A southern England squash club, opened by the late football manager Brian Clough (although no one knows why), has been awarded a grant as part of a huge makeover to the facility.

The Harpur Trust, which has been providing education and supporting the people of Bedford for more than 455 years, helped out Carlton Squash Club as part of a 1 million total of grants awarded to local organisations to improve the lives of people in the county.

Carlton was first opened in 1980 by Clough and has two squash courts outside of Bedford. However, the club was in dire need of renovation and has now been given a huge shot in the arm. 

We were planning some big fundraising events to celebrate our 40th birthday, but sadly the Covid pandemic put that on hold, said 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.

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.

Were 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.

North revealed that history books dont reval how Clough was able to cut the ribbon four decades ago.

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, he said.club