Bishampton Table Tennis Club has been in existence for many decades. It is a friendly environment with a good mix of people from our community. Players range from their 20s to their 80s. Last Autumn, a Junior Club was launched, age range 6 to 13 years old and they simply love coming to table tennis!
Attendances are growing at both Clubs which is excellent news for the community. Recent national campaigns such as “sofa2fitness” and “couch to 5k” are proving that exercise enhances public well-being and table tennis fits well into this type of category.
The problem we have is that the tables are very old and damaged. Whilst good at the point of purchase some decades back, time has witnessed their deterioration. One is exceptionally heavy & without wheels and impossible for the children and indeed some adults to lift. Table stability is also not good and various other accessories are also well past their best – bats, nets etc.
Recently, our Parish Council & BATVHT very kindly donated funds to replace one of our tables so we now have our first brand new table! It’s on wheels, easy to set up and take down plus it’s children friendly & disability compliant to current regulations. Prices of new table have just increased for the second time in a year hence the appeal to try to replace the other two older tables as soon as possible. New bats & balls will make up the difference.
We have no legacy funding available and subs on the night only really cover the cost of the hall hire. Our increasing numbers mean that adults can meet from across the community for a social activity that helps increase mobility and social interaction whilst building community links across the generations. For the children, they can play in a warm, friendly and safe environment whilst having fun and learning & developing a new activity.
We would greatly appreciate your donation to help towards replacing the old tables and equipment needed for future proofing Bishampton’s Table Tennis Clubs.