Cumbria Squash and Racketball
Chairman’s Report 2024/2025 AGM Tom Armstrong
1. Current Situation
The restructuring of Executive Committee roles and external support introduced last year continues to work very effectively. This has allowed us to remain a strong and well-run member of the England Squash county network. My thanks go to all who have contributed.
We successfully reintroduced the Marker Awareness Workshop and Masters County Closed Championships, but still lack full management of our county Masters teams for the England Squash Inter County Championships.
Masters Events – Thanks to Victoria Kemp , we reinstated Men’s Masters County Closed events (Over 35 and 45) and a Women’s Over 35 event, with plans to expand to more age groups next season. However, we still need a volunteer to manage the full Masters Inter County programme. Wayne Kingston will continue leading the Men’s Over 35 team but cannot take on wider coordination due to new committee duties.
Marker Awareness Workshop – Despite two attempts to run this important referee training with England Squash referee Steve Eccles, both sessions had to be cancelled due to no applications, which is disappointing given its role in junior development.
2. Volunteer Changes
There were several personnel changes this season:
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Senior County Team: James Cape replaced Damian Whelan – thanks to Damian for his service.
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Junior Organiser: Daymon Johnstone took over from Sarah Connell , supported by Gavin and Victoria. They’ve revitalised junior coaching and competitions.
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Website & Communications: Jonny Irving stepped down after many years of service; Wayne Kingston will replace him and also support junior work and coach at Carlisle during Victoria’s maternity leave.
We now have all key roles filled – the best coverage for many years – allowing us to operate all standard activities effectively.
3. Season Activity Report
Juniors: County Closed events, Inter County teams, county coaching, and the Northern Cup all ran successfully under Daymon and Gavin.
Seniors:
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Men’s and Women’s County Closed Championships held.
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Men’s County Team competed in the Inter County Championships; no women’s team fielded.
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Racketball events ran well.
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The County League, led by Martin Cockroft , introduced innovative changes, including Racketball finals and regular team-leader meetings.
Masters: Only a Men’s Over 35 Inter County team entered; other age groups await an organiser.
Marker Workshops: Both cancelled for lack of attendance.
4. Development
Junior coaching continues well, but wider development is limited by lack of volunteers. We urgently need to revive:
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A women’s county league and team
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Full Masters Inter County management
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Greater promotion of women’s squash
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Engagement with England Squash development initiatives
5. The Hazel Award
Now in its 20th year, the Hazel Award – honouring exceptional service to club or county – will conclude this year, having achieved its purpose. My thanks go to Ray Tait , Hazel’s husband, for his unwavering support.
To my great surprise, I was honoured as the final recipient of the Hazel Award, joining the first winner, Ronnie Bell . I am deeply moved and grateful to my colleagues for this recognition.
6. England Squash
The Northwest Region Forum appears to have ended despite previous hopes to continue informally. However, the Junior Northern Cup remains strong.
England Squash has launched two new initiatives:
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Junior Girls Squash Survey – exploring a new girls’ participation programme.
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New Coach Development Framework – a more flexible training system. Both will be followed up by Daymon and the team.
7. Finance
Our financial position remains strong under Treasurer Guy , whose management is excellent.
8. Happy 90th Birthday – “Gadge”
Congratulations to Willy “Gadge” Studholme (Wigton SC) on his 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter, past Hazel Award winner (2015) and true ambassador for our sport, Gadge continues to play, watch, and champion squash with unmatched enthusiasm. His dedication inspires us all. Vince Todhunter and I presented him with a commemorative silver tray and wine on behalf of the organisation.
9. Congratulations
Recognition to:
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All event and league winners.
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Flynn Sweeney – winner of the Matthew Allison Award.
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Joseph Broadly (Carlisle) and Andrew Thwaite (Wigton) – County League Players of the Year.
10. Thanks
Heartfelt thanks to:
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Roger Smith and Thomas Graham & Sons for ongoing sponsorship.
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Carlisle SC and all host clubs.
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Victoria Kemp , Wayne Kingston , Jonny Irving , Sarah Connell , Daymon Johnstone , Ben Hoyle , and all Executive members and helpers for their outstanding commitment.
Closing Remarks
Our volunteer base and activities are stronger than they’ve been in years, with only a few remaining gaps in Masters coordination and referee training. Continuing to rebuild dropped activities and expand development will help us achieve a fully comprehensive, inclusive organisation for all members.
Thank you all for your dedication and support. Tom Armstrong – Chairman, 30 September 2025
Treasurer’s report – Cumbria Squash and Racketball year ending 30[th] June 2025
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We have Virgin Money current and deposit accounts
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We are still holding cash in excess of our reserves policy, but have dropped the reserves slightly this year as we ran a deficit
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As we have reserves in excess of our reserves policy, we did not seek sponsorship this year
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We look to hold £5,000 of reserves
| Financialyear 24/25 | ||
| Expenditure | ||
| Junior | ||
| Coaching | £ 1,816.48 | |
| Inter-counties | £ 534.80 | |
| Tournaments | £ 2,206.44 | |
| Senior | ||
| Administration | £ 167.39 | |
| Coaching | £ 35.00 | |
| Inter-counties | £ 78.40 | |
| Other | £ 200.00 | |
| Tournaments | £ 1,859.54 | |
| Total Expenditure | £ 6,898.05 | |
| Income | ||
| Junior | ||
| Coaching | £ 86.85 | |
| Other | £ 0.88 | |
| Tournaments | £ 261.00 | |
| Senior | ||
| Interest | £ 403.38 | |
| Subscriptions from clubs | £ 1,751.00 | |
| Tournaments | £ 1,664.10 | |
| Total Income | £ 4,167.21 | |
| Profit/loss | -£ 2,730.84 | |
| 30th June 2024 | 30thJune 2025 | |
| Current account balance | 2,551 | 512.61 |
| Deposit account balance | 9,081 | 9,484.62 |
| Total cash available | 11,633 | 9,997.23 |
Guy Huxtable – 19[th] September 2025