Backing from local businesses for Wick Squash Club is ‘absolutely brilliant’
Almost 30 local businesses have rallied round to give a much-needed financial boost to Wick Squash Club.
Regular increases in running costs meant that the club, based at Harmsworth Park, had been running at a loss for a number of years.
Some of the members resolved to seek sponsorship and the local business community responded generously, with the result that 29 firms have taken out advertising boards at the courts.
Wick squash player Dean Salim was among those who helped bring in the new sponsors. He says that with the new funding the club is in a far better financial position.
“We do have good membership engagement, it’s just the fact that the cost of everything is going up,” Dean said.
“The advertising spaces are full and that’s absolutely brilliant from the local community, showing that they do care about the club.”
The club is keen to get youngsters involved and junior sessions will resume after the summer.
“Three of us have gone off to get our coaching and child safety, so at the start of next season we’re going to be starting up the juniors again,” Dean said.
He emphasised that playing squash offers a range of benefits.
“It’s good for fitness, it’s good for the competitive aspect and it’s also good for your mental health – it helps you clear your head,” he said.
“It’s extremely enjoyable and you have a good amount of members there to support you and help you progress to the next level of your game.
“There are two courts open 24 hours a day to members. We have an online booking system.
“A lot of people will remember the days when you used to write your name on a sheet, and that put a lot of people off.
“We have a sauna, showers... they are good facilities.”
The club was originally based at the airport, but a leaky roof led to a relocation to the present site adjacent to Wick Academy’s football ground. The new courts were available to play on by around late 1979 and an official opening took place in February 1980.
Advertising board sponsors: Caithness Window Cleaning; Premier shop; Precision Blinds; Mackays Hotel; John Gunn Plumbing and Heating; SAMS Furniture; Harrold Butchers; A9 Plumbing; RC Joinery; Caithness Performance; BBM Solicitors; Colin Mackenzie Removals; Pure Glass Window Cleaning; Jimmy’s Taxis; Coast Serviced Apartments; Henderson Construction; D S McGregor and Partners; Sans Peur Tattoo and Piercing; Morag’s Café; Highland Kebab House; Wick Laundry; G&M Barnie; Precision Plumbing and Heating; GMR Henderson; Scaffold Solutions; Ashley Ann; Caithness Print Solutions; Yvonne Fitzgerald Properties; The Studio.
