It was late summer of 2012. I was glancing through a section of the local sports news in the Daily Herald Tribune and noted that pickleball had no participants at that time, to be part of our Provincial Seniors’ area team. Pickleball...? Never heard of it! Research was needed immediately. NB: at this time, we knew nothing about pickleball playing snowbirds!

The game; indoor/outdoors; badminton-size play area; usually doubles format; net height slightly less than tennis; underhand serves only; (Great! Old shoulder injuries from rugby playing years ago would not be a handicap); bats/paddles somewhat larger than in table tennis; however, game played with the despicable lower elementary school ball made of flimsy plastic, a holy excuse for a spherical projectile. Nevertheless, for a reasonably active 70 year old, the game might offer exercise and a lot of fun. My wife, Gwen, with a strong background in racket sports, especially tennis, was also interested. We decided to make inquiries.

We soon discovered that a small group of neophytes was about to meet at the College gymnasium for a weekly $20 court usage fee, for one hour only at noon time. Some equipment was provided, including nets, rudimentary paddles - varnished plywood - and the official ball. The latter was impressive; much harder, heavier and larger than anticipated; predictable and a true high bounce. As Gwen remarked, “This is a game I am going to enjoy.

I know I will be able to punish it, especially on my serve.” (Opponents would soon be guarding boobs and privates). Because of the awkward time availability - and College parking fees - and the limited local interest of the sport, it meant that there were very few participants initially. Even though we studied the official handbook, at first there was some confusion about rules. Obviously, concern was that legal serves headed the list. One lady visiting from BC, insisted on a tennis style serve causing some hilarity. She missed 3 tosses, finally connecting on the fourth. The ball, however, was lost in the nearby bleachers and the paddle had slipped from her grasp, nearly braining her partner – me - and crashed into a wall! “This a really dumb game,” she shouted and stomped away, never to be seen again.

In addition to our small group of enthusiasts- ourselves, Kate and Bob Hamilton, Peggy Reynolds, Marilyn Turner and an incredible number of drop-ins, along came Lindi and Doug Speager, who were expert badminton players. Their interest, of course, was essential for the later club development. Following the winter, we started to play on the tennis courts in Muskoseepi Park. Unfortunately, net adjustments, and taping pickleball court dimensions on the asphalt, then removal of the tape was a major chore. By this time, Gwen had become the person who kept track of our players and their phone numbers and emails, etc. Mel and Jean Larsen, Debbie Isley, Karen Nielson, Sandy and Lawrence Richer also became stalwarts of the “club”. Our pickleball group's winter fast approached, wondering where we were next going to play.

Karen Nielson, now sadly deceased and missed by all, then secured permission to use the Reach Centre for two nights a week. This was a brilliant move and Karen kindly volunteered to arrange everything and supervise the players. The Club thrived. Great assistance was given especially by Kevin Morrison, Bernie Olydam, Debbie Isley, Dale Sales and Farron Hood. Soon it was nonstop play on all courts! Doug and Lindi then became instrumental in the next phase of the Club, so I will leave it to them to describe how our Club progressed so successfully.

N.B.: Inevitably I have forgotten other founding members. My sincere apologies. My excuse is increasing age and memory lapses.