1. Attendance
Marc Shipley, Mandy Forster, Kevin Forster, Tracey Coats, Mick Barnes, Ian Davies, Connor Snaith, Mark Flynn. Marc welcomed two new Committee members - Russell Hughes and Anita Hammond
2. Apologies
None
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Para 4.6 Function Room booking by florist - Concern raised by Neil about potential detrimental impact on car parking. Marc responded that once again the car parking problems had been raised with the Executive Committee and room hirers are to be reminded that visitors should park at the top. Minutes of the Meeting 11th October 2021 agreed.
4. Matters Arising
4.1 Northumbria Squash Winter Leagues - 1st Team impacted by long term injury problems. Marc has contacted the League Secretary to inform him that 2nd Team players are being drafted in but this may result in players being tied to the 1st Team. Connor had been asked by Marc to re-arrange the team to avoid tie-in but this may be difficult. The Committee then had a lengthy discussion on how best to strengthen the 1st Team until the end of the first half and agreement was reached to tie in Dan Douthwaite to the 1st Team.
4.2 Dashboard - Walkthrough by Marc who explained that he has requested £500 from the Club Treasurer to boost squash funds as per the terms of the Marston grant.
4.3 Enhancement of Wazygoose Boldon Squash Website - Marc confirmed the pen pictures and photos of most of the Committee are now uploaded on our website. New Committee members were asked to provide details as quickly as possible. ACTION Russell and Anita
4.4 Update on Squash court lights - Kevin reported that courts 3 and 4 lights have now been replaced. Feedback from visiting teams has been very complimentary. The Committee expressed their gratitude to Kevin and Tracey for all their hard work in maintaining our courts to the highest standards.
4.5 Water Fountain - Marc reported that the water fountain installation is progressing and it will be situated behind Courts 1 and 2 because of the water supply. ACTION Marc and Kevin
4.6 Advertising Boards - Mark reported that it is likely the Squash section will receive approx. £2k in January 2022. He explained that Mediacom will put up the boards but he is awaiting finalisation before arranging trimming of the trees. Mark also reported that there could be further sponsorship next summer that may allow us to buy new team strips. ACTION Mark
4.7 Membership feedback - Mandy reported that there had only been two written responses from members following the email requesting feedback on improvements/enhancements, one of which was a lament on the lack of car park spaces. Neil requested that the matter of the caravan parked in the Club car park be raised at the Executive meeting again. Ian suggested looking into whether land at the back of the Club could be used for more parking. Russell reported that the Interactive Squash Wall - although a good idea - was extremely expensive and unlikely that we could recoup costs. The Committee agreed not to take this forward. Marc asked Mick if it was possible to get a quote for cameras from Dean for discussion at the next Committee meeting. ACTION Mick
4.8 Club Handicap Competition - Kevin explained that the Preliminary round would be held on 22 November and working around team games wherever possible the Handicap games would take place on 24 / 26 / 30 November, semi-final 6 December, finals 11 December. Handicap Auction Sunday 21 November 11am – Ian explained that he could no longer assist with the Auction as he will be away. ACTION Mick to progress event ACTION Mandy to issue information about the Auction to all the members ACTION Kevin to supply mic and speakers for Joe Priestley who has volunteered to act as the Auctioneer
4.9 Club Executive Committee Feedback - Marc explained there was very little to report back from the Club Executive Meeting. Takings are still down and costs are rising and the Accountant has warned there will be little year-end profit. The Club requires Electrical Certification and Kevin is progressing this with a qualified electrician. Next Executive Meeting will be held on 6 December.
5 AOB
Cleaning – Kevin raised issues around the lack of cleaning thereby contravening our cleaning contract. ACTION Kevin and Tracey to provide Marc with evidence. ACTION Marc to contact ST Council Cleaning Supervisor to progress this issue.
Honours Boards – Kevin reported that the boards had been placed on the wall behind Court 1 but some new ones are required. ACTION Kevin
Mandy reminded the Committee of the music night taking place on Sunday 14 November to raise funds for the Club that has been advertised within the Club and on local social media.
Russell advised the Committee that his wife writes press releases and he would ask her about contacting the local press to advertise/promote the Club. ACTION Russell
Further to the matter raised at the last meeting about under usage of the courts at the weekend Russell reported that he is hoping to organise some Team Training on Sunday nights. Marc to contact Wayne (Wazygoose administrator) regarding the possibility of 1 hour courts each Saturday and Sunday at a price of £4. ACTION Marc
Russell asked about bringing guests at weekends as some other clubs do at a cost of £6. ACTION Marc
Date of Next Meeting – Monday 13th December at 8pm.
