Editor

As an avid squash player, I recently moved here from Durban a few years ago, only to find that the courts at Estcourt Golf Club are the only place to play squash.

Fair enough. I am paying R790 a year for my fees just to use the squash courts, and extra R2.50 to use the lights for every 15 minutes. The courts for the past few years that I have been here, are in disgusting shape, the floors are never swept, there are about ten lights that need replacing and have not been. On top of that the guy that works behind the bar is rude and does not know how to handle customers.

As from next year my friends and I will be playing in Forderville as the courts there are in much better shape.

To whoever is in charge of keeping Estcourt Golf Club squash courts in condition, you’re doing a really poor job and you are chasing away the few people that are left from the place.

Anonymous

Editor

Members with complaints normally contact the office where the matter is discussed and in most cases rectified, so we are rather perplexed that this particular member not only complains to the press but hides his identity under “Anonymous” for reasons only he/she know best.

The lights were checked and seven (not ten) tubes were found to be defective.

This out of a total of 48 tubes = a 15 percent reduction in the lighting!

As lights are only switched on during the times the courts are in use we rely on the players to report defective lights.

The courts are not only swept twice a week but a damp cloth is also used to remove the remaining dust particles

Recent inspection early in the week before the first sweeping revealed clean floors and more than sufficient lighting to not affect play.

Perhaps “Anonymous” had lost his games and needed an excuse for this!

We have two barmen, so one cannot say who the implied ‘rude’ one was.

However, both barmen have told us the system is abused by one member player buying the tokens while a few other non-members sneak into the courts to avoid paying the R30 charge for non-members.

The barmen also reported that players not only bring their own drinks but also smoke in the court area – both actions against regulations.

Maybe the barman in question was drawing this to the player’s attention and was thus deemed to be rude.

Just as “Anonymous” has the right to complain, albeit in rather an unorthodox manner, so he/she has the right to resign.

However, as per our Constitution this must be done in writing before the end of the year failing which payment of next year’s subs will be liable.

Unfortunately to resign, “Anonymous” will have to reveal his/her identity.

Incidentally the squash subs for this year were R660 not R790 and this includes full use of all the clubhouse amenities and by the way there are no courts in Forderville, let alone in better shape.

Hopefully “Anonymous” finds a venue where the squash is both enjoyable and the games victorious.

Jim Grant