Women’s Squash Society (1977-[1981])

The first mention of the Women’s Squash Society was through a report on their victory against Hatfield Polytechnic in the McGarel in February 1977. 
During the time of November 1978, the society saw a rise of students that were interested in the society, which enabled the squash leagues to be extended until the end of January 1979, due to the court time being sparse. The society also had a qualified instructor in North Kensington on Monday afternoons, that trained beginner students and advanced players.

The rise of students interested in the society grew increasingly at the freshers fair in October 1979, which meant that the society had to book extra courts at the club they usually played at on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

In October 1979, the society was eventually able to arrange coaching for beginners on Friday afternoons at the South Kensington Squash Club. Both the men’s and women’s squash society’s at this time, began to play at the Wembley Squash Centre.

In February 1980, the women’s team became top of the Seetech women’s first division with a 100% record. Around this time, Carolyne Osner reached the semi-finals of the B.P.S.A Southern Area Individual Championships in Sandown Park. Both Downes and Bhacker, along with Peter Fall and Carolyne Osner competed in the B.P.S.A National Individual Finals in Manchester. All four members qualified from the matches for the knockout stages. Whilst, Osner managed to reach the quarter finals. Towards the end of the year in March 1980, the women’s team won their first division. On Wednesday 26th March, Carolyne Osner, Afsi and Bernadette all won their matches at the Seetech Squash League.

In January 1981, members of the women’s and men’s squash society competed in the B.P.S.A Southern Individuals Competition in Sandown Park. However, Sharon Cottrill lost earlier on in the competition was knocked out. In December 1981, the Polytechnic hosted their first ever tournament for men and women knock out competition.