HISTORY OF PSC

Highlights of the past 10 years

This is the story of the Peterborough Squash Club. It is a look back at how a crisis was averted and a great new club was created by a group of dedicated squash players who decided that they did not have to lose their sport just because they were losing their venue. Collective thinking created a viable entity with the support of committed members and the leadership of a volunteer board drawn from the membership. Chairing the club over the years were Marilyn Shaw (2012-2016), Fraser Bleasdale (2016-2020), Mary-Jane Pilgrim (2020-2021), and Dave Howard (2021-).

A squash club for the members, run by the members!

Background

It all started in November 2012, but, first, let’s take a look back. The building on Chemong which now houses the Peterborough Squash Club was originally opened in the mid-1970s by local entrepreneur Ken Yakich as a for-purpose racquets club called Peterborough Racquets Club, with four squash courts (with a large second-floor viewing area) and four tennis courts. An expansion in the mid-80s added a 100-seat glass-backed show squash court, three racquetball courts and a lounge/restaurant. The building was purchased by GoodLife Fitness in the late 1980s. After renovations by GoodLife, only four squash courts remained, three for squash, with the other court being used for spinning classes.

2012

In mid-November 2012, GoodLife Fitness announced that it was selling the building and moving to a new location. Squash would no longer be offered. A group of passionate squash players from the old GoodLife started talking about how to keep squash alive in Peterborough. Town hall meetings were held over the next two weeks to determine the level of commitment to leasing the courts. A corporation, Peterborough Squash Limited, came into being on December 19, 2012 with Andrew Galvin, Garry McClean and Ray Kerslake as directors.

A Steering Committee was formed with Fraser Bleasdale, Bill Buys, Peter Clark, John McGregor, Mary-Jane (MJ) Pilgrim, Marilyn Shaw (Chair) and Kevin Watson, and they started thinking about next steps. This group also formed the first Board of Directors. PSC was alive!

2013

[COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE – DISPLAYED AT CLUB]

In the growth of any organization, there is the question: “How are we going to operate?” The initial PSC Board grappled with this question and developed certain principles: keep membership fees as low as possible but high enough to cover costs; keep costs as low as possible by using volunteer labour; promote squash by setting low guest fees, offering Youth programs, and hosting tournaments; and be responsive to our members by pausing memberships during injuries and continually seeking input from members on what they would like to see happen at the club.

This “vision” for the club played out in a number of ways:

members took ownership in their club;
members cleaned the club;
members cooked casseroles for tournaments and social events;
when work was required, members stepped forward to clean walls and renovate courts;
new Board members stepped forward to serve and offer direction; and so on.

The load was shared, and the PSC became a great example of a member-owned and volunteer-run club! The initial PSC Board soon realized that a formalized structure was needed to codify its operation, so a constitution and by-laws were drafted by member John McGregor, in consultation with the board, to incorporate the PSC as a non-profit (which took effect in 2014). This would enable PSC to apply for government grants and put in place a process for annual general meetings, the presentation of financial statements, and the election of Directors by members.

Roles were established for the Steering Committee/Board of Directors:

Chairperson – Marilyn Shaw
Club Promotion – Kevin Watson, Bill Buys
Membership – MJ Pilgrim
Club Facilities – Peter Clark
Financial – MJ Pilgrim
Programs – Ray Kerslake
Governance – John McGregor, Fraser Bleasdale
Communications – Marilyn Shaw

The RentAll Centre purchased the building from GoodLife in June 2013. Andrew Galvin took the lead in negotiating an interim rental agreement with GoodLife and then a three-year lease with the new landlord, starting September 1, 2013. In light of the financial uncertainties, the steering committee showed fortitude and foresight in taking on the extra cost of four feet more width (8 ft. to 12 ft.) in the upstairs viewing area, thus providing adequate space for social gatherings as well.

There were about 55 members for the 2013 /14 squash season. An Open House was held on September 14, with tours and information about the new club. MJ Pilgrim organized the Fall House League, with 48 members playing. Beginner, Speciality (Drop, Lob, Boast) and Junior Clinics were offered, as well as lessons with Ray Kerslake (Squash Pro).

