Robert Edwards - The Voice of Squash meets the Voice of Summer
Newcomers to Bermuda are often amazed at the smorgasbord of nicknames given
to both locals and overseas residents, and every Bermudian is familiar with the
man fondly known throughout the Island as 'The Voice of Summer'.
Former Member of Parliament, Deputy Premier, and Minister of Tourism, The Hon. C.V.
Jim Woolridge has been the Island's premier cricket commentator for over 40 years,
and his mellifluous tones have become synonymous with languid summer days at the
beach listening to his vivid descriptions of our national sport over the air waves.
Now that the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters has become a popular event in Bermuda it's almost a
case of 'Watch out Jim. You have competition!'
Well, maybe it's not a matter of competing, but the Professional Squash Association
(PSA) can surely boast of its own unique sports commentator, choreographer and character
in the form of Mr. Robert Edwards who is acknowledged around the world as 'The Voice
of Squash'. Robert is no stranger to Bermuda, having first visited the Island in
the 1970's as a brilliant (slim and svelte!) young squash player competing in one
of our first international tournaments.
After his playing career ended Robert became World Tour Technical Director for the
PSA and has since been directly involved in over 170 major professional squash tournaments.
But it is his penchant for colourful commentary that has earned him his special
title. He has orchestrated squash spectaculars at venues as varied as the great
pyramids at Gaza and at Grand Central Station in New York. As he puts it, 'I don't
do glass-back' - referring to those old fashioned courts with just a glass wall
at the rear. Our court #2 at the BSRA in Devonshire was converted to a glass-back
not too long ago and we thought we were being progressive! All major tournaments
are now held exclusively on all-glass courts and Bermudians will again have a rare
opportunity to enjoy watching the action from every angle on a specially imported
all-glass court during this tournament.
As the PSA World Tour continues to move forward in leaps and bounds Robert regularly
refers to squash as a 'gladiator sport'. He makes no apologies for claiming that
professional squash players are the fittest athletes in any sport. It is unlikely
that squash will ever replace cricket as our national sport, but one convert to
squash as a truly great spectacle is our own 'Voice of Summer' who has attended
each of the last two major tournaments held in Bermuda and is a keen supporter.
He will no doubt make another appearance this year and if you are a visitor, who
has not previously had the pleasure of meeting him, just look for the dapper dresser
in Bermuda shorts - 'The Voice of Summer' is never seen without them.
When the lights dim in the Jessie Vesey Sports Centre at the start of the Bermuda
Masters 2006, we recommend that you sit back and brace yourselves for one incredible
feast of squash, with Robert Edwards as your Master of Ceremonies - or should we
say 'Ringmaster'. Be prepared for 'The Voice of Squash'.
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