A community squash club in the picturesque village of Carlton has had a mega makeover after securing a grant from the Harpur Trust.
First opened in 1980 by maverick football manager, Brian Clough, Carlton Squash Club has two squash courts and is one of the very few in the country to be situated outside a town or a city but since it’s opening over four decades ago, the club has began to suffer and was in need of renovation.
However, thanks to money from the Harpur Trust, the courts and their changing facilities are about to be given a new lease of life.
“We were planning some big fundraising events to celebrate our 40th birthday, but sadly the Covid pandemic put that on hold”, says club Chair Simon North.
“We applied to Sport England for help, but they told us that squash was not a priority at the moment, which seemed a shame given that it can be enjoyed by people of any age and ability.
“Luckily, when we talked to the Harpur Trust and discussed our situation and the benefits we provide for the local community, they shared our vision and helped us with the funding that we needed.”
Hard at work
Thanks to the support of the Harpur Trust and other fundraising efforts by the club, players at Carlton can now enjoy top-of-the-range changing facilities, redecorated communal areas, and totally renovated courts that include state-of-the art LED lighting systems and glass doors.
Lucy Bardner, Community Programmes Director at the Harpur Trust, said, “Supporting the local community through our grants programme is a core part of what we do at The Harpur Trust.
“We were delighted to help Carlton Squash club refurbish its facilities to encourage more members of the community, who face barriers to accessing sports, to take up squash.
“We’re so pleased members of the Emmaus community will be able to also benefit from the grant.
“Our grants provide essential funding to a variety of diverse groups in the borough, which focus on education, recreation and support for people facing hardship.”
However, no one is quite sure how one of the nation’s most famous football managers came to open a squash club in a quaint village outside Bedford.
“All we know is that Brian Clough was a keen squash player, but his connection to the club is lost in the mists of time”, says Simon.
Either way, the squash club is now looking to flourish, with an open day on Saturday October 14th where expert coaches will be on hand to help those new to the game or looking to improve.
You do not need to book in advance, just turn up and experience the game of squash in Carlton Squash Club’s brand new surroundings.
