Leigh R.B.L. Table Tennis Club
1950-2000
Written by John Knock
Index
- Introduction / Acknowledgements
- Foreword
- Equipment and 'The Hall"
- Early days
- First success
- 'Baby boom'
- Fun and games
- Long service
- Sad times
- 'Stars'
- Young and 'older'
- Up to date
- Styles
- A need for revival
- Appendix I: Statistics 1950-2000
- Appendix II: Season 1999-2000
- Appendix III: Index to photographs
1. Introduction
Who better than John Knock to write a history of Leigh R.B.L. Table Tennis Club ? Joining just after its formation he has been a very active member of the Club, and indeed of the Leagues in which our teams compete. He has seen many players come and go and is instrumental in developing the youngsters in our village in the game. He has, as most are aware, maintained his steady game, with his trusty pimpled bat, throughout his playing career.
I hope all players, past, present, and future, will enjoy reading this most entertaining history of our club and its characters. I hope it also encourages those of all ages who have thought of "having a go" to pick up a bat and come down to the Hall on Sunday mornings.
Here's to many more years of Leigh R.B.L.T.T.C.
Andrew Everett
Honorary Club Secretary
Acknowledgements
The Millennium, A.D.2000 (or should it be 2001?) has prompted a number of "histories" of various local clubs and organisations, some within Leigh.
The village table tennis club cannot compete with three hundred years (plus) of cricket in Leigh, nor with the Football Club which has recently celebrated its centenary. However the year 2000 does represent the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Table Tennis Club as a League Club, with teams being entered in the Tonbridge League ever since.
This small book records the progress made over the years, finishing with details of the 1999/2000 Season, and hopefully will provide some interesting reading, besides memories of happy days spent playing and practising, for those who have been, and those who are still, involved.
I would like to thank Andrew Everett and Eric and John Batchelor for reading and checking the text, and John for assistance with word processing. Also to Toby Massey and John for scanning, Eric and John for supplying, and Andrew Everett for taking the photographs which appear, and to Martin Oxley, Editor of the "Kent & Sussex Courier" for permission to reproduce those which have appeared in that newspaper.
The book is dedicated to all those who have played for the Club over the years, and to our worthy opponents. You have made it all happen!
John Knock
Leigh, Kent.
9th April 2000
Who better than John Knock to write a history of Leigh R.B.L. Table Tennis Club ? Joining just after its formation he has been a very active member of the Club, and indeed of the Leagues in which our teams compete. He has seen many players come and go and is instrumental in developing the youngsters in our village in the game. He has, as most are aware, maintained his steady game, with his trusty pimpled bat, throughout his playing career.
I hope all players, past, present, and future, will enjoy reading this most entertaining history of our club and its characters. I hope it also encourages those of all ages who have thought of "having a go" to pick up a bat and come down to the Hall on Sunday mornings.
Here's to many more years of Leigh R.B.L.T.T.C.
Andrew Everett
Honorary Club Secretary
Acknowledgements
The Millennium, A.D.2000 (or should it be 2001?) has prompted a number of "histories" of various local clubs and organisations, some within Leigh.
The village table tennis club cannot compete with three hundred years (plus) of cricket in Leigh, nor with the Football Club which has recently celebrated its centenary. However the year 2000 does represent the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Table Tennis Club as a League Club, with teams being entered in the Tonbridge League ever since.
This small book records the progress made over the years, finishing with details of the 1999/2000 Season, and hopefully will provide some interesting reading, besides memories of happy days spent playing and practising, for those who have been, and those who are still, involved.
I would like to thank Andrew Everett and Eric and John Batchelor for reading and checking the text, and John for assistance with word processing. Also to Toby Massey and John for scanning, Eric and John for supplying, and Andrew Everett for taking the photographs which appear, and to Martin Oxley, Editor of the "Kent & Sussex Courier" for permission to reproduce those which have appeared in that newspaper.
The book is dedicated to all those who have played for the Club over the years, and to our worthy opponents. You have made it all happen!
John Knock
Leigh, Kent.
9th April 2000
2. Foreword
This small history has been designed for the celebration of the first fifty years of the Table Tennis Club. It is timed to coincide with the Millennium celebrations of A.D. 2000, and thus also with any historical documentation of other clubs and organisations in the village.
It records the first table tennis played socially in the village in 1923, and the events leading eventually to the formation of the Club to play in the local Tonbridge League in 1950.
During the first ten years or so the Table Tennis Club became established with a solid base including regular League teams and a weekly practice session that continues to the present day. In the 1960's the 'baby boom' of children born just after the Second World War resulted in a group of new youngsters joining the Club, two of whom still play. The l970's saw more young players joining, and the commencement of some long running teams, amidst much increased activity.
The next decade saw the emergence of two young 'stars' from the village, a brother and sister who went on to reach international representative levels. A strong first team was also formed by a number of players joining the Club from the surrounding area.
In the last ten years new residents in the village have become involved in the Club, our present young players have enjoyed success in a new local Junior League, and the strongest have now entered the south-east division of a junior National League.
Table tennis has changed since the game was invented just over one hundred years ago, with the modern 'rubbers' used on bats providing far more technical complexities than existed when the Club was formed fifty years ago.
After reaching a peak in popularity some twenty years ago, the game has seen a decline in venues and the number of participants, and the years following the Millennium will provide a challenge as older players retire, and more mobile youngsters move on to University and work elsewhere. It is perhaps unlikely that Club teams will last together for long terms as in the past. But the sport remains social and attractive, and provides energetic exercise, and hopefully Leigh will still have a part to play for many years to come.
In the meantime we hope that you will enjoy reading this tale, which relates the involvement of players, perhaps yourselves, and friends young and old from the village and nearby.
