1 - ATTENDANCE
Marc Shipley, Mandy Forster, Kevin Forster, Mark Flynn, Mick Barnes, Ian Davies, Connor Snaith
2 - APOLOGIES
Tracey Coats, Anita Hammond, Russell Hughes
3 - MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
- Minutes of the Meeting 7th October 2024 agreed.
4 - MATTERS ARISING/ACTION POINTS
4.1 - Action Point Update
4.1 (5/8/24) Marc – work by JC Bathrooms completed.
4.3 (7/10/24) Kevin – Neil Woodward approached but asked the Committee to take over buying the wine for the Auction. Undertaken by Kevin and Tracey.
4.3 (7/10/24) Marc – Advertisements for Handicap Auction and Competition done.
4.3 (7/10/24) Kevin – Christmas party posters/ TV advertising completed.
4.3 (7/10/24) Mandy – AGM report completed.
4.3 (7/10/24) Marc – Members informed of Squash AGM date and report.
4.3 (7/10/24) Marc – Installation of glass-back wall to commence 15/1/25, approximately 2 weeks to complete. NB. Will impact home team matches, to be moved into Feb/March.
4.3 (7/10/24) Marc/Kevin – Approach made to Sport England, unfortunately not eligible for funding. Crowd Funding to be pursued to assist with costs.
4.2 - Dashboard
Marc reported that £1,612.50 has been transferred to the Treasurer for court bookings.
£285 in membership money transferred.
Full dashboard information to be issued at a later date.
4.3 - Squash News
Boldon Open - Saturday 16th November. Marc asked for volunteers to come and help on the day to ensure the event goes smoothly. Cai Younger has requested access from 8am. Mark Flynn bringing advertising board. Bar sales open from 12pm, Paul Craigs catering open from 8.30am.
AGM – Monday 18th November at 7.15pm in the Function Room. Apologies received in advance from Ian Davies.
Handicap Auction - Sunday 24th November 12pm in the Bar Free wine and cheese. Joe Priestley once again acting as auctioneer. Handicap Competition – 36 entries. Meeting Thursday 21st November to discuss handicaps (Marc, Kevin, Connor and Tracey). Preliminary round to be drawn.
Christmas Party – Saturday 14th December. Party will follow after the Handicap Finals. Mandy asked for raffle donations to be passed to her.
4.4 - Squash club maintenance/ improvement
Kevin reported that a new fan has been fitted on court 3 ceiling.
Mandy reported that no new member feedback has been received.
Cleaning - adequate. Vacuum now working.
4.5 - Club Executive Committee Feedback
Club Current Account £40k and Reserve Account £30k.
Bar takings £203k to date. Total income £250k, profit forecast £30k.
Discussion around investing surplus funds.
2 year contract with LWC ends January 2025, needs renegotiation.
Upgrade to Sky box will result in small increase per month.
Query with Club Accounts relating to a Directors Loan being investigated.
Cricket presentation night scheduled for Saturday 9th November.
45 social members.
Club AGM scheduled for Tuesday 3rd December.
5 - AOB
Mandy reported the deaths of two former members – Norman Freeman and Bill Kirtley and advised the Committee that sympathy cards had been sent to the families on behalf of the Committee and club. ACTION Mandy – to advise members accordingly.
Mark F asked whether it would be worth considering charity status. After a brief discussion it was agreed that this is not something we wish to pursue.
Ian suggested looking into external coaching for the team players as he believes there is a demand for it. Connor also expressed interest. ACTION Marc – to make inquiries about coaches, coaching levels, costs, and insurance.
Ian raised a query about the internal leagues where draws are being recorded as players run out of time. After a lengthy discussion about why and how to rectify this; including the possibility of dropping matches to 11 points (which most were against); the Committee agreed it should be the players themselves who decide how to end the game.
Connor raised a query about team players not wishing to play in the internal leagues (which is one of the rules of the club). Marc asked for this matter to be taken up at the next meeting.
Connor raised a second query relating to the bonus points in the internal leagues. It was agreed an offline discussion is necessary.
Connor asked whether it would be possible for isotonic drinks to be sold in the bar. This will be raised with the Executive at tonight’s meeting.
Connor reported a problem with the pressure in the Men’s changing room showers. This matter will also be raised at the Executive meeting tonight.
Mandy advised the Committee that one of the squash members - Gary Butler – has written an email for the attention of the Executive about the lack of progress relating to the lights installation along the Club driveway. This will be read to the Executive Committee at tonight’s meeting.
Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 3rd December 2024 7.15pm