The website “Peterboroughsquashclub.com” was set up, with Kevin Watson as administrator. This not only provided the foundation for online information about the club, membership information, and programs but also facilitated online membership application forms and e-transfer payments. A Facebook page was also set up to establish a social media presence.

A social night of Squash, Food and Fun was held in October 2013.

The Racqueteer, a quarterly communication newsletter with Volume 1 coming out in October 2013, was organized by Kevin Watson.

The PSB Wilson Squash Classic was established as the club’s annual tournament, to be held every November. This tournament honoured local squash legend and PSC member Paul Wilson and his many years of dedication and promotion of squash at all levels in Peterborough. In his remarks at the event, Paul wryly let it be known that “this is not a memorial tournament.”

Ray Kerslake was the tournament chair for the inaugural event, with 46 enthusiastic players in the men’s and women’s divisions, from A to E and a 60+. Home-made chilli, lasagna, muffins and baked goods kept the players fuelled and were a hit with everyone. We knew then that they would be back the following year.

2014

Doug Edmondson organized the Winter 2014 House League with a “Box League” style of play.

The club held its first fundraiser, which was earmarked for an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the club. Dr. Barry Kramer organized the fundraiser and the purchase of the AED, and a training session was held for interested members.

There was a strong showing of PSC teams in the Kawartha Squash League (Intercity League), comprising three of the five teams in the A Division and two of the six teams in the B Division.

After some fundraising for a needed upgrade to the 40-year-old courts, the renovation of Court 2 started in August/September, with a new cushioned floor replacing the old hard parquet floor and a new front wall replacing a damaged wall.

All the work was done by a group of member volunteers for a total cost of only $10,000, with Ray Kerslake as project lead and Murray Leadbeater as construction lead.

The above photo, with caption, is from The Peterborough Examiner.

The first fiscal year ending August 31, 2014 showed a $14,000 excess of revenue over expenses, with about 60 members. Well done for the first full year of operations!

Peterborough Squash Ltd. legally converted to a not-for-profit corporation as the “Peterborough Squash Club” on October 22, 2014. Directors listed on the application were Marilyn Shaw (Chair), Andrew Galvin (President), Bill Buys, and Mary-Jane Pilgrim.

The 2nd PSB Wilson Squash Classic was held December 5- 6. Tournament chairs were MJ Pilgrim and Andrew Galvin.

2015

There were about 80 members playing squash in the 2014/15 season, with an active House League run Kevin Watson. The PSC had three A teams and two B teams in the Kawartha Squash League.

On January 30 and February 6, more than twenty 8-18 year-old badminton players and their parents came for an Introduction to Squash. Kevin Watson and a rotary of volunteers hosted the event, which morphed into a regular Sunday afternoon Junior Squash Program.

Aaron Carter organized a well-received educational workshop, Achieving Peak Performance for Athletes, on March 7. About 30 people attended.

On Friday, April 24, the club hosted a Spring Pound for Pound Squash Showcase and Potluck social event featuring squash exhibitions by James Hayes, Sterling Gibbons, Mike Stoter, and Ashley Walker. After individual exhibition matches, the finale of the event was a fun four-man teams match.

In July, a Mission Statement for the PSC was presented to the Board for approval and use in a Trillium Grant application. It read as follows:

Peterborough Squash Club’s mission is to promote and enable fitness and health through the sport of squash in the City of Peterborough and Selwyn Township. Our priority is facilitating the exposure of youth and adults in our community to the sport of squash and the development of existing and potential players, from beginner to expert.

The first Annual General Meeting was held on October 2, 2015 to approve the constitution and by-laws for the Peterborough Squash Club as a not-for-profit corporation. The Board of Directors were Fraser Bleasdale, Bruce Danford, Andrew Galvin, Burton Lee, Garry McClean, Ted O’Connor, MJ Pilgrim, Marilyn Shaw (Chair), and Kevin Watson. The AGM was followed by an Open House and Potluck, with squash for those who wanted to play.

The 3rd PSB Wilson Squash Classic was held November 6-7 and was chaired by MJ Pilgrim and Andrew Galvin.

2016

With the success of the first three years of the club, the PSC negotiated a new five-year lease, with two five-year options. Andrew Galvin took the lead in the negotiations.

