Edward Poore
Paul.Baggott
Squash Player Magazine - September 1991
The recent death, in Israel, of my good friend Edward Poore has not only
saddened me but has greatly distressed a generation of young players and their
parents.
It was 13 years ago when this irresistible character persuaded me to join him
in a joint venture at Hereford. We put on the very first national junior squash
tournament and its success was instrumental in gaining the support of the
governing body for the National Squad at Under 14, 12 and 10. There is
absolutely no doubt that there would not now be the highly developed elite
junior structure throughout the land had Edward not had the foresight,
incredible enthusiasm for the game and determination to see ultimately a change
in England's fortunes at World Level. By 1980 we were already looking at our
youngsters and plotting as far ahead as the World Junior Championships in 1991
- triumphantly won on all fronts by those who have appreciated Edward's efforts
on their behalf during such days when there has to be such careful, sympathetic
nurturing. How fitting that he should suddenly arrive in Germany for our finest
junior hours.
Edward Poore, an old Harrovian, was marvellously different. He really belonged
to the flower-power days of the sixties. He was a gentle and most talented
hippy figure who brought to our lives an eccentricity so essential, to my mind,
in what is increasingly a more mundane society. None of us will ever forget his
Davy Crocket hat, the bangles and beads, the minimalist footwear (perhaps
none!), a dress code that so evidently emphasised the fact that he marched to a
very different drummer. We all loved him for it.
He captured the hearts of our young ones with his rare ability to contemplate
the events of the day from their level, the aura of fun that followed him
around in off-court activities, and the esteem we all held him in for his
organising skills and his insistence on a properly professional approach at all
times on court. The parents, without exception, trusted him implicitly. He
never let them down and showed them that everyone should be judged on more than
his or her appearance.
The last leaves me with a perfect memory (there are so many). A packed
reception in Mansfield, a comprehensive gathering of local dignatories and a
who's who of the hierarchy of English squash. Suddenly, in the distance, I spot
a late arrival, Edward, and to my astonishment, dressed immaculately in a
three-piece suit - a grave shock. As he advances towards my wife and I through
the throng, I notice there are some odd looks (perhaps they are surprised by
his conformity, I surmised). But no, with considerable joy I see that he has
completed his sartorial display by coming barefoot! It really was a sight, too
much I fear for those fettered by tradition, but my wife and I rejoiced that
our friend was his own man and remained totally oblivious to the furore he was
creating all round.
And those young players. Well I shall list just a few of the class of December
1980: Del Harris, Peter Marshall, Chris Walker, Tony Hands, Stephen Meads,
Robert Graham, Angus Kirkland, Matthew Oxley, Damian Walker, Mark Allen, and
David Campion. One only has to look at the current ranking list to confirm what
we sensed a very long time ago. Edward Poore had the insight and drive to
ensure that something had to be done. We shall miss him sorely but he can rest
happy as his young men will continue to bear the chalice.
JONAH BARRINGTON
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