This small history has been designed for the celebration of the first fifty years of the Table Tennis Club. It is timed to coincide with the Millennium celebrations of A.D. 2000, and thus also with any historical documentation of other clubs and organisations in the village.
It records the first table tennis played socially in the village in 1923, and the events leading eventually to the formation of the Club to play in the local Tonbridge League in 1950.
During the first ten years or so the Table Tennis Club became established with a solid base including regular League teams and a weekly practice session that continues to the present day. In the 1960's the 'baby boom' of children born just after the Second World War resulted in a group of new youngsters joining the Club, two of whom still play. The l970's saw more young players joining, and the commencement of some long running teams, amidst much increased activity.
The next decade saw the emergence of two young 'stars' from the village, a brother and sister who went on to reach international representative levels. A strong first team was also formed by a number of players joining the Club from the surrounding area.
In the last ten years new residents in the village have become involved in the Club, our present young players have enjoyed success in a new local Junior League, and the strongest have now entered the south-east division of a junior National League.
Table tennis has changed since the game was invented just over one hundred years ago, with the modern 'rubbers' used on bats providing far more technical complexities than existed when the Club was formed fifty years ago.
After reaching a peak in popularity some twenty years ago, the game has seen a decline in venues and the number of participants, and the years following the Millennium will provide a challenge as older players retire, and more mobile youngsters move on to University and work elsewhere. It is perhaps unlikely that Club teams will last together for long terms as in the past. But the sport remains social and attractive, and provides energetic exercise, and hopefully Leigh will still have a part to play for many years to come.
In the meantime we hope that you will enjoy reading this tale, which relates the involvement of players, perhaps yourselves, and friends young and old from the village and nearby.
3. Equipment and 'The Hall'
Unlike cricket, football, or tennis itself, table tennis is a comparatively modern game, being based on the production of the celluloid ball about one hundred years ago. One of the first ever table tennis sets, entitled "The New Game of Table Tennis" was on display in its original box at the l977 World Championships held in Birmingham. Bats originally were made of a parchment like material, larger than today's bats, though before long these were replaced by bats with sandpaper (for attack) & cork (for defence) on either side.
These were in turn replaced by bats with hard pimpled rubber facings, but in the mid - 1960's these were superseded by the advent of 'sponge' rubber, using different surfaces for each side as in the days of sandpaper and cork. A great variety of 'sponge' rubbers have become available since then, each with its own special characteristics producing speed and varying spins. These have revolutionised the game as until they were introduced spin play had limited capabilities.
The solid wooden tables of old are still available, but those with modern 'composition' surfaces are now more widely used, these too seem more suited to the "spin" game.
A new ball of increased diameter is to be introduced to reduce spin and to slow down and lengthen rallies.
Our Village Halls in Leigh were taken over by the Parish in 1984, and a new storeroom was added in 1991, this is most useful as it opens on to the Hall. The Large Hall is renowned for its coldness in winter conditions, players have been known to play in gloves, one opponent brought a stove with him, and an umpire once suffered mild frostbite! The Management Committee are at present forming plans to renew the floor and install under-floor heating, which should improve the situation, though hot air will always rise and with the high "chapel" roof it has a long way to go up!
With the two Championship tables acquired in 1989, the older tables in reserve, and easily moveable practice tables for Sunday morning junior play, the Club is well stocked and financially sound.
On the social side an annual Handicap Knockout tournament has been held since l972, for some years augmented by a junior competition. Annual Dinners have now been held for many years, and these have proved cheerful occasions with many ex-players over the years lending their support, and guests from the old Fort Halstead team welcomed.
Unlike cricket, football, or tennis itself, table tennis is a comparatively modern game, being based on the production of the celluloid ball about one hundred years ago. One of the first ever table tennis sets, entitled "The New Game of Table Tennis" was on display in its original box at the l977 World Championships held in Birmingham. Bats originally were made of a parchment like material, larger than today's bats, though before long these were replaced by bats with sandpaper (for attack) & cork (for defence) on either side.
These were in turn replaced by bats with hard pimpled rubber facings, but in the mid - 1960's these were superseded by the advent of 'sponge' rubber, using different surfaces for each side as in the days of sandpaper and cork. A great variety of 'sponge' rubbers have become available since then, each with its own special characteristics producing speed and varying spins. These have revolutionised the game as until they were introduced spin play had limited capabilities.
The solid wooden tables of old are still available, but those with modern 'composition' surfaces are now more widely used, these too seem more suited to the "spin" game.
A new ball of increased diameter is to be introduced to reduce spin and to slow down and lengthen rallies.
Our Village Halls in Leigh were taken over by the Parish in 1984, and a new storeroom was added in 1991, this is most useful as it opens on to the Hall. The Large Hall is renowned for its coldness in winter conditions, players have been known to play in gloves, one opponent brought a stove with him, and an umpire once suffered mild frostbite! The Management Committee are at present forming plans to renew the floor and install under-floor heating, which should improve the situation, though hot air will always rise and with the high "chapel" roof it has a long way to go up!
With the two Championship tables acquired in 1989, the older tables in reserve, and easily moveable practice tables for Sunday morning junior play, the Club is well stocked and financially sound.
On the social side an annual Handicap Knockout tournament has been held since l972, for some years augmented by a junior competition. Annual Dinners have now been held for many years, and these have proved cheerful occasions with many ex-players over the years lending their support, and guests from the old Fort Halstead team welcomed.
4. Early days
Table tennis made its appearance in Leigh in 1923, when on 6th February the village schoolmaster, Mr. Nethercott, proposed at a meeting of the Leigh Reading Room and Institute (which operated in the premises now used by the British Legion Club and the small Village Hall) that a 'Table Tennis Set' be provided. A table was made by Mr. Tom Izzard in the Hall Place workshops, from materials supplied by Mr. Williams, and local players practised and competed against one another in the evenings. They also played 'friendlies' against visiting teams, mostly from Tonbridge, where a League was formed in 1936. Mr. Alfred Houghton recalls teaching the young players at the Institute the rudiments of the game in the late l920's.