On April 7, Freddie Reid put on a Play the Pro night. The same evening, the club recognized and honoured departing member Peter Clark, who had cheerfully maintained and cleaned the club facilities each week from the start, with help from Bill Buys.

Squash Pro Johnny Wilson offered members a series of innovative Squash Clinics in 2016-17, including some fun clinics for children.

Burton Lee took over as Chair of the annual PSB Wilson Squash Classic.

After filling the role for years, Ray Kerslake was formally named PSC Squash Pro/Program Coordinator in December.

2017

The year 2017 saw both the 4th and the 5th PSB Wilson Squash Classics being held in the same calendar year: the 4th on January 4-5 (having been postponed from November 2016) and the 5th during the usual month of November, on the 24-25th. Both tournaments were successful, with participation reaching 51 players in the latter event.

Once players had experienced the comfort of the new cushioned floor in Court 2, members pushed for the replacement of the old parquet floor in Court 1. Volunteer member Kevin Watson was project lead. Volunteer member Murray Leadbeater again stepped up as construction lead and, with his crew, took care of the the installation. With careful planning that started in February, the project was completed with minimal disruption in less than two weeks by early September at a cost of $9,935. A fund-raising thermometer became a feature at the club, and a new fundraising committee comprised of Alex Billingsley, Pauline Hall, Ray Kerslake, and Ted Loyst raised $7,877 toward the cost of the new floor.

As Program Coordinator, Ray Kerslake offered squash-fit classes, special footwork clinics, and beginner and intermediate workshops. In the fall, he initiated weekly Saturday Junior Clinics for 10-16 year-olds.

Promotional signs inviting new members started appearing on lawns and on lamp posts at intersections all over Peterborough thanks to member Bruce Danford, who headed up the effort.

2018

One of the highlights of the year was a Play the Pro squash event on April 27 with Sam Cornett and Nikki Todd. In addition to playing an exciting exhibition match, the two women pros then beat all of our best club players in play-the-pro games!

Spectators enjoying the Play the Pro event. Right photo, from the left: MJ Pilgrim, Sam Cornett, Nikki Todd and Ray Kerslake.

“Peterborough Squash Club earns provincial recognition”

The Peterborough Examiner, June 25, 2018

The Peterborough Squash Club was awarded the Outstanding Achievement to the Game of Squash in Ontario” award at the Squash Ontario general meeting on the weekend.

The club was recognized for the work it has done to keep a squash club running and improving its facility through fundraising, holding the PSB Wilson Classic tournament every year and increasing the number of people playing squash at the junior and adult levels.

Just over five years ago the squash members of the former GoodLife Fitness in the north end of the city were notified the squash portion of the club was closing.

A dedicated group of 50 squash players that did not want to see the game squashed in the city worked out an arrangement with GoodLife and then with the new owner of the building.

Over the five years the club has replaced the 40-year-old parquet floors with a suspension flooring system in two of the courts and a new front panel wall in one court. The members did all the work themselves for the first court floor and wall which included lifting 185-pound panels 15 feet in the air.

“It was not easy or light work but we did it,” said club member Ray Kerslake.

The club is a not-for-profit organization located at 1625 Chemong Rd., just north of the city, run by volunteers and is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

There are active house leagues for all levels of players, competitive leagues, social events, a warmup and cool down workout area, a full service pro shop and lessons.

The club that started with 50 members has grown to more than 100. Since last September there has been more than 35 new members join.

Advice from a team of marketing students from the applied projects program at Fleming College has helped increase exposure. Some enthusiastic new players to the game has helped spread the word of squash.

“The social part of squash and relaxing atmosphere makes for a wonderful combination as well as a great work out no matter your ability level,” Kerslake said.

“It is with the help and support of all the members and a dedicated and active board of directors that the club has grown. The PSC members should be proud of the accomplishments that this little squash club has done in a short period of time.” (END OF ARTICLE)

It was a surprise and an honour for the Peterborough Squash Club to receive the Squash Ontario Outstanding Achievement Award. The resulting media coverage also enhanced the club’s profile in the general community.

