ABERGAVENNY Squash Club will hit the big 40 this May and are planning a special anniversary reunion to celebrate the thriving longevity of this successful club.

In November 1974 the Abergavenny Leisure Centre opened its doors to the public. One of the sports available to play was squash - a sport very few had heard of before, let alone played.

Within a year it was Abergavenny's fastest growing sport. In the 12 months after its opening there were 15,000 squash bookings made.

A ladder system was set up so that people could challenge one another, resulting in the formation of a group of players who played friendly matches against other teams.

It was after one of these matches away to Bridgend that the idea to form a squash club at the leisure centre was suggested.

Three players, Martin Mason, John Handslip, and Terry Hillman were the driving force behind the idea.

Things didn't go to plan at the start, as initially there was strong opposition to the club from the then manager at the leisure centre. Undeterred, the group of players took their idea to County Hall where the idea was enthusiastically welcomed.

Therefore, in 1975, Abergavenny Squash Club was formed and become one of the founder members of the Gwent County League, as well as the first ever league champions.

Forty years later and the club is still going strong.

The club currently operates five teams and operates a club morning on Saturdays, 9.15-10am for juniors, and 10-11.30 am for seniors. New members are always welcome.

The 'A' team currently play in the Premier Division of Welsh Squash and have just finished this season in fourth place.

The club has produced a number of good players over the years, some of them achieving international honours.

Two of the current 'A' team, Jethro Binns and Lewys Hurst started their squash in Abergavenny and went on to become professional players.

Jethro reached a world best of 86, and Lewys a world best of 142.

Jethro now runs an internet coaching site called Squashskills.com with former world number one Peter Nicol.

To celebrate 40 years in existence, an anniversary/reunion evening with a buffet is being held at Abergavenny's Angel Hotel on May 9 at 7pm. Tickets cost £26. Guests are welcome.

Any past or present member interested in attending this event can contact Gareth Edwards on 01873 810434.

Tickets are also available from Terry Hillman at His N' Her Hair Salon in Cross Street, and Graham Edwards at the Station Road Garage.

Modern Times! From Left to right are Peter Steed, Simon Cave, Tim Woodier (third team captain), Peter sturgess (treasurer), Chris Hill (first team captain), and Jiwan Gahunia.