Coming of (Veteran) Age Dinner

Some 96 members and their guests attended the 45^th Anniversary Dinner held at the RAC Woodcote Park, Epsom, on Friday 21^st November 2008.

           His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of England Squash and who had been a very keen squash player in his time, was invited to attend, but sadly sent his regrets. However, he very kindly sent the following message which was read out by Jeremy Lyon, who then proposed the Loyal Toast: ‘ Many congratulations on achieving your 45^th anniversary. It is good to know the Club continues to be so successful in encouraging squash players to continue to enjoy the game for as long as possible.’

           The evening started with a champagne reception and ended with a fine glass of port. During the wonderful meal, each table in turn was entertained by the quite marvellous sleight of hand of Jon from Close-Up Magic, who left a trail of bemused people behind him.

           Before proposing a toast to the Club, Philip Ayton praised the guidance and support received from the three Presidents who between them have been in office for the last 29 years - Sir Michael Edwardes, Brigadier Mike Perkins and Jeremy Lyon. He also thanked the Committee for the work they do for the Club.

           John Woodliffe, in his reply, thanked everyone for coming and stated that the age-range of those attending accurately reflected our Club, being from 49 to 84. He was immediately put in his place by Mandy Akin who reminded him that she was much younger than 49!

John had been looking at the youngest male member there - Gordon Kerr… The oldest member present was the sprightly Brian Youngs and the member of longest standing was Norman Hunt, with 38 years membership behind him.

           John thanked the Dinner Sub-Committee - Nigel and Jane Belle, Gordon and Janice Coulthard, Lance and Jacqui Kinder and Terry Woodliffe - for all their input and work that helped so much in ensuring the Dinner was as successful as possible.