Centre closes doors after 40 years of hosting club

The Busselton Squash Centre closed last week after 40 years of hosting the Busselton Squash Club with more than 30 people toasting the last social Wednesday games.

In 1979, Charlie and Jean Clayton built and ran the courts before passing them on to their son Ron Clayton after he retired from the RAAF in 1985.

At its peak, the Busselton Squash Club had more than 120 players competing in pennants on four different nights including corporate squash, a creche and up to 70 juniors from surrounding schools playing on Fridays.

Since 1999, Rose Buswell ran the courts, becoming the club’s second life member alongside Ron Clayton.

From 1979 to 2018, the Busselton Squash Club has called the West St centre its home and started popular tournaments such as the Busselton Masters Teams Tournament in 1987 which developed into the biggest masters squash tournament outside of Perth.

Club president Ryan Callegari said although the squash centre was closing the club would continue to play at Sebel Resort.

“It’s all about engaging in one of the healthiest sports in the world and a friendly atmosphere,” he said.

“You don’t have to have played before to come down and get involved. It’s only $5 for kids and $10 for adults.”