HertsSQUASH
County Committee Meetings
COMMITTEE MEETING
at Cannons St Albans 8.00 p.m.
on Monday 5th April 2004
Present:
Sally Ann Webster Derek Thorpe
Isobel Smith Jason Foster
Dominic Webster Lesley Garner
Betty Longhurst Dean Clayton
Richard Coleman Regional Development Officer
1) Apologies: None
2) Chairman
Jason introduced Richard Coleman to the committee for those of them who had not met him before. The committee asked him about the remaining awards for all money and he said that unfortunately we would not be able to fund the graded tournament nor buy shirts for the county teams. At a stretch the running costs of the graded tournament would be covered. He said that although they have not chased the money up to now, they may still contact us and ask us to account for the money. He suggested that we might try using the inflatable squash court and target a few venues around Hertfordshire, promoting surrounding clubs. The inflatable court costs £150, which is basically the transportation cost. We would have to contact venues, talk to nearby clubs and ask if they would promote their club i.e. leaflets, talking to people, have a couple of coaches for the day, produce leaflets. Everyone thought this a good idea and would discuss more at the end of the meeting. Action: JASON
He also mentioned the lack of communication between the junior committee and the senior committee. Jason will speak to a representative of the junior committee and suggest that one of them come to our meetings. It does make sense to pool our resources and ideas and least have a line of communication.
Thanks to Richard for his input. His contact numbers are 02380 319125 and Mobile 07989 743054.
3) Secretary
No report as yet. Isobel to e-mail Alison Henley informing her of the changes in the committee. Dominic to prepare an Agenda for next meeting.
3) 4) Leagues
Ladies
Cannons won the winter league. Betty still very concerned about the dwindling number of women playing squash. There were a few suggestions, e.g. all matches being played at the same venue once a month, holding a ladies night, like a club night, maybe a knockout tournament. Betty will look into these. Betty to let Sally Ann know how many trophies she needs in time for AGM.
AGM will be held at Cannons, St Albans. Instead of rows of chairs have tables with chairs around them to hopefully get people talking to eachother. Maybe have a short quiz on tables and perhaps a bottle of wine and glasses. Lesley very kindly offered that people attending the AGM could use the facilities of the club from 9.00 p.m. onwards, club shuts at 10.30 p.m. AGM to start earlier, at 7.30 p.m.
Mens
Sally Ann had received a written complaint regarding Haileybury. Briefly matches have to finish by 9.30 because the management shuts the centre at 10.00 p.m. The showers were cold, most of the home team went home and the food was dry sandwiches in pub. Lesley agreed that her team had also experienced this at Haileybury and although it wasn’t the team’s fault, they should be asked to try and sort out the problem with the centre. Sally Ann to write to the team captain stating that this has been brought to our attention and reminding them of their obligation to provide hot food, entertain their guests and to ask them to approach the management of the centre to possibly extend the time before the centre has to be closed, otherwise they risk the possibility of being excluded from the leagues.
Another incident involving Cannons and HCC in 2nd Division. This resulted in a rearranged match not being played. After some discussion it was decided that Cannons should have played the match and therefore will not be awarded any points, neither will HCC. This does not affect the results of the Division. Jason will write to HCC and ask for their version of events and will then report back to committee.
Sally Ann asked Derek if had spoken to Dave Gibson to ask whether he can change the software to run for a 3-man team for the summer. Derek to report back to Sally Ann.
Summer Leagues
45 teams have
entered. After some discussion it was decided to keep the 1st
division with 10 teams, then 9, 9, 9 and 8 respectively. Sally Ann handed
Dean £960 for winter leagues with £390 still outstanding.
Thanks to Sally and Dominic and Betty for running the leagues.
4) Treasurer
Dean asked whether we still wished to provide shirts for the county teams. The committee agreed that yes we do. Jason had brought along some sample shirts and prices for printing or stitching. Committee agreed that the prices seemed reasonable. Jason to get some costings together, two shirts per team member based on two ladies teams and four mens teams. Pink sleeveless polo shirts for women and navy polo shirts for the men. Squash ball logo on front, Herts Squash County Squad on back. HSRA will also pay for the special T-shirts printed for mens O’45 team to celebrate them winning the national playoffs.
Dean asked whether we should change the guidelines for overnight stays on county weekends. The committee agreed that it should change from £25 to £30 per night allowance per person. Mileage to remain the same.
Dean asked if we are still happy to pay the juniors £1250. The committee agreed they were happy to do so but it would be beneficial to know what the money is being spent on. When Jason speaks to the junior committee he will ask if they can let us have a breakdown.
5) 5) County Matches
Ladies played at Cambridge and came second in the relegation weekend and remain in Division 1. Senior Men won their relegation weekend and remain in Division 2. The o’45 won the National playoffs and are National Champions. Well done to them.
Dean highlighted a problem that had occurred in the first weekend of O’45 county matches. There had been four teams in the division but Devon pulled out eight days before the weekend. Dave Cooper had contacted England Squash about changing days and times and was advised to do what he thought best. Dave was too busy to rearrange hotel etc. and so left schedule of matches as it was. This resulted in Middlesex playing both their matches on Saturday with the other two teams playing once on Saturday and once on Sunday. Middlesex felt this unfair as Herts went on to win. After some discussion it was felt that nothing could be done except to apologise to Gordon Ross of Middlesex. Jason will write a letter to Gordon.
6) Any Other Business
Herts Closed 2004
Lesley said that Cannons would be happy to host the tournament again this year. Week commencing 27th September was pencilled in. Derek to check when the juniors are holding their closed tournament. We need to find sponsors, possible targets
Faber Maunsell (DW)
T Mobile (IS)
Ocado (IS)
Gift Decorations (IS)
Mark Chaloner (LS)
Sapienza (IS)
Bishops Stortford
Jason highlighted a few events happening at Bishops Stortford. Graded doubles tournament at the end of May. 24th April World Squash Day and on 5th May Jonah Barrington will be at the club taking a squash clinic. £10 per ticket.
Web Site
Going well, Derek asked for any comments or ideas to add to the web site.
Inflatable squash court.
The committee thought of possible venues to have the inflatable squash court and came up with the following, each committee member having to find out relevant information ie. When we could set up there, if there would be a cost, electricity supply etc.
Galleria (IS) Harlequin Centre (DT) Herts Show (IS) Knebworth Park (IS) Letchworth Leisure Centre (SAW) Stevenage Leisure (SAW), Dacorum (SAW).
Dominic to draft out a flyer to hand out on the day.
Lesley will speak to Paul Carter regarding coaching and whether Potters Bar want to be involved.
Meeting finished at 10.50 pm.
Next Meeting
Monday 24th May 2004 at HCC at 7.30 p.m.