Wigton Squash Club stalwart John Honeyman who has coached hundreds of budding young players has been honoured for his services to the sport in Cumbria.
He has received this year’s Hazel Tait Award, a lifetime achievement honour, from Cumbria Squash, the governing body for the sport in the county.
Dr Honeyman, the chairman and coach at Wigton Squash Club, has been a leading member for over 25 years. Being part of the team which has overseen the coaching of hundreds of junior players. Under his stewardship many have gone on to become county champion, represent the county teams and also reaching top national rankings.
The award is given out each year to remember Hazel, a former president of the county association.
He was presented with the award by Hazel’s son Stephen at a ceremony at the annual county cup finals at Carlisle Squash Club on Friday March 28.
As part of the citation, Cumbria Squash’s chairman Tom Armstrong said: “John is the tenth recipient of the award and was chosen for over 25 years of dedication and commitment to the management and development of squash in Cumbria at county and club levels.
“From a county level this took the form of working for many seasons on executive committee – which included the very responsible work each season taking county teams of young players to venues across the length and breadth of England.
“From a club point of view he has been a very active and innovative chairman who with his effective leadership and excellent personal qualities has developed a club that is well respected by all concerned in squash across the county.”
After receiving the award, Dr Honeyman said: “I am quite overwhelmed and honoured. The club and the sport has been a big part of my life for many years and it is right that we have punched above our weight.”
Article edited from the Cumberland News. John (centre) pictured with Hazel Tait’s son Stephen (left) and Cumbria Squash chairman Tom Armstrong (right)
Full citation below:
At Cumbria Squash & Racketball (CSR) League Cup Finals evening at Carlisle Squash Club on 28 March 2014, Chairman, Tom Armstrong, on behalf of the organisation`s Executive Committee, announced Dr John Honeyman of Wigton Squash Club as the winner of CSR`s most prestigious award – The Hazel Tait Award for Cumbria Squash & Racketball Personality of the Year – affectionately known as The Hazel Award.
This annual award for exceptional performances across the wide range of CSR activities was introduced in 2005 in memory of Hazel who was President and a founder member of the organisation.
Dr Honeyman, Chairman of Wigton Squash Club, is the 10th recipient of the award and was chosen for over 25 years of dedication and commitment to the management and development of squash in Cumbria at County and Club levels.
From a County level this took the form of working for many seasons on CSR Executive Committee and similarly on Cumbria Junior Squash Committee – which included the very responsible work each season taking Cumbria County Teams of young players to venues across the length and breadth of England to play in England Squash and Racketball (ESR) Inter County Championship competitions.
He did an excellent job in both committees where he was respected for his well considered decision making and calm and very friendly approach to the work, and for his hands-on efforts.
From a club point of view he has been a very active and innovative Chairman who with his effective leadership and excellent personal qualities has developed a club that is well respected by all concerned in squash across the County – particularly for its successes in junior coaching and development . John set up a team of good coaches – he is a member of that team – that has coached hundreds of young players over the years many of whom have achieved club, county, regional and national honors for their squash performances. His approach to and contact with them will have a lasting positive impact on them
The club generally punches well above its weight in everything it does and this includes working closely with ESR – the national governing body – to achieve and maintain the prestigious `ESR Club Mark Accreditation` that has stringent requirements for all aspects of club operation – another club success..
Tom Armstrong says that he has known John over all of the period that the award covers and has great respect for him – he considers him one of the true gentlemen in CSR membership. He believes that his excellent his personal qualities have been a major contributors to the successes of the work he has done – he has the respect of everyone in the organisation.
Ever since being introduced, the award has been presented by a family member of Hazel and John`s award was presented by Stephen – Hazel`s son. Tom thanks the family for their continued support that is very much appreciated by the organisation.