hour on court with a small racquet, banging balls endlessly against four walls, darting back and forth while working up a sweat in the name of exercise before retiring home.

But the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association is attempting to throw a new twist on that scenario by offering a more relaxing setting for players and friends alike to socialise and recount the day's, month's or even year's events.

All are welcome to enjoy time among friends, even if they have no intention of playing.

During the week and especially on weekends there's plenty going on at the Middle Road club, next door to the National Sports Club.

The Devonshire courts have been extensively renovated -- $40,000 worth to be exact -- in an effort to produce a more friendly environment for locals and visitors alike.

The first thing one notices on entering is a totally refurbished entrance which, quite simply, invites further exploration.

Well crafted chairs and tables of polished pine, trapped with bright red and green trimmings serve to jazz up the lounge area, while still providing a sporting edge.

An inviting bar, manned by a courteous staff ready to serve, enhance the new image.

Other additions include a new lighting system and an inverted wooden ceiling, which adds a distinguished look. For music lovers there's a juke-box with tunes for both young and old, from the king of pop, Michael Jackson, to that old hound dog. ..yes he's here as well, Elvis! For the TV junky there's also a 19-inch colour television planted against the eastern wall.

Several fabricated trees, strategically placed, complete the area, giving a homey touch.

Why so many changes? The answer is people. Or more specifically the changing tastes of people who want more than just to play the game.

Says club president John Stout: "About a year ago we re-assessed the squash club and compared it to the facilities you get at sports clubs in town -- gyms and that sort of thing -- and we realised that it wasn't as attractive as those facilities.

"People's tastes have changed, they want something luxurious. They were happy to pay for that, but they wanted something modern, bright and clean, and we looked at the squash club and we thought there were areas that we could make improvements.'' One of the main movers behind the new additions is designated club fundraiser Kim Carter, who came up with the idea of selling advertising space on the courts. Advertisements can be now seen adorning the `tin' at the front of each.

Profits realised from the sale have gone into the latest renovations and further income in the future may be used to help fund other improvement projects.

However, the changes are not all physical and committee members have recognised that neither a coat of paint nor new furniture alone could make a club. To this end they have provided various activities outside squash for all to enjoy.

The current membership of about 250 -- it is hoped that this figure can be increased to 400 -- are treated to regular quiz nights, then there is the occasional catered party, treasure hunts, golf evenings, dances and generally a range of social activities, many of which are organised by the members themselves.

These are all designed to increase areas in which people can make friends, socialise and do something different in a group setting. Members are advised of such happenings via a regular newsletter or instructions on the notice board.

Not to be forgotten is the weekly club night which offers a great opportunity for people to come down to the club, try the facilities, play different people and get a feel for the club. For those who have never played squash, it provides an opportunity to try the game.

Each year there's an added international flavour with the hosting of the Heinz Bermuda Open, which attracts many of the world's leading players, including highly rated Australian Brett Martin, his brother Rodney, Zubair Jahan Khan and Englishman Paul Gregory.

Gregory, in fact, won this year's event, beating Jahan 3-1 in an exhilarating final.

This year Bermuda and the squash club also enjoyed success in seizing the Rosebowl trophy, fending off the likes of Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Bahamas on the way to the title.

JOHN STOUT -- President of the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association.

FUN TIME -- Members and friends enjoy some leisure time in the newly refurbished lounge area at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association clubhouse in Devonshire.