The Bathurst Panthers Squash Club is planning a big bash to celebrate this special occasion.

It will host a 50-year anniversary dinner and reunion at Bathurst Panthers on Saturday, August 8.

Helping organise the event are well-known locals Ray Noonan, Brian Larkin and Margaret Miller.

“It’s an anniversary and reunion dinner and we want to see everyone that had or has an involvement with the sport of squash turn up,” Mr Noonan said. 

“The night will incorporate the Bathurst Panthers Squash Club’s presentations to its 2015 club champions as well.”

Mr Noonan said there had been many highlights over the past five decades.

He notes having the world’s number one player of the day, Egypt’s Hasham Kahn, at the opening of the squash courts at Panthers where he gave a display of his great skills.

“We also remember well the club’s first intercity match against Young when former Western Advocate general manager Lou Shehade took on Charles Shuttleworth, who was the Australian professional champion,” Mr Noonan said. 

“The club also undertook annual visits to South Sydney and St George Leagues Club.

“Over the 50-year period Bathurst Panthers Squash Club also made regular visits to the big smoke to play in Country Week.”

Mr Noonan also noted the exceptional efforts of two club stalwarts in Greg Griffiths, who is an 11-time club A grade champion, and Alisha Pollards, a 13-time women’s A grade champion.

“There’s a few people we would love to have come along to the dinner, but we haven’t been able to find them. They include L. Waldren (women’s champion 1966 and 1967); D. Veal (women’s champion from 1968); and P. Crapp (women’s champion 1969).

“We do know that the two oldest club champions will be there and they are Lou Shehade and Wilma Willott.”

Tickets for the night close on July 31 and are $50 each. 

They can be purchased from Spencer Fuller and Associates in Rankin Street or by contacting Brian Larkin on 0417 401 674 or Margaret Miller on 0417 277 179.