Archive for the ‘Club Dinner’ Category

Finals Day 2010 took place on Saturday 20th March at Stamford Squash Club.

Players turning up early (11.30) for the COPPERSTORE open handicap included Peter Hand, Martin Page, Leo Guilliano, Leigh Johnson, Dave Batterbee, Eamonn Treanor and Martin Shippey.

Bez Beresford, Asia Rdzawska, Tony Shilling

Carole & Leo Guilliano

There were some surprising scores – Peter Hand failing to break into positive numbers against Leo Guilliano being a prime example, but rumours (vigorously and repeatedly asserted by Leigh Johnson) that money had changed hands in the handicap setting carried out by Maurice Mosdell were strenuously denied by Martin Shippey (although he did go on to win, so he would wouldn’t he?).

Martin remained unbeaten throughout the competition, and Maurice still maintains that the large number of banknotes that he was later seen handing over the counter at Barclays was nothing to do with the competition and would only be ‘resting’ in his account.

Emma Bayman, Martin Shippey, Simon Barker

Sarah Kirby, Leigh Johnson

The remaining Finals (winners can be found here) were efficiently organised and overseen by Maurice Mosdell, with hardly any controversy whatsoever, apart from when, in the Joseph Cup Final being played by Simon Barker and Mark Davies, a ball which was clearly seen by several onlookers to hit the wall a good foot outside the out of court line, bounce off a light fitting and land back in the court after hitting a spectator on the balcony was confidently ruled ‘in’ by Maurice, who later at the squash Club Dinner, after taking some refreshment, admitted he might possibly have been distracted at the time.

Judy & Francis Williams, Andrea & Mark Davies

On a more serious note, I’d like to thank all those who took part in the competition for their time and enthusiasm, all those who organised the competitions and especially Maurice Mosdell for organising the whole of Finals Day, including the refreshments.

Photos taken by Mr Phil Bayman.

Dr. John Mitchell (previous Chairman), Mrs Anne Hale, Mr John Hale (previous Chairman), Mrs John Mitchell.

Carole & Leo Guilliano, Julie & Neil Pickwell

Guest of Mark Lavers, Mark Lavers, Sarah Kirby, Leigh Johnson

Karen & Kim Cozens, Maurice Mosdell, Iain McEwen

Mr Maurice Mosdell, Mr Iain McEwen, Mr Peter Hand, Mrs Joy McEwen, Mrs Lesley Hand

The papparazzi invaded the Club Dinner…. …were you caught!

The photographer may have stayed away this year but there were plenty of people at the Club Dinner.

The fun all started before the meal whilst at the bar – somebody had informed Lawrence Ball that it was a Black Tie affair and he arrived in style – but no sooner had he appeared he had gone – a truly quick turn around arriving minutes later in a more casual style! Did you spot him before he changed?!

The meal was very good and there were talk of conservatory openings, people reaching 40th milestones all of who shall remain nameless.

The Chariman, Ferlin Barnard, made a fine speech commenting on:
- the increased membership and good health of the club.
- the success of the Open Day earlier in the year.
- the exciting new junior team run by Bernard Miles.

Unfortunately Bernard could not be there as he is recovering from a heart attack. But he sent his good wishes to everybody and the club wishes him a speeedy recovery.

Presentations were made to the team Captains and to the victorious team run by Paul McCormick who won PDL Div 3 by a mile and is looking forward to the local derby with the Daniel Lambert team.

Ferlin then introduced the Team Captains to make a speech about there performance over the past season.

Simon Barker started though his age must be getting to him – poor chap, comes to us all, yes he’s nearly 40! – as he struggled to give us any statistics apart from the fact that they won the league!

Then Kim Cozens baffled us with statistics as did Paul McCormick. The up and coming rivalry between the 2nd and 3rd team in the new season could be sensed.

We went on to play “heads and tails” for a new Racket and bottle of wine – this was won by Mary McCormick, lucky Paul!!!

The evening carried on in fine form and fun was had all round.

As the people arrived at The Crown Hotel it was clear that the evening would be an enjoyable affair. Friendly banter was going on between the players and there partners. Occasionally, the partners had to endure talk about squash – but most were entertained by the latest gossip in the squash club that Richard Barker failed to get a point from Michael Ferreira Jnr a couple of days before, yes 27-0.
Not only that but brother Simon Barker had his first ever defeat by Simon Richardson 3-2!

From the bar we moved to our seats at the table and the ladies received there chocs and the gents received squash balls.

After the fine meal, the Chairman, Ferlin Barnard gave a speech commenting on the success of the club over the past year which included the great achievements of the two young stars at the club Tania Bailey – back playing well after her injury and Michael Ferreira in America.

Ferlin thanked his fellow committee members for their hard work in ensuring the continued success of the club these are Viv Orr, John Mitchell, Kim Cozens, Paul York and particular mention to Martin Brewin for creating the magnificent web site.

Having noted the worthy achievements of both teams particularly the Green Man for their cup and league double, Ferlin then handed over to the Team captains, Simon Barker and Kim Cozens, to talk about their respective seasons both of which were successful.

Simon opened, with stories of his teams excellent season winning the Peterborough leagues 1st division by a handsome margin and their success in the Cup.

Kim not to be out done told of the Daniel Lambert gaining 3rd spot in division 2 securing the eventual winners (Town II) only defeat along the way. They reached the final of the plate competition losing narrowly to yes you guessed it – Town II.

The 1st team were then presented with their shields for winning the 1st Division in the Peterborough League and they now hope to go up into the Cambridge league to further there lofty ambitions!

Ferlin and Kim, as is now traditional, nominated an individual who had performed remakably well for the 2nd team throughout the season. John Fields was the man. He took his award with much pride and said what could arguably be one the greatest speeches of the evening:

“I won’t let it change my life!”

Ferlin then shared his thoughts on why we all came along to the courts. Some people come along to just get a good sweat on but he felt it was more than that after meeting John Mitchell (that pillar of the community, fine player and gentleman on and off court) at the courts one night, when asked who he was playing he said:
“Malcolm Kearwell I want my revenge”
“Why is it a league match or Cup tie?”
“No”, he said, “a friendly!”

So there has to be more than just sweat involved.

It was that great phillosopher Tim Prior who said it was about passion as his drop shot smashed against the back wall!
But Tim has a point, where else for 2 x 50 pence pieces could you get 40 minutes of SWEAT AND PASSION!!!

After the speeches, it was back to the wine, beer and song….or should that be banter!