Updated Friday 1 August 2008

Left to right  - David Clarke, Mick Gould, Malcolm Muldoon and Steve Tuck, Ormesby members who take part in the adult practice sessions.

SESSIONS FOR ADULT PRACTICE ARE AS FOLLOWS

Ormesby Table Tennis Club caters for players of all ages and standards. The Club organises three sessions a week, primarily for adult players from beginner up to league standard.

Monday:  7.30pm to 10.00pm

Tuesday: 7.30pm to 10.00pm

Thursday: 7.30pm to 10.00pm

Cost per session: Club members £2.50 -  non members £3.00

On a Tuesday evening, coaching is available between 8.30pm and 9.30pm from a top

England ranked player, at no extra cost.

To participate contact :  Gary Whyman  01642 467250

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

ORMESBY ADULTS GO ON TOUR 

Just recently one of our teams from the adult section spent a weekend in the Lincolnshire area visiting two clubs to play friendly matches. 

Having played together for several years in the Cleveland & District Summer Table Tennis League and the Middlesbrough & District League the team consisting of David Clarke, Ivor Graham, Malcolm Muldoon and Mike Howling decided it would be fun to arrange a ‘MINI’ tour for themselves. Setting off early on the Saturday morning they headed south to Grantham and the Central Sports Technology College where they were hosted by CLIFFEDALE CHANDLERS TTC.

The Coach at the club, John Mapletoft, had arranged umpires - including International umpire Peter May - and scorers for both tables used in the match. Our team found the competition a bit too hot with their team of Susie, Nick, Terry and Mike not troubled too much. Our lads were not sure whether to put the defeat down to the stiff joints they had from the car journey or the fact that Cliffedale were younger and better (probably the latter!!!!) 

A welcome break for a buffet lunch, tastefully prepared by John’s wife and served-up in a nearby classroom by Chairman, Mike Willer’s wife, was enjoyed by all before continuing the action back in the main hall. However, Ormesby, obviously ate far more than their hosts did as they had no more joy with the doubles matches, nor the ‘4 - aside fun doubles’, nor even when everyone switched to playing with the ‘wrong hand’. 

To round off a thoroughly enjoyable day the hosts suggested a drink, all their players and several others joining our team at The Farriers in Grantham before Ormesby got back onto the A1 for an overnight stay in Lincoln. 

Saturday evening passed with a relaxing stroll around Lincoln’s sights - the castle -  pizza - cathedral - bottle of red wine etc.  

Sunday morning after breakfast it was on to visit MARKET RASEN JUNIOR TTC at the West Lindsey Leisure Centre next to the racecourse. Here SYLVIA TYLER had also arranged excellent facilities in spite of her commitment of still being involved with the Ellenborough TTC down in Middlesex.   Sylvia had recently taken part in the World Vets tournament in Brazil and had spent the previous day playing in the inaugural Association of Umpires competition at Grimsby, this in the company of John Lawton (Nunthorpe TTC) and Bob Evans (Kader Nomads TTC). 

Once action commenced Ivor scored Ormesby’s first victory and Malcolm added a second with a good win against Sylvia.  Market Rasen replied with two victories and thereafter each round of matches was shared. The singles were tied at 8 – 8 and the overall match finished ten all after the doubles.  Mike and David scored a couple of wins, whilst Malcolm was unlucky losing only his final singles narrowly in the 5^th game to Peter, a Grimsby first division player. 

Having really enjoyed their visit to Lincolnshire, Ormesby left for home, resisting a call at the horse racing going on nearby, stopping near Brigg for Sunday lunch, and catching up with the Men’s final at Wimbledon. 

Mike wishes to express his thanks to all who took part from both clubs and John and Sylvia in particular for being so immediately receptive to his idea.  Malcolm, who serves on our committee, appreciates the effort put in by Cliffedale and Market Rasen in arranging such good facilities.  David Clarke, whose son, Martyn, played British League for Ormesby, and Ivor who helps at the MS meetings held at the club, both feel it was a great opportunity for mixing social aspects with some good testing competition.  Both clubs will be made most welcome should they wish to visit the North East for something similar.

           MIKE HOWLING