Hi Folks,
As the Winter Squash season comes to fruition KSRC has experienced some terrific results both on and off-court. Off court as they say, “nothing constant but change”, and whilst some may say “change is good” we appreciate that change is the catalyst of “who moved my cheese” so to provide some context of what’s gone on behind the battlefield….
We would have loved to say that the new carpark was a well-executed strategic plan to remove the ever-depreciating front garden, creating additional car park space, allowing for 4-5 extra car parks, and free access for the removal of the Skip-Bin. If only that were true 😊.
What really happened was that once the building had been freshly painted, the garden, which has been continually breaking down, looked worse than ever (check out the “before” photos on our website). Given the weight of stone, rock, and concrete let alone the size of the (now vandalized) cabbage trees this was going to be a massive undertaking to manually remove/repair/replace.
However, the “universe” responded, when the car park replacement began, big diggers and trucks turned up to break up the existing car park. We asked the contractors how long it would take them to remove the gardens with the now on-site diggers. Given a response of 15 minutes, compared to the envisioned manual task, the decision to remove the garden at this time with the mechanical equipment was a “no brainer”.
That decision created additional space which “opened the garage door” (excuse the pun) for car park configuration change. The line markers surveying the site found that by parking horizontally rather than vertically we could obtain an additional four car park spaces, so again a “no brainer”.
We have had some feedback as to why we established a disabled car park for a squash club? Well, firstly it’s a local body by-law to establish at a minimum one disabled park when creating a carpark. Nevertheless, we do have disabled sponsors, supporters, and life members. It also creates a loading bay for dropping off supplies to the kitchen and bar which was often blocked with vertical parking.
The next notable change this season has been the complete transformation of the Lounge. A huge shout-out to Carl who literally made “stuff” fall “off the back of a lorry” First new chairs turned up with padded bottom and back 😊, then a set of matching couches 😊, and then just when we were wondering how we could replace the old tables a new set of matching tables arrived 😊. What a transformation, a complete set of matching lounge furniture, which we think smartens the place up no end. A big shout-out to those who responded to the “working bee” to help make this happen and to Toddies “holistic vision” for the configuration.😊
Another big win this season, thanks to Nathan, has been the free acquisition of a large supply of carpet tiles, LED lighting, shelving, and kitchen appliances. So, to plagiarize those immortal words of JFK, “Ask not what your Country Club can do for YOU, but what YOU can do for your Country Club” 😊 there are a few volunteer jobs listed below 😊.
You will see one of Pazza’s large Sharp TV’s now in the foyer. The vision here is to enable our ever-evolving web site (thanks Mike) onto this large screen. We can then update with welcome’s, sponsors board, latest news, information, communication etc. and promote the website. Please check out our website kapitisquash.co.nz, anything you think should be included please contact president@kapitisquash.co.nz.
What’s next? Well, we are aware of the “moisture” issue this season on the court walls, worse than normal due to the tropical wet spell. Unfortunately, this coincided with some important interclub events, and the Kapiti Masters/Wgtn Juniors tournament. We do have a funding request submitted for heat pumps, and we are preparing an additional funding request for commercial extractor fans for the Kitchen and Men’s showers. There is no guarantee that these applications will “travel the distance” but we will keep “plugging away”.
“Last but not Least” after having no improvement for 25 years excepting “Driller” putting down new carpet about 10 years ago 😊 the Men’s is having a freshen up 😊. Big shout out to Connor Freeman-Gray for his application and efforts, watch out for wet paint over the next week or so.
TTFN, KSRC Leadership Team
Gratitudes
A lot of work has taken place this year to improve the club's facilities. Thank you to all those mentioned, and those who slipped off the list below. We are all grateful for the contribution.
Euan for sorting out the new lighting in the Ladies.
Sleepy for donating Freezer and a "better than your average Bear” (you will all be too young to understand Yogi speak) TREADMILL for the Gym.
Carl for organising the “fall from the back of a Lorry” donation of matching couches and tables to transform the lounge.
The unknown soldiers members who carried all of the chairs upstairs from the foyer
Nathan for thinking of us when refitting out a commercial building, we scored carpet tiles, kitchen appliances, lighting, and perhaps (maybe just maybe..) heat pumps (a big shout out for old man Plumley and Connor Freeman for being the hard labour to secure these).