The Leigh Institute closed in 1938, but after the Second World War of 1939/45 a new British Legion Club was formed in Leigh, which still operates from the same premises (originally a baptismal chamber for the Large Hall which had been built as a Chapel). In 1950 members of the British Legion Club decided to form a Table Tennis Club to play in the Tonbridge League, which had been re-formed in 1946.
Initially two teams were entered, with an 'A' team in Division Two consisting of Eric Batchelor, Harry Lewis, Roy Brooker, and Ted Witherden. Eric and Roy were fine cricketers playing for Leigh, and both were also in the village football team, where Harry showed skills learnt in the semi-professional game. Ted became a County cricketer for Kent, so the 'A' team were not short of sporting talent.
The 'B' team were entered in Division Three, with a large pool of players, many from pre-war days, including Alf Batchelor (Eric's father), Alfie Houghton, Fred Whibley and Charlie Lambert. Tony Brooker, Roy's younger brother, also played. In the next three years a 'C' team was entered in the League with younger players, Ron Winson and Brian Springett, and two fifteen year olds, Ray Chadwick and John Knock, who had started playing in weekly practices organised by Club Secretary Harry Lewis.
Table tennis made its appearance in Leigh in 1923, when on 6th February the village schoolmaster, Mr. Nethercott, proposed at a meeting of the Leigh Reading Room and Institute (which operated in the premises now used by the British Legion Club and the small Village Hall) that a 'Table Tennis Set' be provided. A table was made by Mr. Tom Izzard in the Hall Place workshops, from materials supplied by Mr. Williams, and local players practised and competed against one another in the evenings. They also played 'friendlies' against visiting teams, mostly from Tonbridge, where a League was formed in 1936. Mr. Alfred Houghton recalls teaching the young players at the Institute the rudiments of the game in the late l920's.
The Leigh Institute closed in 1938, but after the Second World War of 1939/45 a new British Legion Club was formed in Leigh, which still operates from the same premises (originally a baptismal chamber for the Large Hall which had been built as a Chapel). In 1950 members of the British Legion Club decided to form a Table Tennis Club to play in the Tonbridge League, which had been re-formed in 1946.
Initially two teams were entered, with an 'A' team in Division Two consisting of Eric Batchelor, Harry Lewis, Roy Brooker, and Ted Witherden. Eric and Roy were fine cricketers playing for Leigh, and both were also in the village football team, where Harry showed skills learnt in the semi-professional game. Ted became a County cricketer for Kent, so the 'A' team were not short of sporting talent.
The 'B' team were entered in Division Three, with a large pool of players, many from pre-war days, including Alf Batchelor (Eric's father), Alfie Houghton, Fred Whibley and Charlie Lambert. Tony Brooker, Roy's younger brother, also played. In the next three years a 'C' team was entered in the League with younger players, Ron Winson and Brian Springett, and two fifteen year olds, Ray Chadwick and John Knock, who had started playing in weekly practices organised by Club Secretary Harry Lewis.
5. First success
The Club's 'A' team, with Phil Page added, won promotion to Division One in l953, and at least one team from the Club has been competing in that Division ever since. Tony Brooker, Ray Chadwick, and John Knock also had a share of glory in 1954 when they were Division Four champions, with John losing in the same season to the legendary Brian Milns in the Junior Singles Final. The practice sessions became very popular with a lot of young players, including Russell and Bernard Thompsett and Dennis Stolton, Bernard winning a special Club Tournament to commemorate Coronation Year 1953. Tony Sadler, Dick and Geoff Knock, and Ian Bridgen also played in practices, matches, and tournaments.
Two very settled teams emerged to play with some success over ten years in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Phil Page moved to Essex, and the first team, now consisting of Eric Batchelor, Peter Gow, and John Knock had many fine seasons in Division One, though never quite reaching the top two places. In Division Three Ray Chadwick, Rodney Dale, Peter Clarke and Dave Thorpe challenged for promotion in l962, when their progress was interrupted by Ray suffering a severe head injury playing football. The following year he had recovered, and the team "made it" to Division Two.
Eric Batchelor was twice a finalist in the League's Open Singles event, and won the Veterans Singles from l963 to 1965. He was awarded the Baldry Cup for the best average in Division One in 1964, while Rodney Dale won the Le May Junior Singles Cup in 1960 followed by Dave Thorpe in 1961.
Peter Gow decided that the spins of sponge bat play arriving in l966 were not for him, Rodney Dale switched to badminton for winter sport, and Dave Thorpe moved away. However new prospects were in store.
The Club's 'A' team, with Phil Page added, won promotion to Division One in l953, and at least one team from the Club has been competing in that Division ever since. Tony Brooker, Ray Chadwick, and John Knock also had a share of glory in 1954 when they were Division Four champions, with John losing in the same season to the legendary Brian Milns in the Junior Singles Final. The practice sessions became very popular with a lot of young players, including Russell and Bernard Thompsett and Dennis Stolton, Bernard winning a special Club Tournament to commemorate Coronation Year 1953. Tony Sadler, Dick and Geoff Knock, and Ian Bridgen also played in practices, matches, and tournaments.
Two very settled teams emerged to play with some success over ten years in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Phil Page moved to Essex, and the first team, now consisting of Eric Batchelor, Peter Gow, and John Knock had many fine seasons in Division One, though never quite reaching the top two places. In Division Three Ray Chadwick, Rodney Dale, Peter Clarke and Dave Thorpe challenged for promotion in l962, when their progress was interrupted by Ray suffering a severe head injury playing football. The following year he had recovered, and the team "made it" to Division Two.
