History of Brighton Squash Club
1930's - Withdean construction and opening
In 1936, construction of the The Sussex Lawn Tennis Club at Withdean was completed, including a centre court with seating for 2000 spectators. The site was previously used as playing fields.
1938 saw the opening of 4 squash courts, enhancing the complex as an all-round rackets venue.
From 1948-52 Withdean was home to Brighton Zoo. In this photo of a girl riding a horse, taken in 1951, the distinctive glass-roofed squash courts and Sportsman pub can be seen in the background.
Top: 1938: Withdean site; bottom-left: Brighton zoo next to tennis arena; bottom right: 1951: Inside brighton zoo, in front of squash courts
1950's - Beginnings of the squash Club
In the late 1950s, the four courts were little used, suffering from damp and had ivy growing through the ventilation louvres and down the walls. Len Rea and Sid Davis approached Brighton City Council, who agreed to the establishment of a club to take care of the courts. Initially they opened the courts only on Monday and Wednesday evenings and then as demand for squash began to grow the courts were opened more and more.
With increasing demand for squash in the seventies, courts 5 and 6 were built together with changing rooms and a club room above. By the 1980's, 2 more glass backed courts and viewing gallery had been added, giving a total of 8 courts.
Philip Ayton & John Richardson
1970's - Brighton squash boom!
Those wishing to play regularly, took out a season ticket, but if they wished to play on club nights, or play in teams, they had to join the club for a fee of £1. At the peak in the seventies, there were nearly 1,000 season ticket holders!
The club ran 8 men's teams, 4 ladies' teams, junior under 12, under 14, under 16 and girls' under 16 teams. Chic Channon was a match manager and brought so much life and energy to the club that we have named our club room bar "Chic's Bar" in his memory.
Another very influential character was coach Peter Sice who was 100% dedicated to squash. He was most passionate about helping juniors, many of which went on to become world class players, including Andy Dwyer who helped Britain win the last world amateur team championships in 1979. Court 3 is dedicated in Peter's honour.
1981: Peter Sice giving a team talk to Sussex Juniors
Champions
For many years, the first team were Sussex champions with the second team as runners up. This success led to players from other clubs wanting to join Brighton and play for us, which resulted in weakening their previous club. When our third team became runners up to our two top teams, we had to make efforts to stop this.
We were men's Sussex Champions 12 times between 1969 and '82 and 6 times knockout winners. The Ladies won the Sussex league title 3 times.
When the Squash Rackets Association organised a national club championship, Brighton won this in '75, '77, '79 and '80. Team regulars were Philip Ayton, Cambridge Blue, Andy Dwyer, Pat Kirton, Warwick Sabey, Robert Weir and Mike Westrup as captain.
We were also National Over 35's champions in '83, '85 and '87, over 45's in '95, and over 55's in 2007 and '08. Regular players, Philip Ayton, Alan Hyde, Chris Frith and David Bowen are still active club members today.
1975: National squash club champions - Warwick Sabey, Mike Westrup, Robert Weir, Howard Cherlin, Andy Dwyer
1979: National squash club champions - Andy Dwyer, Philip Ayton, Mike Westrup, Warwick Sabey and Pat Kirton
1980: National squash club champions - Andy Dwyer, Pat Kirton, Mike Westrup, Philip Ayton, James Barrington
1975: National squash club champions - Warwick Sabey, Mike Westrup, Robert Weir, Howard Cherlin, Andy Dwyer
1979: Squash player magazine showing Brighton as national squash club champions - Andy Dwyer, Philip Ayton, Mike Westrup, Warwick Sabey and Pat Kirton
1980: National squash club champions - Andy Dwyer, Pat Kirton, Mike Westrup, Philip Ayton, James Barrington
Still going strong
For about sixteen years the Club staged The South of England Championships, which was second only to the British Open in the UK, with most of the world's top players entering. On one occasion the early rounds of the British Open itself were held at Withdean.
In the late 1980s the council appointed a contractor to manage the Withdean Sports Complex, including the squash courts. As the popularity of squash declined into the 90's, 2 courts were repurposed and the club room was relocated between the original 4 courts, where it is today.
In 2024, the glass back courts and gallery were also repurposed, leaving just the original 4 courts. However, a great deal of money has been spent bringing these 1930's courts up to modern standards. Brighton Squash Club is still going strong and has seen a steady rise in membership over recent years. In 2025 we hosted a PSA satellite tournament and have another planned for 2026.
1971: Pat Kirton and Bob Massingham