In 1957, a very progressive committee of Armidale Lawn Tennis Club (ALTC) voted to become the first Tennis Club in in this State to build and manage Squash Courts. Working Bees led by Paul Johnstone and the Roberts brothers, Clive and Alan Roberts collected and cleaned second-hand bricks from old houses in New England.
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Young and old were enthusiastic participants in that sort of hard work, until construction commenced in late 1957, and by mid-1958 Armidale was a proud owner of the new Squash Club.
The Chappell Family was headed up by Eric with sons of John, Ray, Alan, Kevin, and Ron were the workforce in getting the club running.
Once officially open, we saw world champions such as the Khan Family from Egypt, as well as Heather Mackay and Kevin Parker, frequent the club, and entertained everyone with their exhibitions. This also generated much interest and motivation among members.
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Competitions were held three times weekly with seven teams of six players in each division for a total of 126 players per week and club champions soon emerged.
Ken Marshall, Peter McCan, Max Schaefer and Bob Muir led the pack along with women's champions Judy Marshall, Bev Rose, Jeanette Jackson, and Di Nixon.
Squash grew to be widely popular with centres opening in all major towns throughout Northern NSW and it was not long before inter-club fixtures were organized.
In 1965, Graeme Mozeley leased the squash courts from ALTC and managed them until September 1973. He then left with his family to take up a coaching position in the USA, and his brother Brian with his wife Sandy became the new court operators.
Squash continued to grow in popularity and Brian found the need to add a new glass-backed court. He and Sandy enjoyed managing the courts till 1991, before moving to the USA where Brian worked with a tennis court construction company.
They were the longest and most successful operators of Armidale's squash courts.
Squash was recognised as a great way to exercise, with 30 or 60 minutes play better than half a day of playing tennis.
Regular daytime bookings were popular with young and old men and women, and also youngsters. It was recognised as a great social opportunity.
With the decline of squash nationwide, former members of the Armidale Spuash Club believe it is time to get together and reminisce.
There will be many fond memories and friendships renewed, while we expect many matches will be "re-played".
Information on the Reunion can be obtained at: kevchapp@bigpond.com
Functions will be held at Armidale Bowling Club, followed by a reunion breakfast held at the bowling club also. So, mark the weekend of August 17-18 on your calendar.