Eric Batchelor was twice a finalist in the League's Open Singles event, and won the Veterans Singles from l963 to 1965. He was awarded the Baldry Cup for the best average in Division One in 1964, while Rodney Dale won the Le May Junior Singles Cup in 1960 followed by Dave Thorpe in 1961.
Peter Gow decided that the spins of sponge bat play arriving in l966 were not for him, Rodney Dale switched to badminton for winter sport, and Dave Thorpe moved away. However new prospects were in store.
6. 'Baby boom'
The 'baby boom' children of the immediate post war years were now growing up, and in the early 1960's a new generation of players graduated from weekly practices to League play. Clive Harding and John Batchelor still play from those days. Clive started in the League with Alec Selsby and Bernie Thompson, while John teamed up with John Cardon and Graham Nichols, identified as 'Horace', 'Jaffa', and 'Snicks' on one famous scorecard which 'made' the local Press. Ray Grayland, Chris Batchelor, Robert Hinge, and Gary Wood were among others involved, also Andrew Barton and Richard 'Pencil' Jolley. Clive won the Junior Singles Cup in l964. All learned some new table tennis words from one of the League's leading lady players, and were 'tippled' and toppled by the old 'codgers' at the Tonbridge Constitutional Club.
Don and Ian Fuller, of a slightly younger age, joined the club in the late l960's, and with Ted Houghton (no relation to Alfie) who had moved into Leigh, they won the League's Handicap Knockout Shield by beating Marley Tiles in l969. Two other new members, Clive Wilkins and Brian Hammond, both from Hildenborough, teamed up with Ray Grayland as a late entry to reach runners-up spot in Division Four in l968.
In the early years most of our opponents played in pubs and clubs up and down Tonbridge High Street, with notable exceptions at Brasted and Otford. Public transport was a ruling factor as few players had cars, and journeys with fog and floods could be quite hazardous. One away match at the Croxteth Club up Hadlow Road in Tonbridge on a foggy night against Medway did not start until 10 p.m.. Now however the scene was changing, with young players buying cars, town High Street pubs closing, and new Sports Halls, such as the Teen & Twenty Club in Tonbridge, being built.
With the Club running on a financial 'shoe-string' our tables had been partly made by Club members, and needed 'wood-worming' before each season! With the aid of the Kent Education Committee making grants in l967 and l970 two new "Jacques" tables were acquired. These are our "reserve" tables and still sometimes used today, while the present match tables are two "Jacques Championship" tables purchased from the Tunbridge Wells coach Malcolm Hickey when he moved to Andorra in l990.
The 'baby boom' children of the immediate post war years were now growing up, and in the early 1960's a new generation of players graduated from weekly practices to League play. Clive Harding and John Batchelor still play from those days. Clive started in the League with Alec Selsby and Bernie Thompson, while John teamed up with John Cardon and Graham Nichols, identified as 'Horace', 'Jaffa', and 'Snicks' on one famous scorecard which 'made' the local Press. Ray Grayland, Chris Batchelor, Robert Hinge, and Gary Wood were among others involved, also Andrew Barton and Richard 'Pencil' Jolley. Clive won the Junior Singles Cup in l964. All learned some new table tennis words from one of the League's leading lady players, and were 'tippled' and toppled by the old 'codgers' at the Tonbridge Constitutional Club.
Don and Ian Fuller, of a slightly younger age, joined the club in the late l960's, and with Ted Houghton (no relation to Alfie) who had moved into Leigh, they won the League's Handicap Knockout Shield by beating Marley Tiles in l969. Two other new members, Clive Wilkins and Brian Hammond, both from Hildenborough, teamed up with Ray Grayland as a late entry to reach runners-up spot in Division Four in l968.
In the early years most of our opponents played in pubs and clubs up and down Tonbridge High Street, with notable exceptions at Brasted and Otford. Public transport was a ruling factor as few players had cars, and journeys with fog and floods could be quite hazardous. One away match at the Croxteth Club up Hadlow Road in Tonbridge on a foggy night against Medway did not start until 10 p.m.. Now however the scene was changing, with young players buying cars, town High Street pubs closing, and new Sports Halls, such as the Teen & Twenty Club in Tonbridge, being built.
With the Club running on a financial 'shoe-string' our tables had been partly made by Club members, and needed 'wood-worming' before each season! With the aid of the Kent Education Committee making grants in l967 and l970 two new "Jacques" tables were acquired. These are our "reserve" tables and still sometimes used today, while the present match tables are two "Jacques Championship" tables purchased from the Tunbridge Wells coach Malcolm Hickey when he moved to Andorra in l990.
7. Fun and games
The 1970's and 1980's were very busy years for the Club and table tennis in this country generally. With many of the older players still in or near their prime, and a large influx of quickly improving young players, the game became very popular and built up to the 1977 World Championships being staged in Birmingham. Here new skills were learned and introduced after watching the Chinese players who almost "swept the board". Popularity continued to rise until the early l980's, but then a decline set in, and by the time the l990's arrived many Leagues and Clubs were much reduced in size and activity.
At Leigh a bright bunch of new junior players joined the Club in the early l970's, with practices and then League play. First Colin Fry, to become a fine cricketer and footballer, led a team with Robert "Ginger Mac" MacLaren and Dennis "Beano" Wells. Paul Roskilly, Jon Baker, and Brian Martin played in the League for a year, before transport difficulties made it advisable to revert to "friendlies", within easy reach of public transport. Terry "Noddy" Hallett , Steve Young, Andrew "Alf" Hitchcock, Paul Beater, and Mark "Yogi" Roskilly all took part in these "friendlies", with much enthusiasm and humour, including the playing of "biscuit tin tennis", with a biscuit tin lid being skimmed across the dividing wooden trestle tops in the Village Hall, for ten minutes after each match.
