Squash club seeks ties with club in US

Cornhill Squash club is looking to set up a partnership with a similar club in New Hampshire in the United States

A squash club is exploring a partnership with a similar squash club in the United States.

Cornhill Squash Club in Pattishall, Northamptonshire, is considering a "reciprocal visiting relationship" with a similar one court club - the Amalgamated Squash Chowder and Development Corporation (ASC&DC) in New Hampshire, America.

Jim Zug, a squash historian from Philadelphia, came up with the idea after visiting Cornhill earlier in December and pitched the idea to both clubs.

Mr Zug said he has subsequently received an email from the ASC&DC where at its 66th Annual Meeting, attendees "unanimously endorsed" the idea.

"We're going to establish a reciprocal relationship [between the clubs] so members can visit each other and share in the wonder of a one-court club," he added.

Jim Zug (right) is a squash historian and is helping to set up the partnership between the clubs

Mr Zug continued: "This is certainly one of the most special standalone courts in England. There is a court just like this in New Hampshire, which I have visited and am officially a member of."

John Carrington, a member of Cornhill Squash Club, expressed excitement about the proposal, calling it "wondrous".

Earlier this year, members of Cornhill Squash Club discovered that Frederick Wright, a squash professional aboard the Titanic, was born in Great Billing, just 12 miles from the club.

Mr Wright was only 23 years old when the Titanic sank in 1912 and his body was never recovered.

The revelation inspired the club to create a tournament in Wright's memory, with the inaugural Frederick Wright Racquetball Trophy held in May 2024.