Those that attended the working bee to clean up the grounds, and perform lounge transformation prior to the latest tournament (you know who you are, and you know if you're not :-) The windows look spotless :-)))
Big shout out to Sleepy & Shell who (with the help of a few Smurfs) ran the 3 day Tournament event single handedly.
Toddy and Fred for continuing with Junior training (God’s work :-)
Jenny for stepping up to the Leadership Team as Club Captain - We are delighted :-))
Mike (for grabbing the catch’s I throw at him) for updating the website.
Upcoming Dates
Wellington Regional Squash Awards are Oct 14.
Doubles Tournament Sat Oct 22 (Labour Weekend). Contact James at 021 400 550 or email jamesandfiona@outlook.co.nz to enter.
Wrinkles, Friday Oct 28th (the Kitchen will be open with its incredible new menu)
KSRC Graded champ Finals, Club Prizegiving & Xmas Party Saturday Dec 3rd (Xmas Dinner & party)
AGM, date Monday 21st November
Club Night, every Friday night from 5:30pm.
For more Event info, please go to:
https://www.kapitisquash.co.nz/events
Recent Results
Congratulations to all who entered and put their best effort into the game. Let’s celebrate these individuals who did exceedingly well against their opponent. Better late than never we get these results out!
Kapiti Masters
Great effort by “Timmo” for playing in the final of the Kapiti Masters!
KSRC is proud to recognize the appointment of our own “Timmo” as Captain of the Wgtn Squash Men's Masters Team at the NZ Nationals …In Timmo’s own words ..
“The week of squash at the 2022 NZ Nationals Masters was never going to be a easy task either ON or OFF the court, with some of NZ’s best, and finest, participating …the training camps with Matt Green leading up to the event were well supported and hugely beneficial to all who attended."
Timmo cursed to draw an A1 in his first round match, bounced back by “killing” all in sundry to WIN the plate in the 45-49 category (we all enjoyed his 50th some days later).
Last Orders, although the Wgtn team beaten by the “Red & Blacks” early doors progressed to win 2 from 3 rubbers (smashing Otago & Southland), finishing above their seeding, and taking out the team plate award to end a successful weekend.
Timmo concludes, “Finally, a massive personal thanks to KSRC for the clubs support in travel assistance, it was an exceptional tournament and one I was proud to be a part of.”
Wgtn Juniors
Congratulations to Greer Gibbs for coming 3rd in this year's Under 9Hundy series! This was followed by some awesome we'll spirited junior matches at Club Champs - 2023 will be a great year for our Juniors!
Kapiti Club Champ Winners & Runner Ups
U13 Boys: Harri, runner up Ben Gibbs
Junior Girls: Georgia, runner up Greer
Junior Boys: Declan, runner up Ted
Womans Open: Nicki
Mens Div 4: Connor Freeman-Gray, Runner up Greg Freeman
Mens Div 3: Shamus, runner up Dan Hayes
Mens Div 2: Euan, runner up Lakesh
Mens Open: Richard, runner up Connor
This year the Men's Division 1 Team from Kapiti Squash Club was victorious in the annual Wellington wide squash competition. Held over 10 consecutive weeks, Kapiti were able to claim hosting rights for the final by finishing top of the table at the end of the regular season. This meant that Kapiti hosted Thorndon Squash Club for the prestigious M1 title. On the finals night there were straight set victories to Kapiti members Connor Plumley, Tim Seymour (Captain) and Richard Pittams, while Mike Tambour went down in a 5 set thriller. This means Kapiti prevailed 3-1 in matches, and 11-3 in sets for the night. The non playing member of the night was stalwart Mark Millar who also played several matches throughout the competition. This is the first time in the last 40 years that Kapiti has won the top men’s division for Wellington Squash. Stay tuned for the delightful photo that will shortly adorn the wall at Kapiti Squash Club!
D Grade Wāhine Toa!
Over one weekend back in August the Kāpiti D grade ladies played their hearts out to secure a spot representing Wellington at Nationals to be held at Kawaroa Park in September. The team of only five players (zero reserves - hoping for no injuries), and 5th seeds went on to win all four ties. Two of which were epic 3/2 wins which came down to the last match. In the true team spirit of superchamps, each player contributed to this awesome success - training hard, supporting hard and doing their very best for the team. Thanks to Wainui for hosting, Tipi, Gill, Michelle, James for the support and Matt for the driving.