Tara Sharpe, one of the Founding Members of the PSC, was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 for her success as a junior in the 1980s and 1990s. Tara captained the Ontario Squash Team and went on to win gold at the 1991 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. After a long hiatus from the sport, Tara picked up the racquet again and won both the Ontario and Canadian Women’s “A” Squash Championships in 2012. That same year, Tara was named City of Peterborough Senior Female Athlete of the Year. Well done, Tara!

World Squash Day/Open House and Fun Tournament was held on Saturday, October 13 for members and prospective members. Ray Kerslake and Fraser Bleasdale organized the event.

Another memorable event was the first Rules Clinic presented by David Howard on Saturday, November 10. Following an educational PowerPoint talk, David led a series of live court demonstrations of various “let” and “stroke” situations, played out by Ray Kerslake and Kevin Watson.

The 6th PSB Wilson Squash Classic was held November 23-24, with an all-time high of 61 registrants from all over Southern Ontario.

2019

ClubLocker replaced GigaSport on February 1, 2019 after a one-month transition period. ClubLocker is a cloud-based platform for booking courts, house league, and tournaments. ClubLocker is used by Squash Canada and Squash Ontario for player rankings and all tournament results.

From April 18 to May 9, four weekly Advanced Squash Clinics were offered by Greg Sweeney, a certified instructor from Clarington.

A Squash Ontario Coaching Foundations course was run at the PSC on the weekend of May 31-June 2, 2019, also with Greg Sweeney, who instructed eight participants, including Conrad Thompson from the PSC, bringing the number of PSC members trained as instructors to at least eight. Notably, Serge Dupont, Doug Edmondson and Pauline Hall joined Ray Kerslake in coaching new members.

World Squash Day/Open House took place on Saturday, October 12, with Learn to Play lessons for juniors and adults.

The 7th PSB Wilson Squash Classic, held Nov. 22-23, went high tech for the first time. Match schedules and real-time scores were live-streamed to screens in the club via ClubLocker. David Howard took the lead on setting up the new ClubLocker system.

Ray Kerslake upset the No. 1 seed in the early stages of the National Masters Squash Championships in May and brought home the Bronze at the Provincial Masters Championships in the fall.

The club reached a high of 108 members, with 38 new members during the year.

2020

Squash Ontario provided funding through the Black Knight Squash Program for Women, Junior Programs and New Players to the Game.

The 2019/2020 squash year was rolling along just fine until a provincial State of Emergency was declared because of COVID-19, forcing the closure of the club from March 17 to August 23 of 2020. Five (5!) months of no squash was like taking a squash ball to the you know where! Little did we know that there were more closures coming.

Board members proactively pursued available grants and financial assistance during this trying time. The following programs provided support to help offset lost membership revenue:

The Township of Selwyn and Community Futures Peterborough provided funds for the purchase of COVID-related cleaning supplies and signage.
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA), along with the cooperation of our Landlord, reduced our lease costs for the months of April, May and June.

2021

The State of Emergency due to COVID-19 extended into the 2020/2021 squash season. The year ending August 31, 2021 saw the club open only seven months: September to December 2020, March 2021 (RED zone – solo play only), and the finally reopening on July 16th.

In spite of having to keep the club closed due to the State of Emergency, the club survived financially by proactively pursuing and receiving grants and assistance through various government programs:

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS);
Ontario Small Business Support Grant; and
Community Sport Club Funding through Squash Ontario.

The support of the members was fantastic!

Every successful squash club needs a good Junior Squash Program. There was no better way to transition out of the COVID period than the initiative to get juniors (aged 10-18) playing squash again. With the talents of instructors Michael Khan, a former elite player and UKCC Level III coach, and rising star and recent Level I coach Conrad Thompson, a program was set up in November 2021 with the assistance of Ray Kerslake, Program Coordinator. Kevin Watson also helped out with the junior program. The program started with 18 juniors and continues to grow. Programs continue to run in the Fall, Winter and Spring for all levels of ability on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

2022

With over 50 per cent of our membership being seniors, MJ Pilgrim, with the help of Ray Kerslake, submitted an application for a New Horizon for Seniors Program grant through Employment and Social Development Canada. After everything that the members and club had gone through in the previous two years, wonderful news was received in early 2022 that our application was accepted. Court 3, in particular, was in need of a complete renovation to provide improved safety measures, better acoustics and less strain on the legs and body, all of which would make the game more enjoyable.

