1972 to 1988

The land at 3 James Street, Bayswater was purchased in 1972 by Keith Jones and Mike Miller. An old house, which was on the site, was advertised for removal and after money changing hands it disappeared over one weekend.

Plans, specifications, permits etc. were submitted for approval and the construction of the Squash Courts began early in 1973.

Ted Coxon, a friend of Keith and Mike, also a builder joined with them and a company was formed trading as Knox Squash Centre. The seven court centre was completed and opened in the first half of 1974.

From 1974 to 1979 the courts were always heavily booked, so it was decided to extend the building outwards to include three new courts, two of which were to be glass backs and the third to be enclosed with court sized room underneath to be used as a club room. Upstairs galleries were attached to all courts. A Sauna, Spa and Suntan room were also installed upstairs.

The old 15kva generator that had served the original seven courts with power in emergencies was found to be inadequate and a 35kva generator was installed outside, at the end of the corridor behind the front courts. A gas fired ducted heating and cooling system was also installed to service the courts.

The good years for Squash courts were from 1974 until 1983. The Knox – Bayswater courts were fully booked, with around three hundred club members comprising of 70 to 80 pennant teams. These teams played every night of the week except Saturday night. Friday morning was for the ladies, Saturday morning for the juniors (12 to 16 teams) and Saturday afternoon mixed. The friendly family atmosphere made Knox – Bayswater certainly one of the best, if not the best in Melbourne.

From 1982 on, squash courts began to pop up everywhere and consequently court bookings began to fall away from 4.30pm till 9.30pm to 6.30pm till 9.30pm. The strength of the membership of the club kept the business viable. Many of the original members are still playing and some of the juniors from those times are still competing at State, National and even International level. Lifelong friendships have endured to this day even though the years have passed so quickly. The centre was sold to Kevin Thompson and he took over ownership, with Gerry Mahon as manager on Thursday 31st March, 1988 at 11am.

1989 to 1992

Kevin Thompson purchased the courts in March 1988 due to his belief that the Ringwood squash courts, which he owned, would be rezoned and Bayswater could take their place. Gerry Mahon managed the courts for Kevin initially, and then leased them till he thought it was about time he should retire. The mistake Kevin made then was in leasing them to an undesirable character, that set about running up huge bills, which he had no means of paying, from purchasing Gym equipment and taking out two of the back courts to be used as the Gym. It wasn’t long before the law caught up with him and then Gerry Mahon again helped out when the lease was dissolved, and ran the courts until they were sold to the Walkers in Dec. 1992.

Gerry Mahon, as mentioned previously took over the management of the courts for Kevin Thompson in 1988. He had as his assistant a very capable lady in Jill Toomey. Gerry mentions, Lyn Kellet, Lee and Vin Ainsworth and Jim and Sandra as the “Club live Wires” during this period.

The ten courts were still in operation at this time and the underneath club room which was subject to flooding on many occasions. There was the usual array of shoes, racquets, soft drinks and sweets foe sale, and in his spare time Gerry did a good job stringing racquets for club members and other patrons.

The club had many teams made up of the ladies mid week, men’s mid week pennants on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and mixed masters on Thursdays. The ladies also had a Friday morning pennant going and both the men and the ladies played pennant on Friday evenings. On Saturday mornings, under the guidance and watchful eye of Kaye Walker a very well supported junior pennant took place and many of these juniors are still playing with the club today in a senior capacity and many of them make up our State and Premier Competition teams. One of these juniors, Warren Miller, has now won titles in his age group of the Masters competition.

When Jill Toomey left to live in the sunny state of Queensland her position was filled by Helen Vercoulen. Others to help Gerry when the rush was on up front were Denise Hill, Peter Mahon, and daughter Jill.

Between pennant seasons, during the middle of the year and over Christmas, Inhouse competitions were held to keep members fit and the courts in use and the owner financial. In 1989 the VMSA championships were held at the courts with substantial support from the club members.

With the sale of the courts to Barrie and Kaye Walker in 1992, Gerry’s association with the Knox Bayswater centre came to a close, but Gerry is still a familiar face on many occasions around the squash scene, supporting his daughter Jill.

1992 onwards

More club history coming soon!