Club History 1966

Looking at Ourselves – 1966

How we Began

Six years is but a brief span of time, nevertheless it represents an effort of which the founders of Squash in Havelock North may justly feel proud.  The calendar shows our birthday was at 7.45 p.m.  on 8th November 1960 in the Hastings High School Old Boys Football Club rooms.  An event witnessed by 39 people, and marked with addresses from Messrs J. Newbigin, E. Christmas and R. Haddon, ably watched over by Mr A. Kirkpatrick.  At this juncture it was resolved that “This meeting now resolves to form itself into the Hastings Squash Rackets Club.”  – From this point, the committee of Messrs C. Blackmore, P. Gifford, J. Newbigin, D. C. Kirkpatrick, R. Jones, I. Mason and Misses I. Maclean and M. Hunt, took up the challenge determined to successfully launch the game of Squash in our district.  Meetings were held regularly at monthly intervals.  Sub-committees were appointed to investigate Finance – ways and means – and locate a suitable property upon which to build the courts.

Enthusiasm was the initial order of the day, but frustration held the inside running.  Wherever this diligent band sought, complications arose.  Many suggested sites were investigated – Tomoana Showgrounds – an area adjacent to the Mayfair Hotel, and several privately owned sections.  Our finances at this stage, the 9th February, 1961, showed a bank balance of £2-1-5.  Throughout the year Mr J. Newbigin and Mr D.C. Kirkpatrick sought help and advice from many centres.  By 1963 the Hastings Squash Rackets Club had decided to go into recess, pending the availability of a suitable site and necessary funds.  Although the flame had dwindled, the fire continued to smoulder.  The search for a home of our own was pursued relentlessly and finally the labours of the day were rewarded – Came the suggestion, and invitation, Build in Havelock North.  A Special General Meeting was convened for Monday 12th August 1963 at 8 pm in the Sports Pavilion, Havelock North and in due form, the Hastings Squash Rackets Club was called from recess, to have its name changed to Havelock North Squash Rackets Club.  Along with this move came the carefully prepared plan.

for the raising of the necessary finance per medium of debentures.

With the stage set, the race was on and the new committee comprising J Newbigin – Chairman, Miss I. Maclean secretary and Messrs G. Wall, P. Hinton, I. Featherstone, G. Cook, R. Moffat and G. Kelt set out to make the Club a reality.  When this committee reported to a Special Meeting of Financial members on 24th September 1963 it was shown there were 104 Financial members and promises of £2,380 by way of debentures.  Monthly meetings continued to be held and the work went on.  Came the great day – 10th January 1964.  A willing band of workers transported to the site the first load of concrete building blocks, and on the 3rd February 1964 the chairman of the Finance committee reported a total of £4,230 in hand.  We had arrived.

Working bees supported the contractors on the job at all times, and with such voluntary labour, the job continued to progress.  The day of days – Saturday 16th May, 1964 saw the Mayor of Havelock North Mr R. Nelson, at 2.30 pm, perform the opening ceremony of the Havelock North Squash Rackets Club Courts.

From the diligence of a few, comes the joy of many.