WE looked back through the years of a squash club which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Hexham Squash Club, one of the town's most popular sports clubs, will mark its anniversary by holding a barbecue event on September 7.

Hexham Squash Club member Simon Graham receives the Boys' U15 trophy in the Cornish Riviera Junior Open tournament from Terry Beckett, the chairman of Cornwall SquashHexham Squash Club member Simon Graham receives the Boys' U15 trophy in the Cornish Riviera Junior Open tournament from Terry Beckett, the chairman of Cornwall Squash (Image: Newsquest)

The current committee are trying to reach as many previous members as possible to encourage them to attend next month's barbecue and reminisce. 

READ MORE: Hexham Squash Club invites members to reminisce in 50th year

We looked through old photos of the club to mark the occasion.

Hexham Squash Club held the annual Dave Cave Memorial Trophy competition for junior members. Five teams competed and after 30 matches, the team of Tim Blake, Liam Moss, Leon Carr-Martin, David Tyrrell and Saul Raynor won by a close margin of two pointsHexham Squash Club held the annual Dave Cave Memorial Trophy competition for junior members. Five teams competed and after 30 matches, the team of Tim Blake, Liam Moss, Leon Carr-Martin, David Tyrrell and Saul Raynor won by a close margin of two points (Image: Newsquest)

Hexham Squash Club, based at Hexham Golf Club, was established in 1974 and was formed by founder members who contributed a sum of money towards the building cost of two courts, believed to be around £18,000.

Hexham squash juniors shine as they compete for trophy in 2018Hexham squash juniors shine as they compete for the Dave Cave Memorial Trophy in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

Despite running for 50 years, not much has changed at the club. 

The first ever Sport Tynedale Awards Evening in 2012, held at Tynedale Function Suite. Presenting the trophies was Olympic Bronze Medalist Former QEHS rower Matt Wells. The winner of Young Sports Leader Of The Year was Simon Graham from Hexham Squash ClubThe first ever Sport Tynedale Awards Evening in 2012, held at Tynedale Function Suite. Presenting the trophies was Olympic Bronze Medalist, and former QEHS rower Matt Wells. The winner of Young Sports Leader Of The Year was Simon Graham from Hexham Squash Club (Image: Tony Iley)

More than 100 people in Hexham are currently members, with 27 juniors, but the club are always looking for new players.

Hexham Squash Club's Adrian Alderton, the winner of the Welsh Masters Over 60 competition, pictured with Tynemouth's Jon Evans, who was victorious in the Over 55 contestHexham Squash Club's Adrian Alderton, the winner of the Welsh Masters Over 60 competition, pictured with Tynemouth's Jon Evans, who was victorious in the Over 55 contest (Image: NQ)

Paul Satow has been a member since the club opened and now his two daughters are also involved. 

He said: "There have been many significant achievements over the years with many club teams winning their respective leagues in the Northumbria leagues. The club has provided many county players over the years."

In 2013, Hexham Squash Club chairman, Jim Chambers, had the newly refurbished courts named after him in honour of his tireless work for the club.

Hexham Squash Club chairman Jim Chambers had the newly refurbished courts named after him in honour of his tireless work in 2013Hexham Squash Club chairman Jim Chambers had the newly refurbished courts named after him in honour of his tireless work in 2013 (Image: Newsquest)

Paul said that Hexham Squash Club member Adrian Alderton has won the Over 60 and Over 65 Welsh championships and regularly represents Wales in home internationals.

Hexham Squash Club II won Division Four of the Northumbria Squash League. Pictured is Jon Steward, Julian Steward, Simon Graham, captain Damon Watts and Phil LangleyHexham Squash Club II won Division Four of the Northumbria Squash League. Pictured is Jon Steward, Julian Steward, Simon Graham, captain Damon Watts and Phil Langley (Image: NQ)

The club provided three junior girls who represented Dame Allan's School in winning the National School Championship in 2018.

Left, Mateo Radley BU11 Winner Northumbria Bronze, and right, Mia Smith and Annabelle Satow (right), runner-up Northumbria Bronze GU17Left, Mateo Radley BU11 Winner Northumbria Bronze, and right, Mia Smith and Annabelle Satow (right), runner-up Northumbria Bronze GU17 (Image: NQ)

Annabelle Satow, Paul's daughter, has competed at national level throughout her junior years, was part of the England Squash junior pathway and achieved a personal best ranking of seventh in the country.

In 2021, Mateo Radley won the boys' under-11 age group outright at the Northumbria Bronze Squash Tournament at Northern Squash Club in Gosforth, where Hexham Squash Club Junior section was also represented by Tom Watts and Annabelle Satow.

Mateo had a close opening match against the number one seed Luke Tufton but won 11-8, 11-6, 11-8. In his second match, Mateo was up against Magnus McKay where Mateo was a comfortable winner in three games 11-2, 11-1, 11-2.