It is with sadness that we announce the recent death of Peter Sedding, after a short illness. Peter was an active player and organiser in Civil Service squash for many years, both within the Customs and Excise department where he worked and the national Civil Service CSSC Squash Rackets Association.
Peter’s interest in squash started in 1970 when he was bought a racket by his wife as a Christmas present (apparently his brother-in-law played). He started playing - not terribly well, he says, but he enjoyed the experience. Working in Customs & Excise took him all around the UK and he began to meet fellow squash players. In 1977 he started an inter-regional squash tournament for the Customs & Excise through the use of the house newspaper, “Portcullis”. He persuaded Clifford Cross, a Customs & Excise Commissioner, to donate a trophy and this tournament continued until a few years ago when the Customs and Excise department merged with the Inland Revenue. Peter was known in Customs as “Mr Squash” being the main driving force for squash until a committee was formed. Peter was then invited to be the Hon. President. He donated a cup for the Open Singles event, and regularly attended the competition to award the Peter Sedding trophy. He only retired as the President a few years ago when the Customs/Revenue merge took place.
In 1979, the national CSSC Squash Rackets Association (CSSRA) was formed. Peter was at the inaugural meeting and volunteered his services as Hon Treasurer, a post he held for 25 years until 2004. For 3 of those years as Treasurer he also held the post of Chairman.
Peter remained involved with the sport, even after giving up the game itself. He enjoyed being a volunteer, often saying that he was happy to have the opportunity to give something back. The pleasure he had from squash though was not just the sport, but the meeting up with people where he made many lasting friendships. He was sociable, reliable, and a “team” player and both the Customs & Excise department and the CSSRA owe much to his selfless efforts. He will be sadly missed but thanks Peter for all the years we knew you!!
