18/05/2026
What does squash mean to our members?
Here is what one of our longest serving members, Peter, had to say.
"I’ve been around a long time!
I discovered squash I think in 1959 when squash courts were built in my suburb Castlecrag. When I started playing pennant I graduated from C3 to B5 to A4, A2, at a time the grades eventually were down to C6, B10 and A6.
I guess my highlight would be captaining the inter varsity team to Tasmania from a fledging Macquarie Uni where to reach the 4 squash courts you had to jump the creek from the main Uni.
My career in squash evolved over many clubs. I’ve competition squash with Castlecrag, Macquarie, Avalon, Elanora, Harbord Diggers, and Norths now for 19 years. Of that time I was vice president for 15!
The camaraderie and lasting friendships made in each of the clubs I played I think is as important as the competitions played.
I’ve felt this at norths more than any other club. Over the years the teams I’ve been in have won many many pennants and of course the internal competitions norths have seen me made immortal in the lower grades on the honour boards at the club!
The social aspect of club membership is to me the most important part of belonging. After playing a hard match we gather at the bar to share a drink (maybe something to eat) then sit around as friends do, having shared the competition of squash!
I’m 80 now, and still playing. Not as well, but still enjoying squash after 65(!!!) years! Good grief. I hope all of you will still enjoy club life and playing as long as I have.
I am bitterly bitterly disappointed at the decision the Norths collective Management team has made to remove the courts."
This is what it means to Peter and so many other squash members, it is a sense of belonging, not just for fitness but to be part of a community. Peter is certainly a living legend of Norths Squash Club.