04/08/2026
The uncut version ...
Honouring the Legacy of the Railton Squash Association
With the recent closure of the Railton Squash Centre, it feels important to pause and acknowledge the many people whose vision, hard work and community spirit made the centre possible, and those who kept it alive for so many years. In the final process of clearing the building, it was necessary to ensure that records, reports and documents relating to the beginnings of the Centre in Giblin Street, important milestones and the place it holds in the social history of the community is preserved. Most of the following has been written following the discovery of a document called “Did You Know”, unfortunately the author is unknown, however it is hoped that you will find the following interesting.
According to the document, the story of the Railton Squash Association began more than five decades ago, when a public meeting was held in the old supper room at the King’s Hall on 12th September 1972. From that meeting came a feasibility committee, elected to investigate whether a squash centre could be built in the Railton area. Among those early committee members were David Covington, Murray Blenkhorn, Alan Coates, Robert Jordan, John Kelly, Robert Mason, Tony Smith, Jeff Collins, Ken Best and Kevin Philpott.
What followed was a remarkable example of local determination. Sites were considered, questionnaires circulated, committees formed, funds raised and plans debated. The eventual choice of Goliath Park, along with the support of Kentish Council and the generous contribution of Goliath Portland Cement Company, helped turn an idea into a reality. The project was not simply about building courts; it was about building something for the community.
There were many milestones along the way. Fundraising functions at the Kings Hall, including memorable social evenings and community events, helped provide the financial backing needed. Volunteers gave their time, their labour and their skills. The first day of play was Saturday 19th February 1977, and the Railton Squash Centre was officially opened on 2nd March 1977. From that point on, the centre became far more than a sporting facility. It became a meeting place, a social hub and a place where friendships were made across generations. The records speak of working bees, painting, tiling, court maintenance, improvements to change rooms, kitchen work, trophy cupboards, lighting, heating and countless other jobs that kept the centre operating and improving year after year. Men’s, women’s, teenage and junior rosters brought people through the doors week after week, while annual dinners, trophy nights, social functions and family events became part of the rhythm of club life.
In a newspaper article in the Examiner on May 1st1991, former Railton Squash Club champion Kerrie Jordan was photographed making the final payment for the club’s construction. The article went on the say, considering that one third of Railton’s population played squash that it was no surprise that the upcoming 20th anniversary of the town’s squash club was a major social event.
An article in the Kentish Chronicle, in May 1995 headed Railton’s Youth Head for Australian Championships, highlighted the strength of the club’s junior development program. It congratulated four Railton teenagers — Daniel Lockley, Jason Lowery, Tracy Cubit and Lynda Cubit — on their selection in the Tasmanian State Junior Squash Squad to compete at the Australian Championships in Ballarat from 30th September to 8th October. All four had come through the Railton Squash Association, beginning in junior racquetball while at primary school before progressing to junior squash, adult rosters, coaching sessions with Peter Bellchambers and additional competition in Devonport and statewide tournaments. Their selection, four players from a squad of twelve, was recognised as a proud achievement for the club and a clear reflection of the success of Railton’s commitment to encouraging young players. At its peak, the club’s records show around 120 adults and 60 juniors playing, with junior racquetball and teenage rosters helping many young people discover the sport. For a small community, those numbers reflected something special: participation, encouragement, inclusion and pride.
It is impossible to properly name every person who contributed, because the list is long and treasured. There were founding committee members, office bearers, roster organisers, social committee workers, fundraisers, builders, volunteers, junior organisers, parents, players and supporters. Some served for many years. Some helped at key moments. Some simply turned up to play and, by doing so, became part of the story. Special mention must be made of those who guided the association in its early years, including David Covington, whose long service as chairman helped steer the club from its first discussions through its formative years. The records also recognise the efforts of people such as Alan Coates, Diane Kelly, Dot Smeaton, John Butcher, Robert Jordan, Dennis Knuckey, Deirdre Barton, Kaye Williams and many others who gave time, energy and care to the centre.
For many in Railton and the wider Kentish area, the squash centre will be remembered not only for games won and lost, but for laughter in the viewing area, names on trophies, juniors learning to play, busy roster nights, community fundraising, shared meals and friendships that lasted well beyond the final point. The closure of the centre is a sad moment. Buildings can close, and sporting habits may change, but the contribution of the Railton Squash Association should not be forgotten. It stands as a reminder of what a small community can achieve when people are prepared to work together, volunteer, fundraise, organise and support one another. To all who helped create the Railton Squash Centre, to those who maintained it, to those who served on committees, to those who coached, organised rosters, raised funds, swept courts, washed dishes, presented trophies, encouraged juniors, and to every player who walked through the doors: thank you. Your efforts gave Railton something to be proud of, and your legacy will remain part of the community’s story. It is hoped that a place may be found at the new multipurpose community facility at the Railton Recreation Ground to display the trophies and honour boards, ensuring the hard work, dedication and contribution of many is not lost.
Kentish Chronicle - October 1995
Pictured (front row) Daniel Lockley and Tracy Cubit (back row) Linda Cubit and Jason Lowery as they prepared to represent Railton in the Tasmanian State Junior Squash Squad in the Australian Championships.
