Squash Courts: Safeway and Brisking’s Supermarket

Blog: Squash Courts, Safeway and Brisking’s Supermarket
By Evan Papamichael
Writer Evan
www.writerevan.com.au
It was Summer 1970, when I was four years old. In our local Shopping Centre at Glen Huntly; there was a popular destination called: Squash Courts. I was far too young, to play. It was mainly frequented by: adults and teenagers. A popular sport; it consisted of a racquet and small black ball; and the competitors would hit the ball; against all of, the four walls.
Speed and accuracy were - the major components - to winning. It was survival of the fittest. All the players were dressed in – Shorts, a T-Shirt and a good pair of Runners; which had a secure, grip. You required a lot of: concentration, stamina and alertness. It was not only fascinating to see; the players run, backwards and forwards, as well as sideways; but, it was the “bang” of the ball, against the four walls; which kept up, the excitement of, the match. There were about half a dozen courts, in an enclosed building. This meant that even – if it was sizzling hot, in Summer – or cold and pouring with rain,–as well as, freezing cold, and wet during Winter; anyone could enjoy a slog at the ball, and compete.
Of course I knew what Tennis was; as I saw Australians compete, in Melbourne. At the Kooyong Tournament, (known as the Australian Davis Cup), the stadium was built to accommodate many spectators, but, it was open at the roof; and, people watching the match would; have to, face the extremities of, rain hale or, shine; as Melbourne’s climate was, unpredictable; and, for many: unbearable. I have very fond memories of: John Newcombe; who was a regular, participant; and champion; of this Tennis Tournament. He was Captain of the Australian Davis Cup team from 1965 until 2000. John Newcombe won seven Grand Slam Titles and a record, seventeen Doubles Titles. He is one of a small number of men; to be ranked, World Number One; in both Singles and Doubles matches.
At the start of 1974, the Glen Huntly Squash Courts were demolished. A new building; was to be constructed. The local neighbourhood was anxious, but: excited. People asked: “What are they going to build?” …and…”It is such a big block of land”…”Will some important structure be built, to replace the Squash Courts, or will it be made into park land?”
Since the former Squash Courts were situated, in the middle of our local Shopping Centre, we all assumed that - some sort of an important; Retail Department Store, or Supermarket would be, built. We were correct. A big Safeway Supermarket was at our convenience. It is still there, today. The only difference being that, at present; it is called Woolworths. This new Safeway Supermarket catered for all our grocery, needs. It often had what was known as: Red Spot Specials – which were bargains at different intervals. There were competitions too; to build up excitement, and gather trade for the store. My mother was given couloured vouchers; each time she, spent $5:00 or more; while buying food and groceries, from Safeway.
In 1978, $5:00 was, a lot of money. My mother was awarded six different vouchers; over a period, of time. They were in the coulours of: Red, Blue, Orange, Purple, Green and Yellow. Because my mother had accumulated; six different couloured tickets; which were of the same dollar denomination - $50:00 – she was awarded, $50:00 cash, as a bonus for: being a loyal customer.
I remember waiting in the queue, at the cash register and being bored. While my turn was; about to come up; I noticed that some books, chocolates and lollies were for sale; at a, bargain price. The books were about, the life story of the Pop Group; who were Swedish Super Stars, at the time – none other than, ABBA. Of course, I purchased the books.
Everyone at both: Primary and High School, during the mid- 1970s until the early 1980s, absolutely loved, ABBA. They were a singing sensation, whose legacy lived on, for many years.
From when I moved to Glen Huntly, with my family in 1969, until, just before Safeway was built; we used to shop at a local Glen Huntly Supermarket called: Brisking’s. It was situated south in the opposite direction; of our strip local Shopping Centre and was at a far, distance from; the former Squash Courts. Once Safeway opened in 1976, Brisking’s closed down.
When the government decided to build an express train line from Caulfield to Moorabbin in 1984; my father’s Shoe Repair Shop and Roland’s Drapery Store closed down; as the train passed through these two businesses. In 1985 Roland’s Drapery Store moved to the site, where Brisking’s Supermarket, was: back in 1975.
I used to love to: pass by, Safeway after School and purchase a snack to warm up, in Winter. Or to get, a cold drink; and, some ice-cream, in Summer. My family would purchase fresh fruit - of the highest calibre - such as: Watermelon, Peaches, Apricots and Bananas, when in season. Whenever, we would have - big family parties; there were always tasty: Lamb Legs, Turkey and Pork to purchase, too. As well as, Salads with: Tomatoe, Onion, Lettuce, Cucumber, Radish; and, Greek - Fetta and Kefalogravierra - Cheese. Finishing off, with: Minced Beef Hamburgers, Chump Chops and Continental Sausages. What an excellent way, to celebrate with – a “True Blue” Aussie Bar-be-Que!