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From initial small beginnings in March 2003, the Table Tennis group has grown to twenty-three members with a few names on the waiting list. The group meets each week at the Cavill Hall in the grounds of St Mary’s Parish Church and this hall is large enough to erect three tables. Such is the popularity of this activity that members have been extremely loyal and from the outset average attendance has been high.
What about the game itself? Well, it has proved to be an ideal activity for the U3A age group being as energetic as one wants it to be. It provides good exercise and, as well as being a game requiring skill, it develops co-ordination and quick reactions and is full of guile and cunning that can test one’s wits. For the serious players, armed with their sponge-rubber bats, it offers a variety of spin techniques to learn and master.
Undoubtedly the standard of play has improved considerably over five years though we admit that we are not yet quite ready to take on the Chinese! Doubles, involving four players, is the most popular variation of our game and the group as a whole derives a great deal of social enjoyment from these activities. There is laughter in abundance as someone fails to hit a high spinning ball or does a fluky shot that would do credit to a professional. “Not many people can do that shot,” someone calls out!
Subscriptions of £2 per week, or £6 for four weeks, cover room rental and the cost of nets and balls. Any surplus income at the end of the year is used to subsidise the annual Christmas lunch and is much appreciated by all.
So it’s “love all” and let the game continue!
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