The Team: Nicki Lefty Gibbs, Tash Webby (Ōtaki Poipatu), Fiona Gould, Vicky Mitchell, Greer Gibbs.
D Grade Wāhine Toa @ National SuperChamps
Over the week 21 - 24 September the Kapiti D-grade women's team competed at the national superchamps in New Plymouth.
The team consisted of 4 Kapiti players and 2 Otaki players who had surprised all the Wellington teams when, seeded 4th, they took out the Wellington D-grade superchamps competition earning them a place at D-grade nationals.
The team went into the national D-grade competition seeded 5th and had some big battles resulting in some wins, some losses and huge success on the stage earning them a $300 bar tab!
Although they finished up 6th, the entire team played well giving their all in every game while proudly showing off their awesome Kapiti uniforms designed by Natasha's husband Tipi from Otaki. Thanks Tipi!
Club Night
Friday Club Nights are a brilliant opportunity to wind down the week and get a game in before the weekend, as well as enjoying a meal with friends and family. Be it the Pool Table, T.V, watching games, having a drink, hanging out in the Sauna; Club Night is a positive time and space for growing connections and well-being.
Come along to Club Night, ask around for a hit and you’ll certainly find someone to have a game or two with.
The Bar will be open from 5:30pm.
The Kitchen will be open from 5:30-8pm. Burgers, hot chips, toasted sandwiches are all on offer.
Club Night Info please contact (text or call) Todd Stewart: 027 305 0696
AGM
The AGM is scheduled for Monday 21st November. Three positions, President, Vice-President, and Secretary will be up for voting on. These roles will be advertised shortly.
Monday Game Night
Free on Monday evening? Find it hard to organise a game but are really keen to play? Monday evenings are a fantastic time to zip out of the house, down to the club, and play as many games as you can handle, from 6:45 onwards. There are often between 4-8 players there, usually having a game each then changing to play another person (or having a rest between games). Games are to 15 points.
This is an excellent time to meet new people and play socially. You’ll see the booking for these courts done prior, on the HelloClub court booking system.
Spare racquets are almost always available.
Volunteers Required
Do you have a few spare hours to lend to our fabulous club?
We need your help.
A team is required to lay down the carpet tiles where Shelley wants them. Please email Kevin: president@kapitisquash.co.nz
Bolt up a basketball hoop to the concrete wall outside. Please email Todd: tchaplin81@gmail.com
A few good folk with weed eaters to clean up the grass on the South Side of the building.
Got a chainsaw? Can ya please clean up all the new growth at the bottom of the large trees on the right hand side of the driveway as you enter.
Donations Required
Perhaps you have a few useful items lying around that the club can use!?
If so, please email Kevin: president@kapitisquash.co.nz
Something that would work as a Trophy Cabinet
Vacuum Cleaner
Wellington Squash Awards
The Wellington Regional Squash Awards will be held on Oct 14. KSRC has nominated the following:
For Team of the Year both our Men's Masters M1 Winter Interclub Winners, and Our Ladies Regional Superchamp Winners.
Individually “Timmo" as Captain of KSRC Masters M1 winners, and Captain of the Squash Wgtn Masters Team at NZ Masters as Masters Player of the Year.
Hayden Lloyd as Volunteer of the year (at a regional level)
Racquet Restringing
If your racquet needs restraining (due to breakage or just wear and tear), you can contact Hayden Lloyd, a long term member of the club and restringing extraordinaire.
Hayden uses a range of strings depending on what’s required, and costs range from $50.
Racquet pickup and drop off provided, to home or to the club.
Contact Hayden on restring@kapitisquash.co.nz or 027 805 6734
Committee Members
Many people work behind the scenes to support and grow the club, while the committee members are by no means the only ones who do this, they do hold specific roles and bring their energy and enthusiasm to the tasks. For 2022, these members are:
President: Kevin Gardner ph 027 485 4129
Vice President: Todd Stewart ph 027 305 0696
Club Captain: Jenny Bromley ph 0277812739
Treasurer: Chris Charteris ph 027 470 6445
Secretary: Shelley Trewern ph 027 597 8094
Membership: Hayden Lloyd ph 027 805 6734
Communications: Todd Chaplin ph 022 693 4776
