Thank you for your support during the Euros!  With England going beyond initial expectations, we had 6 hugely enjoyable evenings, with everyone doing their best for the bar takings, and the sight of Bobby in his toga for the final will live long in the memory!

Step 4 easing of restrictions

From next week, we will progress to Step 4.

As we unwind some of the indoor court booking protocols that had to be implemented this time 12 months ago, there are a number of points of detail for our Squash and Squash57 members, so we wrote separately to them last week.

The Step 4 easing will give more freedom to the playing arrangements for Squash and Squash57 and will help us to build back the court utilisation and re-introduce inter-club team matches and friendlies.

The changes will also allow members to once again use the Fitness Suite (if they are FS members) and the sauna.  A timetable of access to the Fitness Suite will be published in the next few days.  We expect to open the sauna on Wednesday next week, after having it serviced and re-commissioned at the start of the week.

Caution remains paramount

Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to follow the Government policy.  Please rest assured that, although Step 4 lifts a number of the remaining restrictions for sport and indoor hospitality, we will continue to do our utmost to provide a Covid-secure environment that meets all the prevailing protocols and guidance.

None of our current hygiene, cleaning and ventilation measures will be compromised.  For example, hand sanitisers and wipes will continue to be provided at all the current dispensing points and should continue to be used as at present.

Face masks will no longer be mandatory when not seated inside the clubhouse, but we must all recognise and respect the wishes of members who want to remain a bit more risk averse for the time being, in respect of masks and physical proximity/contact.

Step 4 is a significant progression but, as we all recognise, caution remains paramount, so let’s all continue to remain sensible and responsible for ourselves and each other.

Thank you for the response to our volunteering request

A massive thanks to those who responded to our request for support.

We have linked up directly with them and we will be moving forward with a couple of initiatives.  More news soon.

One change which our Squash57 (racketball) members will notice when the next round of box leagues is announced, is a change to League Secretary.

Mark Tanzer has done a fantastic job in revitalising and growing the Squash57 box leagues and passes on the baton having run an outstanding leg while it was in his stewardship.

Andrew Bryson is taking over - thanks Andrew! - and we know he will have your full support.

Tennis Club Champs

The draws have been issued!  Get playing your matches and make sure you have 11th September in your diaries and calendars to be at the club for Finals Day.

Berkhamsted LinkSAP Squash Open 29th July - 1st August

Before we get to Tennis Finals Day, we have an amazing squash event rapidly approaching.

With Wimbledon and the Euros now behind us, we’re going to be promoting it widely - please support us by buying a ticket or 2 and help make it a great success.

We are running men’s and women’s events, and we have 11 World Top 100 players among the 32 entrants.

There is also a big home contingent, with 8 of the players in the BEST Academy pro squad that train at our club every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, unless they’re away competing, including one of our club coaches, Grace Gear!

Come along and support Grace and the others!

Ticket enquiries to John Shaw:  john.gs@btinternet.com 

Matches will be on courts 1 and 2 and the match schedule is:

The tickets will be ‘roaming’, allowing you to watch whichever match/court takes your fancy.

Prices are £15 per ticket per day for adults, £5 for juniors.  Buy 2 get 1 free!  Payments will be taken by Susannah and Vicky in the Club Office.

The bar will be open and food will be available - we’ll have your evening meal covered for you!

On Saturday 31st we’ll have the British Lions 2nd test match on the big screen (kick-off 5pm) before the SFs. Come down and watch both for a great Super Saturday!

We will be holding a raffle during the event.  We already have some great prizes but we could always do with some more!  If you are able to help, it would be much appreciated.

During the 4 days of the tournament, the clubhouse and the club car park will be busy - Canal Fields too, in all likelihood.  Fortunately, the Football Club aren’t playing at home on those days.  Please bear with us!

That’s all for now.  Hopefully we’ll see lots of you watching the squash!

Club Council

(John Shaw, Matt Markwort, Phil Trimmer, Tracey Mackey, Mark Shattock, Bobby Mercandino)