Colin and Steve later teamed up with Don Fuller to form a very social side, with refreshments before and after matches, until Colin's "Clarence Cat" ate all the carefully prepared prawn sandwiches !
Craig and Darren Kelly, two promising youngsters, persuaded their father Cliff (of whom more later) out of retirement, and Frank Payne similarly joined his son Fraser and friends Glenn Fuller and Stephen Holden. With John White from Hildenborough taking over the side with his son Alan, Glenn, Fraser and "Noddy" Hallett were runners-up in Division Seven, prompting a memorable Dinner laid on by John at the "River Head". Shaun Stolton, Noddy, and Brian Martin also celebrated at the "Gate" after winning the Handicap Knock-Out Shield in l984.
The 1970's and 1980's were very busy years for the Club and table tennis in this country generally. With many of the older players still in or near their prime, and a large influx of quickly improving young players, the game became very popular and built up to the 1977 World Championships being staged in Birmingham. Here new skills were learned and introduced after watching the Chinese players who almost "swept the board". Popularity continued to rise until the early l980's, but then a decline set in, and by the time the l990's arrived many Leagues and Clubs were much reduced in size and activity.
At Leigh a bright bunch of new junior players joined the Club in the early l970's, with practices and then League play. First Colin Fry, to become a fine cricketer and footballer, led a team with Robert "Ginger Mac" MacLaren and Dennis "Beano" Wells. Paul Roskilly, Jon Baker, and Brian Martin played in the League for a year, before transport difficulties made it advisable to revert to "friendlies", within easy reach of public transport. Terry "Noddy" Hallett , Steve Young, Andrew "Alf" Hitchcock, Paul Beater, and Mark "Yogi" Roskilly all took part in these "friendlies", with much enthusiasm and humour, including the playing of "biscuit tin tennis", with a biscuit tin lid being skimmed across the dividing wooden trestle tops in the Village Hall, for ten minutes after each match.
Colin and Steve later teamed up with Don Fuller to form a very social side, with refreshments before and after matches, until Colin's "Clarence Cat" ate all the carefully prepared prawn sandwiches !
Craig and Darren Kelly, two promising youngsters, persuaded their father Cliff (of whom more later) out of retirement, and Frank Payne similarly joined his son Fraser and friends Glenn Fuller and Stephen Holden. With John White from Hildenborough taking over the side with his son Alan, Glenn, Fraser and "Noddy" Hallett were runners-up in Division Seven, prompting a memorable Dinner laid on by John at the "River Head". Shaun Stolton, Noddy, and Brian Martin also celebrated at the "Gate" after winning the Handicap Knock-Out Shield in l984.
8. Long service
On the adult side long standing team members Eric Batchelor and John Knock were joined in the "A" side first by Brian Milns, then by Richard Wright and Dick Linegar, until they were finally relegated from Division One in l981. Ray Grayland and Ian Fuller had also played for the team in the early l970's, and with John Knock they represented Tonbridge teams in the Kent League.
Two long standing teams, much later to merge, were formed in l969 and 1976. In the earlier year John Batchelor formed a team for Division Four with Paul Ledsham and Chris Grimes from the Hospitals Club, which operated in the Tunbridge Wells League. The following year they were joined by Ted Houghton, and later by Clive Wilkins and Mike Anderson. This team were champions of Division Two in l984 and for many years alternated between Divisions One and Two. In the prolonged winter power cuts of l973 they effectively brought the League to a standstill when they received an official "warning" from the Police concerning the use of lights in the Village Hall.
The other long running side started in l976 with Clive Harding, Graham Eade, and Lawrence Healy, who had played briefly for the Club twenty years earlier. Lawrence became a County umpire and later officiated at an England v China international at Gillingham in l987. Clive and Graham were subsequently joined by a succession of players, including Mike Nix, Denise Denton, Harry Hart, and Tony Howarth, winning Division Two in l987, l993, and 1995.
The following season John Batchelor took his place alongside the "terrible twins", who have continued to rock the League with outrageous humour, scorecards decorated with cats, and none the less strong play, winning Division Two in l997.
Another successful side of Bernard Hoskins, Trevor Hayes, and Paul Andersen won Division Two as Leigh "C" in l977, after drawing with John Batchelor & Co in a match lasting until l2.45 a.m. Lawrence Healy, Steve Sam, and Glenn Fuller won the Team Handicap Knock-Out Shield in l983.
By l979 a new "A" side had been formed under the captaincy of John Lynch, while young Juliet and Andrew Houghton were beating their father Ted, John Knock, and John Batchelor after village cricket matches on their dining room table. New stars were on their way.
On the adult side long standing team members Eric Batchelor and John Knock were joined in the "A" side first by Brian Milns, then by Richard Wright and Dick Linegar, until they were finally relegated from Division One in l981. Ray Grayland and Ian Fuller had also played for the team in the early l970's, and with John Knock they represented Tonbridge teams in the Kent League.
Two long standing teams, much later to merge, were formed in l969 and 1976. In the earlier year John Batchelor formed a team for Division Four with Paul Ledsham and Chris Grimes from the Hospitals Club, which operated in the Tunbridge Wells League. The following year they were joined by Ted Houghton, and later by Clive Wilkins and Mike Anderson. This team were champions of Division Two in l984 and for many years alternated between Divisions One and Two. In the prolonged winter power cuts of l973 they effectively brought the League to a standstill when they received an official "warning" from the Police concerning the use of lights in the Village Hall.
The other long running side started in l976 with Clive Harding, Graham Eade, and Lawrence Healy, who had played briefly for the Club twenty years earlier. Lawrence became a County umpire and later officiated at an England v China international at Gillingham in l987. Clive and Graham were subsequently joined by a succession of players, including Mike Nix, Denise Denton, Harry Hart, and Tony Howarth, winning Division Two in l987, l993, and 1995.
