September Newsletter

It's September!

Kids go back to school, roads become busier in the morning, shops are already displaying Christmas stuff and for some reason it's boiling hot!

Either way Squash is back and we're excited to be able to bring club nights back and plan in some social events for the future (Covid Depending)

Now the upstairs is open again the club feels more like a club again. It's amazing what a difference it makes to the social aspect of SSC. It's really nice to be able to go upstiars, have a drink and a catch up with everyone. It's like when you've been away on holiday for a couple of weeks and then come back to see everyone for the first time again. Everyone has a story, something that has happened to them, changes in life etc. It's great being able to catch up with you all.

This is the great thing about our club, it's not all about squash. It centres around that of course but it's great to bring the social side back and just chat and bring normality back. We share a common interest but I can honestly talk to anyone about anything in our club and that's what makes it special. There's no clicks or discrimination and you don't get treated differently depending on your ability on court. Everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to join in and have fun. I love it. With this in mind we have some new member targetted club nights coming (read below) please encourage new members to join in and have fun and socialise with them. It's not hard, we do it everyday and it's what makes our club awesome.

Enjoy your squash

Women’s Update:

Well hopefully you’re all aware of the fab 2 events we are hosting for International Women’s Squash Week. (See flyer below).

Both events are FREE and open to members and non-members. Hoping to see some new and old faces at these events!

This sees the return to our (mostly) monthly Women’s Pizza & Prosecco Squash events. Upcoming dates include: 15 October & 19 November. These will be free for members and £5 for non-members.
Any queries and/or bookings please do not hesitate to contact me.

Tracy Waldron-Pegge
07854 544732
tracywp@btinternet.com

Club Nights & New Members

Pre Covid older members will recall the regular Club Nights we used to run on Sunday evenings from 7pm till 10pm for any and all members to turn up and play whoever else is around. As is the way for these things, there could be anything from 10 to 30 members coming in at various times and playing whatever length games on a round robin basis, that were appropriate for the number of players attending at any particular time that night.

They proved to be successful as it was very much friendly/social squash and an opportunity for any members who come along to play other members they might not come across in the leagues; for new players to meet other more experienced players; for more experienced players to play/coach/coax less experienced players; committee members would be available for any queries or chats; and, as the bars would be open, for everyone to have a drink and a chat.
So we are going to reinstate Club Nights from 19th September, until Christmas, when we can review the attendance and see if the demand is still there for this type of event.
As we have had something like 35 new members since March 2020 and not been able to have any new member nights during that period, the first three Club Nights on Sunday 18th September, 26th September and 3rd October will be specifically geared towards new members with some food provided for all who attend (as well as the bar being open). All members are welcome and this will give the new members an opportunity to play a range of players - new and old - good and better! It will be a great opportunity for all to enjoy some social squash in a supportive atmosphere.
Everyone is welcome - but especially members who have joined since March 2019.

AGM

We will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 3rd October from 6pm till 7pm - just before Club Night (see above!).
We encourage members to attend as not only will we be doing the normal stuff like reviewing the accounts, electing the committee, we will also have the Sports Facilities Manager from the School there in attendance.

This is a good chance for members to listen to and take part in discussion about ideas to take the club forward over the next year and agree on planned improvements.
If there are any members who are not already on the committee and would like to take a more active part in the running of the Club, please speak to a committee member about how you may be able to help or what you could do - we are particularly keen to get some help with running the bar but would also like help with coaching juniors, running social events, etc
So if you have a few hours a month to spare - please speak to a committee member before the 3rd October.
BUT THERE IS MORE - we are also offering a free drink and food to all those who attend the AGM, as well as a prize draw for all attendees with squash prizes for the lucky winners.
A date not to be missed - 6pm on Sunday 3rd October.

Squash in Birmingham

Squash United by Birmingham 2022 at the 1YTG celebrations on 28th July at Centenary Square, Birmingham 10.00am - 6.00pm. (1YTG - 1 Year To Go).

Most of the 19 sports that make up the Commonwealth Games next year are taking part in these celebrations. For squash, Mellior Sports have developed and built a mini perspex squash court, which looks exactly like a a full size court, to help promote our wonderful sport. (The mini squash court is
a quarter of the size of a standard size court. (Standing 2metres high, 3.5metres wide and 4metres long).

What is Squash United by Birmingham 2022

Squash United by Birmingham is the project name for the Birmingham 2022 Legacy for Squash.

What will happen on the day?

When you arrive you'll find 2 mini squash courts, a batak wall and if there's enough space, a rebound wall.

Throughout the day we will be running lots of fun events including - (approximate times)
1. 10.30am - 11.45am - The longest rally challenge

2. 1.00pm - 1.30pm (Pro Demo)

3. 1.35pm - 2.00pm (Birmingham 2022 1 Rally Championships)

4. 2.00pm - 4.00pm - The Batak Wall Challenge

5. 4.30pm - 5.30pm - The longest rally Challenge

The event is free to attend so come along to Birmingham to join in the celebrations, show off your squash skills and see what the other sports have to offer.

That wraps up September's Newsletter.

Please remember the AGM is on the 3rd October, it's an important one as it affects decisions of your club for the following your and gives you the opportunity to pitch in and have your say on many different aspects of the club.

We hope to see you there.

Have a great September

Scott

08/09/2021