Those of you who attended the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the club will be acutely aware of the additional maintenance costs faced by the club recently, which included considerable spend on the court floor improvements and the LED lighting upgrades. This coming year looks to be just as challenging with the likelihood of us having to pull up and replace the flooring in both sets of showers to overcome the significant damp problem we are facing.

To this end, our finance committee has proposed a 20% increase to the cost of all annual memberships and a £1 increase in court costs both on and off-peak. Snooker table light costs will also rise to £4/hour off-peak and £5/hour at peak times. All price updates will take effect from 1st June 2025.

This is obviously not a decision made lightly, but does go a long way in stabilising the club's budget in challenging times.

Further to this, Members are reminded that some minor amendments to the Club Constitution were also approved at the AGM. A copy of the constitution is available for reading at the bar.

What is the Dinosaur League?
It's a fun, friendly competition open to club members of all levels, in both squash and racketball.

When is the Dinosaur League?
The Dinosaur Leagues runs for four consecutive Tuesdays, 29/4/25, 6/5/25, 13/5/25 and 20/5/25. Games will start at 7.00pm.

How does it work on the night?
On arrival on 29/4/25, you will be put into a team (of 4/5 players) of varying abilities. Throughout the four weeks you will compete as a member of your team against other teams, playing matches with opponents of a similar ability to yourself. The finals will take place on the last week, 20/5/25.

If you are unable to attend any of the matches, it is your responsibility to find an alternative replacement in advance.

Scoring

• ⁠Games should be played in order of “string”, from 5th/4th to 1st string.
• Each game is PAR scoring, best of 3 to 15 points. Sudden death at 14-14.
• A point will be awarded for each game won, with a bonus point for the winner.
• Score cards are to be returned to the organiser after each game.
• ⁠All players are encouraged to assist in marking, but the general rule is, Previous Winner Marks.

Handicapping
A player may be awarded a + or – handicap at the discretion of the organiser (Mr Tim Parratt, esq).

We've got a good number of you signed-up to play. Entries are now closed, but you can still put your name on the noticeboard sheet as a reserve, or by email to comps@hinckleysquash.com.

See you on the 29th April at 7.00pm!

Club member Eleanor Bowles is celebrating her 70th birthday this weekend!

Eleanor is a keen squash player, has represented England at Masters level, is a regular in box league 6 and our ladies team, and is an instrumental part of the successful development of the HSRC ladies sessions which grow from strength to strength in no small part thanks to her efforts and enthusiasm. 

Congratulations, Eleanor! Many happy returns.

At team season 2024/25 draws to a close, and after our Dinosaurs League roars back into action, our attention turns towards the club's "pot hunters". The chance to have you name added to the glass honours boards that adorn the atrium staircase is a lure that few can resist.

You can enter as many competition formats as you like. As per previous years those looking to enter the knockout squash main event will be guaranteed three games in a group format before the knockout matches take place. You'll get chance to play new people!

Don't delay, book today 😉

Juniors, no need to book up, you will be entered into your competition through the weekly coaching sessions.

🥇 Club Knockout: Test your mettle in a thrilling group stage and elimination format. Only the strongest will emerge victorious!

🏅 Handicap: A level playing field where strategy reigns supreme. Can you overcome the odds and claim victory?

🎾 Doubles: Team up with a partner and unleash your combined power on the court. It's all about coordination, synergy, and lets!

🌟 Ladies: Ladies, this is your chance to showcase your finesse and prowess. Let's see who reigns supreme on the squash court!

🚀 Racketball: Experience the medium-paced excitement of racketball, where agility and precision are the name of the game!

👴 Over 50s & 👵 Over 60s: Age ain't nothing but a number! Compete with your peers and demonstrate that skill only gets better with time.

🌟 Junior Tournament: Calling all young talents! Compete as part of Thursday and Saturday junior coaching sessions, with the final played alongside the other finals at the main event!

Finals Night & BBQ Extravaganza: Saturday, July 5th, 2024
Mark your calendars for the ultimate showdown! Join us for an evening of thrilling matches, delicious barbecue, and celebration as we crown our champions.

A few details:

• Sign up online, then write your name on the noticeboard sheets.
• Competitions take place from 15th May throughout June.
• Entry fee: £2.50 per event.
• Open to all club members.

We've got a lot going on this year as we celebrate our 10th year at Maple Drive and our 90th year as a club. More details will follow in due course, but for now just save the dates!

Dinosaurs Leagues
Tuesday evenings - 29th April, 6th May, 13th May, 20th May

Teams' End of Season Bash
Saturday 10th May

PSA Challenger Men's & Women's $3k Tournaments
Wednesday 21st May - Sunday 25th May

Hinckley Charity Open 2025 - One-Day Squash Tournament
Saturday 14th June

HSRC Club Competition Finals Night & Summer BBQ
Saturday 5th July

Hinckley Racketball Open 2025 - One-Day Tournament (TBC)
Saturday 13th September

90th Anniversary Exhibition Night - Famous Faces TBC!
Saturday 20th September

Annual Quiz Night
Saturday 18th October

Hinckley Squash Open 2025 - One-Day Tournament
Saturday 8th November

Christmas FREE Club Nights
Friday 19th December & Friday 26th December