The following season John Batchelor took his place alongside the "terrible twins", who have continued to rock the League with outrageous humour, scorecards decorated with cats, and none the less strong play, winning Division Two in l997.
Another successful side of Bernard Hoskins, Trevor Hayes, and Paul Andersen won Division Two as Leigh "C" in l977, after drawing with John Batchelor & Co in a match lasting until l2.45 a.m. Lawrence Healy, Steve Sam, and Glenn Fuller won the Team Handicap Knock-Out Shield in l983.
By l979 a new "A" side had been formed under the captaincy of John Lynch, while young Juliet and Andrew Houghton were beating their father Ted, John Knock, and John Batchelor after village cricket matches on their dining room table. New stars were on their way.
9. Sad times
Before passing on to the 1980's mention must be made of the association with two other table tennis clubs who for a time shared our facilities. The Medway club, with its long association with the Milns family, lost its venue in Tonbridge, and after playing in the Village Hall for a season under their own name their team became Leigh players, notably David Milns, his son Nigel and Alan Raggett. They were later joined by Peter Mitchley and Trevor Halls. Nigel was joined in a team by Rodney Dale, who had returned to table tennis from badminton.
Tragically these arrangements were not to last. In l975 Peter was killed in a fall whilst on holiday in Spain, and the following year Rodney died from cancer at only 32 years of age. David and Alan retired through injury, and Nigel did not feel able to continue. The Milns family hairdressing business, however, continues to operate in Barden Road, Tonbridge, run by Nigel assisted by Dave.
The other Club which played in the Hall was Hildenborough Youth Club, run by the remarkable octogenarian Mrs. Marjorie Finzi. The Hildenborough youngsters were keen but prone to turn up on the wrong night. Our assistance lasted for the period while Hildenborough Village Hall was rebuilt, but sadly Hildenborough Youth Table Tennis Club did not survive Mrs. Finzi.
Before passing on to the 1980's mention must be made of the association with two other table tennis clubs who for a time shared our facilities. The Medway club, with its long association with the Milns family, lost its venue in Tonbridge, and after playing in the Village Hall for a season under their own name their team became Leigh players, notably David Milns, his son Nigel and Alan Raggett. They were later joined by Peter Mitchley and Trevor Halls. Nigel was joined in a team by Rodney Dale, who had returned to table tennis from badminton.
Tragically these arrangements were not to last. In l975 Peter was killed in a fall whilst on holiday in Spain, and the following year Rodney died from cancer at only 32 years of age. David and Alan retired through injury, and Nigel did not feel able to continue. The Milns family hairdressing business, however, continues to operate in Barden Road, Tonbridge, run by Nigel assisted by Dave.
The other Club which played in the Hall was Hildenborough Youth Club, run by the remarkable octogenarian Mrs. Marjorie Finzi. The Hildenborough youngsters were keen but prone to turn up on the wrong night. Our assistance lasted for the period while Hildenborough Village Hall was rebuilt, but sadly Hildenborough Youth Table Tennis Club did not survive Mrs. Finzi.
10. 'Stars'
Mention has briefly been made of John Lynch's new "A" team and the progress of the young Houghtons. These players were to dominate Division One for many years, with Juliet and Andrew also achieving success much further afield.
The new Leigh "A" team formed in l979 consisted of John Lynch and other players who had come to us from Tonbridge, including the many times local champion Bert Jeffery, Keith Denton, and the rapidly improving Mark Brown, who has since become a leading Kent player. With Keith Denton succeeded first by Keith Kneebone and then by Carolyn Chivers (later to become Mrs. Brown) the team won six successive Division One Championships from l980 to l985, a tremendous achievement. In more recent years John Lynch, aided by Mick Cripps, Roger Alderman, and Paul White from Tunbridge Wells, won the League in l990, and then with Andrew Houghton joining John, Paul, and Mick, again in 1993, 1994, and 1995. In l999 the team was again successful, as will be recounted later.
Juliet Houghton won the Leigh Junior Tournament in l980, and steadily worked her way up through tournaments, local League play, and grades of coaching, to play for England Juniors at Portsmouth, and the England senior side in international "friendlies" at Tonbridge Angel Centre, against Japan in l986 and subsequently against Italy. She also won the Kent Ladies Singles for thirteen years running up to l996, a unique feat, and played professionally in Belgium for three years.
Brother Andrew made his debut for Leigh at age eleven in l981, winning Division Four with his father Ted. Two years later he was playing in Division One, and went on to win the Tonbridge Open Singles and Junior Singles for three years from l985 to 1988, and the Open Singles again in 1990, 1993, and 1994. He also played in the round of tournaments up and down the country (with father Ted driving countless miles) and represented England Schools in internationals on two occasions, the latter at Largs in Scotland in 1987.
Juliet and Andrew, with father Ted and John Knock, were members of the inaugural visit from Tonbridge to the twin town of Heusenstamm, near Frankfurt-on-Main in Germany, for their 775th anniversary there in l986. Andrew, Ted, and John also played, alongside John Batchelor, Paul Ledsham and John Butler on Heusenstamm's return visit to Tonbridge on the "Hurricane" weekend of 17th - 19th October l987, and again visited Heusenstamm in l988.
Nine years later Heusenstamm Table Tennis Club returned to Tonbridge, where teams included Leigh players Ted Houghton, John Knock, John Butler, and Stuart Massey, and both Johns returned with Tonbridge teams to Heusenstamm in l998. Other teams from the Continent played against Leigh teams in the Village Hall, from Dordrecht in 1988 and Gelsenkirchen Juniors in l989.
To return to Juliet and Andrew, aided by Craig Kelly and Paul Wood they won the Team Handicap Knock-Out Cup in l985. They then went on to win the First Division of the Tonbridge League in l987, l988, and l989, assisted by Michael Moir, Paul Wood, and at times John Knock as reserve.
