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Former Saffrons squash players set for grand reunion
SOME great squash memories of yesteryear will come flooding back at a grand reunion evening in the main clubhouse of the Saffrons on Friday, February 17 (7.30pm).
Squash in Eastbourne was played to an exceptionally high standard at Devonshire Park up to the late seventies when the thriving local club moved to the Saffrons where the courts were finally closed down a month ago.
Next month’s reunion is being organised by former Eastbourne Squash Rackets Club secretary Pat Maycock whose husband Peter is an ex-chairman.
“We are hoping all surviving squash oldies will be there even if they can make it only for an hour,” Pat told Herald Sport. “When we moved to the Saffrons in the early seventies we had a membership of 250 and a two-year waiting list.
“Eastbourne Saffrons Squash Club had five men’s teams and two ladies team which enjoyed great success in the County League with some of our talented players representing the town at county level. Our league matches took us as far as Chichester.
“In our heyday we hosted the South of England junior championships and also attracted professional exhibition players.”
However, the arrival of the David Lloyd Club at Hampden Park saw a reduction in membership. The popularity of the sport has also diminished in recent years and with the squash pavilion at the Saffrons in a state of disrepair, the doors were finally closed on December 31.
But treasured memories still remain and on the evening of February 17 there will be plenty on view to revive them. There will be old photographs, trophy winner boards and many of the colourful reports of the games written for the Herald by the late Howard Kirby.
“We have so much memorabilia,” said Pat. “The old photographs can be scanned for those who want them and there will be an opportunity to put in offers for the boards.”
In addition to Peter Maycock, other former chairman expected to attend the reunion are Mike Mynott and John Rackham. Former secretary Maggie Thomas will also be there.
Anyone wishing to attend who has not previously indicated their wish to do is asked to email Pat Maycock –patriciamaycock@btinternet.com
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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