In April, MJ Pilgrim took on the project lead role and recruited the help of many volunteer members to do some of the following work at the club:

Court 3:

The old non-cushioned parquet floor, which had many loose tiles, was replaced with a new cushioned floor.
The loose, noisy and damaged front wall was replaced with an insulated front panel wall.
The side wall, which had large cracks and peeling paint, was soda-blasted, repaired and repainted with a water-based epoxy paint.

Court 1:

A damaged front panel wall was replaced by a new insulated one, making the court much quieter.

The above photographs show some of the work that was done. Thank you to the following volunteer members who helped: Murray Leadbeater, Ray Kerslake, MJ Pilgrim, AJ Shearer, Don Shearer, Kevin Watson, Jim Pilgrim, Andrew Fraser, Pauline Hall, Phil Abbott, Brent Jibb, Tim Griese, Barry Kramer, Dave Howard, Al Fitzgerald, Tanya Rizza and William Martin.

Transitioning over the COVID downtime, the Kawartha Squash League ran informal gatherings between clubs during 2022 and 2023

2023

With COVID-19 behind us, after a hiatus of two years, the 8th PSB Wilson Squash Classic was held on January 20-21 and was chaired for the final time by Burton Lee. There were 54 entries, the maximum number of players that can play in a two-day tournament with three courts.

At the tournament, Ray Kerslake was awarded the Squash Ontario Outstanding Achievement Award, which had been announced in September 2022.

The nomination included testimonials from PSB Wilson, MJ Pilgrim and Vincent Taylor, pictured above (left to right) with Ray Kerslake (second from left).

From Mary-Jane Pilgrim:

Ray Kerslake is passionate about the game of squash. He began playing while in university and has played ever since. Initially he played for fitness and the mental challenge, combined with the fun aspect, and he just never stopped playing. He enjoys sharing his squash knowledge and experience with others.

The bullet points below show Ray’s leadership in the game for the past 40 years, his significant contribution to the growth of the game in the Peterborough area, and his initiatives which resulted in the betterment of squash at GoodLife, at the Peterborough Squash Club, and via the Kawartha Squash League. Ray is an amazing competitor, organizer, and true ambassador of the game. I can’t think of anyone more worthy of recognition in the Peterborough area than Ray.

As a builder/leader . . .

Squash Pro, Squash Program coordinator and Financial Lead for the Peterborough Squash Club.
One of Founders of the Peterborough Squash Club, a Not-for-Profit Corporation, after GoodLife moved to the Gold’s Gym building in 2012.
Accepted the 2018 Squash Ontario Outstanding Achievement award for PSC.
Took the first Level 1 Squash Ontario Squash Coaching Course in 1979 with Tony Swift.
Completed the Level 2 Squash Ontario Coaching course in 1980.
Started junior clinics with the help of Brian McDonald and Tara Sharpe (2018 Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame Inductee) in early 1980s. Jacqui Inward was one of the juniors who went on to win several Canadian and International championships in her age category.
Continues to teach juniors and adults (over 40 yrs).
Became the Club Pro at GoodLife Fitness in 2009.
Took over as the lead person for the Intercity League (now called the Kawartha Squash League) in 2010. Formed the KSL committee. KSL is a competitive league with an A and B level teams from clubs in the area, Peterborough and Cobourg YMCA, Campbellford, Trent University, Clarington and of course PSC. Implemented software for Intercity play.
Launched “The Squash Shop” at the PSC in 2013 (or earlier?) and now strings racquets for the entire Peterborough area. Provides access to high quality racquets, shoes and other equipment at great prices to members and non-members alike.
Chaired over 15 tournaments at GoodLife Fitness and Peterborough Squash Club.
Member of the PSC Board of Directors 2013-2014 and 2016 to current.

As a player . . .