Mention has briefly been made of John Lynch's new "A" team and the progress of the young Houghtons. These players were to dominate Division One for many years, with Juliet and Andrew also achieving success much further afield.
The new Leigh "A" team formed in l979 consisted of John Lynch and other players who had come to us from Tonbridge, including the many times local champion Bert Jeffery, Keith Denton, and the rapidly improving Mark Brown, who has since become a leading Kent player. With Keith Denton succeeded first by Keith Kneebone and then by Carolyn Chivers (later to become Mrs. Brown) the team won six successive Division One Championships from l980 to l985, a tremendous achievement. In more recent years John Lynch, aided by Mick Cripps, Roger Alderman, and Paul White from Tunbridge Wells, won the League in l990, and then with Andrew Houghton joining John, Paul, and Mick, again in 1993, 1994, and 1995. In l999 the team was again successful, as will be recounted later.
Juliet Houghton won the Leigh Junior Tournament in l980, and steadily worked her way up through tournaments, local League play, and grades of coaching, to play for England Juniors at Portsmouth, and the England senior side in international "friendlies" at Tonbridge Angel Centre, against Japan in l986 and subsequently against Italy. She also won the Kent Ladies Singles for thirteen years running up to l996, a unique feat, and played professionally in Belgium for three years.
Brother Andrew made his debut for Leigh at age eleven in l981, winning Division Four with his father Ted. Two years later he was playing in Division One, and went on to win the Tonbridge Open Singles and Junior Singles for three years from l985 to 1988, and the Open Singles again in 1990, 1993, and 1994. He also played in the round of tournaments up and down the country (with father Ted driving countless miles) and represented England Schools in internationals on two occasions, the latter at Largs in Scotland in 1987.
Juliet and Andrew, with father Ted and John Knock, were members of the inaugural visit from Tonbridge to the twin town of Heusenstamm, near Frankfurt-on-Main in Germany, for their 775th anniversary there in l986. Andrew, Ted, and John also played, alongside John Batchelor, Paul Ledsham and John Butler on Heusenstamm's return visit to Tonbridge on the "Hurricane" weekend of 17th - 19th October l987, and again visited Heusenstamm in l988.
Nine years later Heusenstamm Table Tennis Club returned to Tonbridge, where teams included Leigh players Ted Houghton, John Knock, John Butler, and Stuart Massey, and both Johns returned with Tonbridge teams to Heusenstamm in l998. Other teams from the Continent played against Leigh teams in the Village Hall, from Dordrecht in 1988 and Gelsenkirchen Juniors in l989.
To return to Juliet and Andrew, aided by Craig Kelly and Paul Wood they won the Team Handicap Knock-Out Cup in l985. They then went on to win the First Division of the Tonbridge League in l987, l988, and l989, assisted by Michael Moir, Paul Wood, and at times John Knock as reserve.
11. Young and 'Older'
Young members of the Kelly family also made their mark in the l980's, while their father Cliff, not to be outdone, led a team which ran for eighteen years. Cliff's eldest son Craig won Division Five in the Tonbridge League with Ted Houghton and Brian Waite in l981. The following year he joined John Knock, Trevor Hayes and Eric Batchelor to win Division Two and send Eric into honourable retirement, after thirty two years of representing the Club. Craig subsequently teamed up with Juliet and Andrew Houghton as related previously. Darren Kelly started in his father's team and went on to play alongside Ted and Andrew Houghton and Brian Martin.
Cliff had started playing for Leigh in 1978 with a Division Seven side including Stephen Holden and Shane Thompsett. Sons Craig and Darren, Brian Martin, Shaun Stolton, Terry Broad, Colin Fry, and 'Noddy' Hallett were all subsequent team members. In l984 Alan Bourne came into the side where he played for twelve seasons, with his wife Frances also playing from 1986 to 1993. In 1990 they won Division Three. Later additions to the team included Peter Canham and his son Nick, who had previously teamed up with Jeremy West and Stuart Massey, who with Paul Davis had won the Handicap Knock Out Shield in 1991. A reluctant Cliff was obliged to retire with a back injury in 1996, after playing for the Club for eighteen years. Nick Canham went on to enjoy success in the Morecambe and Lancaster League with Lancaster University, who he also represented in University matches.
A Junior League first operated from 1982 to l985, and Leigh teams included Vincent Branch, Ben Love, Robert Penn, Matthew Davison (now BBC Radio Kent Sports presenter), Susan and Carol Ward, Tracey Houghton, and two lads who came to us from Sevenoaks Weald, Joe Holland and Steve Doel. Both achieved Junior League success, and then represented the Club in the Sevenoaks Sunday afternoon League, where Steve won the Junior Singles for four years from 1987 to 1990. Joe sadly lost a finger in an accident with a mower, but Steve continued to play in a settled Leigh side in the Tonbridge League with John Knock, Bernard Hoskins and Stuart Gorman. Bernard had started playing for the Club in 1976, and retired through injury in l993, more long service.
The Sevenoaks League also provided an introduction for Stuart Massey from Penshurst, Daniel Love and in the 1990's William Brown, Chris French, Sean Wilkins and young Tom Stambollouian, from Riverhead, who played alongside Danny Newberry and Andrew Wiltshire. With matches starting at 2 p.m. and finishing at 5.30 p.m. it proved ideal for youngsters without the problem of late nights.
Adult players from the Club have also played with success in the Sevenoaks League, with new players Peter Wilson and Tony Howarth winning Division Two in l991, and John Knock and Ted Houghton winning the same Division in 1994, and with John Butler's added assistance, again in 1995. Mike Anderson has also headed sides and with Roger Pingram won Division One in 1999. John Batchelor, Bernard Hoskins, Ian Pearson, and Andrew McCarthy have also been involved.
