the state of the Ladies changing room and showers. From enquiries that I have made, I understand that many lady members (of all sections) no longer use the changing rooms because of the lack of privacy and the poor condition and hygiene of the shower area, particularly the ceiling, part of which now appears close to collapsing. Two years ago, a visiting ladies squash team understandably complained at the condition of the changing facilities, and, in spite of some remedial work, they are now no better. I believe that this matter requires our immediate attention if we are not to lose more lady members, and I suggest that the Executive Committee should see the ladies changing rooms for themselves, and decide on urgent action. It should also be noted that the Gents’ urinal has become rusty, discoloured and smelly, and may well have become a health hazard. Neither of these matters can wait till the Lottery comes through.

Members continue to complain at the condition of the car park. This appears to be deteriorating rapidly, with cars delivering and collecting young people to and from the Club, aggravating the already crumbling surface at the entrance to the main car park. Also, the large amount of undrained water whenever it rains causes a major reduction in the parking area, increasing the overall problem. This too needs our urgent attention.