Playing squash for 45 yrs., introduced to the game by a roommate at University of Waterloo.
Joined a newly built club called Peterborough Racquet Courts in 1975, which changed ownership and names several times.
Played in local and area squash tournaments for over 45 years (Peterborough Winterfest, Spectacle Boutique, Peterborough Championships).
Played in Ontario and Canadian Masters Championships for the last 25 years.
Peterborough Squash Champion – 2001.
2018 and 2019 PSB Wilson Squash Classic at PSC 60+ Winner.
Bronze – 2019 Ontario Masters Championships(65+) – 2019.
4th place – 2019 Canadian Masters Championships (65+) – 2019.
Played in Ontario and Canadian Masters Championships for the last 25 years.

– Mary-Jane Pilgrim, Nominator (PSC Board member and passionate squash player)

From Paul S.B. Wilson:

Ray Kerslake has been very instrumental in promoting the game of squash in the Central Ontario region for some 30 years. He also has competed in a number of age group Ontario tournaments making his mark in them. Since the establishment of the Peterborough Squash Club some 8 years ago, Ray has been committed to growing the club and ensuring the club is operated efficiently on a sound financial basis. In essence he operates as the club manager and professional on a volunteer basis.

– Paul Wilson (Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame & University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame)

From Vincent Taylor:

If it wasn’t for Ray Kerslake and his love for, and commitment to, squash, I don’t believe that there would be squash in Peterborough today. When Goodlife pulled the plug on its Peterborough facility in 2012, Ray was the glue that brought the other founders to the table and found a way to bring the Peterborough Squash Club into existence within the same location and provided the stability that exists today. His commitment and organizing ability is allowing the club to flourish, as evidenced by the Peterborough Squash Club winning the 2018 Squash Ontario “Outstanding Achievement” award. One needs an organizer with the acumen and personality to draw others into the fold, and when that person also assumes the role of Club Professional with total commitment to the members, one has found a gem. Ray Kerslake is a “Builder Extraordinaire”.

– Vincent Taylor (Ontario Squash Hall of Fame, 2019 & Toronto Cricket Club Squash Hall of Fame)

In 2023, the PSC started two new programs with the help of the Squash Canada IDEA Encouragement Fund (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) and the Government of Canada Canadian Heritage Fund.

A Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities Program was established with the help of Sloan Respite Retreat to provide exercise, new experiences and lots of fun!

Under the New Canadian Program, free three-month family memberships were offered to new Canadians. Three families from Ukraine and one family from Brazil participated in the program.

The club added exercise equipment in May 2023 to help in conditioning and strengthening for the demands of the game of squash and overall fitness. The Inspire-M3 Multi Gym Machine with a Leg Press, the Inspire SCS-202 Smith Cage System, and a set of dumbbells (5-50 lbs.) were set up in the upstairs area. This complements the rowing machine and two stationary bikes.

The PSC has been particularly fortunate to have a member who loves the game of squash and whose enthusiasm is infectious. Pauline Hall joined the PSC in 2015, not having played the game before, but when you spend six days a week learning the game, you improve! Pauline took the Coaching Foundation Course in 2017. She started coaching others soon after and, since 2018, has been running a weekly Women’s Round Robin and Clinic on Sunday mornings. Pauline has also been on the Board of Directors since 2017.

The club said farewell to Burton Lee as he left his position as Executive Director of Business Operations for the Peterborough Petes to become Director of Game Operations and Fan Experience with the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). In addition to organizing the PSB Wilson Squash Classics since 2016, Burton held the PSC’s marketing and media portfolio from 2016 to 2018.

To celebrate 10 exciting years, the Peterborough Squash Club organized a Member Appreciation Day for Sunday, September 10, with a special effort to invite founding members for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

Ending on a high note, the 2022/2023 squash season saw an unprecedented increase in memberships. There were 76 new players introduced to the game of squash, and the club reached a new high of 148 members during the year. Incredible!

2024

What will 2024 bring to the Peterborough Squash Club? As we enter our second decade, we look forward to building on our past and creating more wonderful memories of squash in Peterborough.

Volunteer Appreciation

The Peterborough Squash Club owes its life and vitality to the many contributions that its member volunteers have made over the years. We regret that we could not mention all of you by name or cite all of your individual efforts, but we are truly grateful for your support.

The above history was prepared by Ray Kerslake, with contributions from Fraser Bleasdale and John McGregor and editing services by Lindsay Shaddy.