Having played squash for almost 50 years, Mr Telford was elected a life member of what has been his club for the majority of that time — Clinton — during a ceremony following the club’s annual championships recently.
A self-professed lover of all sports, the 62-year-old Waiwera South dairy farmer said squash ranked pretty high on the ladder due to its convenience, competitiveness and all-round benefits to fitness.
"There aren’t many sports where you can turn up for an hour or so and get some good, tough exercise where there’s always a challenge and always something new.
"I’ve spent a lot of time down here [at the courts] over the years, so there must be something in it."
He was "bemused but chuffed" to receive the recent honour.
"I wasn’t a founder member, but I was around when we founded the club in 1985 and I suppose did my bit on committees and admin for a few years.
"Coaching was my big thing though. I still find it difficult to watch someone hold a racquet the wrong way without piping up and giving a word or two of advice."
Past-president Laura Allan described Mr Telford’s contribution to the club as "amazing", and paid credit to his "tireless" energy.
"Ken took after-school coaching for local primary children for numerous years, coached and travelled with adult and junior teams to national events and took Sunday morning fitness-slash-torture sessions for many years.
"His home was the ‘Telford Hotel’, hosting visitors during our annual tournament, and he represented Southland at the national masters tournament.
"He’s still an ever-present fixture at our social club nights, giving invaluable advice to members, and a deserving recipient of the club’s first-ever life membership."
Mr Telford said while the honour could be construed as a hint to hang up his racquet, he had some years on court yet: "I watch those guys at the masters in their 70s and it’s an inspiration.
