November Newsletter

Hello Everyone

You will have received an email today from the sports facility team that outlines how we will return to playing Squash as we come out of the national lockdown and go into regional tiers.

To remind everyone, Squash play will be limited to solo practice or play against members of your own household or support bubble. Members may also play the modified "Sides" version of squash against members of their Squash Bubble. These groups were set up with the help of the committee prior to the lockdown. Please note tier 2 restrictions do not allow for members to play full squash games against other members of their Squash Bubble.

Additionally to this 1:1 Squash Coaching with our Pro Coach Miles can continue as normal.

As a reminder, guests or non-members are not currently allowed to use the squash or tennis courts. The changing rooms remain out of bounds, except for access to the toilets. Members should arrive ready to play, sign in on the paper register and go straight to their booked court. There is no need to use the electronic terminal. Unfortunately the upstairs area will remain out of bounds until further notice.

It's important to note that we are guided and led by England Squash on this if and when our region changes tiers, we have to adapt and change our approaches.

On this note please see the opening times planned for the xmas period this year:

New Access Code:

Please can all members note that the new door code is 1910E. Car park code remains the same as before which is 1258E.

Jules Clock Walk 24

Hi.

This is Jules, and i hope some of you still remember me from my playing days. More latterly, you may recall some bizarre themed competitions that Shirl and I invented with the last being the Christmas 2019 Mistletoe Mish Mash. I joined what was the Schools Squash Club in 1981 and completed my playing career around 2009. With no comps/events at present i have turned my creative skills elsewhere. I am currently doing some fundraising for 2 local based charities.

The Shrewsbury Food Hub and Build it International

In brief I am doing 24 walks over 24 consecutive days starting at each hour of the Clock. If this sparks your interest, finds you with some time on your hands or cash in your pocket then read on. I have a virgin money giving page which explains it all. It is quite a “long read.” so feet up and a beer before clicking the link. I have never done any fundraising before I think because I don’t like being “front of house” and you have to do that “look at me” thing. That may surprise you! Anyway, I hope I can tempt you to part with some cash for the greater good.

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JulesONeill

Walk 1, Fri 6th Nov 4am; Walk 24, Sun 29th 3am. The fundraising page will be open until January.

I hope a few of you may support the causes. Thank you and let’s hope some form of Squash returns again soon. Our Sport has been particularly badly hit by all this and I cannot imagine what it would have felt like if i had been in the middle of my playing career.

Congratualtions Ashley and Helen!

On Monday 23rd November, Ashley Peile and his partner Helen welcomed their new son Sebastian Alexander Peile into the world.

Sebastien was originally due to be born on December 24th, but surprised everyone by arriving 4 and a half weeks early. He obviously wanted to get into this month's newsletter rather than wait for the December issue.

The committee wish Ashley and his family well and we look forward to inviting Sebastien onto the squash court in a few years time.

Severn Hospice Fundraiser Update

To update you all on the fundraiser that Charlie Hart organised for Severn Hospice, the total money collected on behalf of squash players in Shrewsbury for Severn Hospice was £425.

Charlie Hart started organising the annual charity event in Christmas many years ago when there was a squash club at Radbrook Hall Hotel. A member there had passed away. When Radbrook closed he was able to move the event to the School and it has been held on our courts since. Sadly other people have passed away over the years so it is a nice way to remember them. Apart from the remembrance element it's also good to catch up with people and several former player's often turn up to say hello and make a donation.

Most of the players are from Shropshire and Shrewsbury squash clubs. In the absence of a charity event this year Paul Dixon approached both clubs who happily contributed £150 each to make up the shortfall. A couple of other donations took the total to the above amount. Paul delivered the money to Charlie and he is going to pass it on to Severn Hospice as usual.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed and to Paul Dixon for assisting with this.

AGM

Thanks for those of you who attended our Zoom AGM this year. It was great to see your faces again after what has been a crazy year. Special thanks to Max Ball and Dan Aimer for putting together a great video of the club captains report which took a lot of time and effort but was a great addition to the meeting.

That about sums up our Newsletter for November. Usually we are planning all sorts of Christmas events and competitions but this year we are just looking forward to getting back on court.

Without getting too deep and philosophical, one thing 2020 has done for me is make me appreciate what I have. It's sad that we often don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. We take too much for granted and then when we're in the position we are in now, we realise how good we had it before.

It's been a tough year for a lot of people but I'm going to try and put a positive spin on it and remember that next time things are bad, that they could be worse and things aren't as bad as they seem. Unless I lose 3-0 and can't sort my backhand out. Seriously it needs work.

Have a great Christmas everyone and hope to see you down the club soon.

Scott

30/11/2020