Dover Squash and Racketball Club is 50 this year. 50 years, so many memories, great matches, leagues, competitions, tantrums, broken friendships, and friendships made. Reflecting on my time at the Club, I marvel at our long survival in a Sport Centre. Looking at the Honours Board with names of so many dedicated players, I understand fully why we have existed for so long.
It all began in 1975 with a letter written by Norman Dixey (President) published in the Dover Express asking for people interested in forming a Squash Club to be based in the then-new Sports Centre being built in Dover. James Roberts, Mike Chaston, Jonathon Sloggett, Rodney Galliers, and Norman Dixey answered the call, and a meeting was arranged at James’s house.
There then followed a public meeting, a committee was elected, and Dover Squash Club was formed. In the September of 1975 the Club played out of Firs SC, Folkestone whilst waiting for Dover Sports Centre to be completed. One men’s team played in the Kent League and in the January of 1976, Dover SC settled into its new home.
In the September of 1976 a Ladies team was formed and by 1977 we had 250 members, 5 Kent League teams, 3 men’s and 2 ladies with all fixtures organised by Val Galliers. Norman Dixey who played squash for the Metropolitan Police and was President of the Club was a master of enticing some of the best players in the world of squash down to Dover for exhibition matches much to the delight of the Club’s members. Some I remember seeing were Hiddy Jahan at one time Number 3 in the World, Sue Cogswell British number 1 and Abbas Kaoud World number 15.
The Club ran leagues, competitions and a fiercely fought Sunday League team event where over 50 players played each week for the coveted title of Super Team. One of the highlights of the year was our trips to Putte SC in Belgium and their trip to us. What great games were played and what stories we could tell! However, by the time 2025 had arrived the Club was very different from the one that was formed in 1975. The name had been changed to Dover Squash and Racketball Club, we had moved to a new venue, most of its members had embraced Racketball, a strong Ladies Racketball group was emerging, members were travelling around the Country playing and winning in various graded competitions, 2 members qualified for their Level 2 coaching Award and a 30+ strong junior squad meet every week to practice their squash skills. Socially though it is very much the same with members getting together off the court to enjoy each other’s company in a more relaxed environment.
On Saturday 6th September we officially celebrate our 50th anniversary at the Chance Inn, Guston where we used to take our visiting teams for their meal after a Kent League game. All past members/members are welcome, start 7.00pm. We look forward to what challenges and adventures the next 50 years will bring and hope they will be as exhilarating as the last 50 years
Gloria Riley
Chairman
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