Young members of the Kelly family also made their mark in the l980's, while their father Cliff, not to be outdone, led a team which ran for eighteen years. Cliff's eldest son Craig won Division Five in the Tonbridge League with Ted Houghton and Brian Waite in l981. The following year he joined John Knock, Trevor Hayes and Eric Batchelor to win Division Two and send Eric into honourable retirement, after thirty two years of representing the Club. Craig subsequently teamed up with Juliet and Andrew Houghton as related previously. Darren Kelly started in his father's team and went on to play alongside Ted and Andrew Houghton and Brian Martin.
Cliff had started playing for Leigh in 1978 with a Division Seven side including Stephen Holden and Shane Thompsett. Sons Craig and Darren, Brian Martin, Shaun Stolton, Terry Broad, Colin Fry, and 'Noddy' Hallett were all subsequent team members. In l984 Alan Bourne came into the side where he played for twelve seasons, with his wife Frances also playing from 1986 to 1993. In 1990 they won Division Three. Later additions to the team included Peter Canham and his son Nick, who had previously teamed up with Jeremy West and Stuart Massey, who with Paul Davis had won the Handicap Knock Out Shield in 1991. A reluctant Cliff was obliged to retire with a back injury in 1996, after playing for the Club for eighteen years. Nick Canham went on to enjoy success in the Morecambe and Lancaster League with Lancaster University, who he also represented in University matches.
A Junior League first operated from 1982 to l985, and Leigh teams included Vincent Branch, Ben Love, Robert Penn, Matthew Davison (now BBC Radio Kent Sports presenter), Susan and Carol Ward, Tracey Houghton, and two lads who came to us from Sevenoaks Weald, Joe Holland and Steve Doel. Both achieved Junior League success, and then represented the Club in the Sevenoaks Sunday afternoon League, where Steve won the Junior Singles for four years from 1987 to 1990. Joe sadly lost a finger in an accident with a mower, but Steve continued to play in a settled Leigh side in the Tonbridge League with John Knock, Bernard Hoskins and Stuart Gorman. Bernard had started playing for the Club in 1976, and retired through injury in l993, more long service.
The Sevenoaks League also provided an introduction for Stuart Massey from Penshurst, Daniel Love and in the 1990's William Brown, Chris French, Sean Wilkins and young Tom Stambollouian, from Riverhead, who played alongside Danny Newberry and Andrew Wiltshire. With matches starting at 2 p.m. and finishing at 5.30 p.m. it proved ideal for youngsters without the problem of late nights.
Adult players from the Club have also played with success in the Sevenoaks League, with new players Peter Wilson and Tony Howarth winning Division Two in l991, and John Knock and Ted Houghton winning the same Division in 1994, and with John Butler's added assistance, again in 1995. Mike Anderson has also headed sides and with Roger Pingram won Division One in 1999. John Batchelor, Bernard Hoskins, Ian Pearson, and Andrew McCarthy have also been involved.
12. Up to date
The Tonbridge League re-introduced a Junior League in l996/97, won by Leigh "A", Tom Stambollouian and Andrew Wiltshire. After a year's gap the l998/99 competition hosted two Divisions, with Tom Stambollouian and Toby Massey winning Division One and Tom's young brother Edward and Adam Starritt from Five Oak Green runners-up in Division Two. Robert Cormack, Gary Shadwell, and Jamie McCarthy were also involved. In the 1999/2000 season Tom, Toby, and Adam are playing for a Leigh side in the second year of the National Junior League, with regional matches at Tunbridge Wells, an ambitious and exciting venture.
In 1993/94 the Leigh Club had a record number of five sides in the Tonbridge League First Division (unofficially becoming known as "Leigh & District"!). The "E" team, to descend to Division Two the following year, consisted of Ted Houghton, John Butler (Tunbridge Wells League Chairman and County Umpire), Malcolm Cole (ex-Folkestone League) and John Knock. Andrew Everett, who moved into Wheelwrights Cottage next to the Village Hall and became our Club Secretary, joined the team in 1996, and another new resident, Andrew McCarthy, who had represented Lancashire as a Junior, joined the following year. By this time the Tonbridge League had sadly been reduced to two small Divisions.
Roger Pingram joined our "A" team in 1998/99 to win the First Division with John Lynch, Mike Anderson and Paul White, while Juliet Houghton helped our "B" team stay afloat, winning all her games. For 1999/2000 Toby Massey is heading this team now in Division Two, while John Lynch leads the "A" side in Division One, John Knock the "C" side in Division Two, where the "D" team of Clive Harding, Graham Eade and John Batchelor will continue to cause amusement and havoc, and quite possibly end up winning the Division.
(Final details for the season are shown in Appendix II)
The Tonbridge League re-introduced a Junior League in l996/97, won by Leigh "A", Tom Stambollouian and Andrew Wiltshire. After a year's gap the l998/99 competition hosted two Divisions, with Tom Stambollouian and Toby Massey winning Division One and Tom's young brother Edward and Adam Starritt from Five Oak Green runners-up in Division Two. Robert Cormack, Gary Shadwell, and Jamie McCarthy were also involved. In the 1999/2000 season Tom, Toby, and Adam are playing for a Leigh side in the second year of the National Junior League, with regional matches at Tunbridge Wells, an ambitious and exciting venture.
In 1993/94 the Leigh Club had a record number of five sides in the Tonbridge League First Division (unofficially becoming known as "Leigh & District"!). The "E" team, to descend to Division Two the following year, consisted of Ted Houghton, John Butler (Tunbridge Wells League Chairman and County Umpire), Malcolm Cole (ex-Folkestone League) and John Knock. Andrew Everett, who moved into Wheelwrights Cottage next to the Village Hall and became our Club Secretary, joined the team in 1996, and another new resident, Andrew McCarthy, who had represented Lancashire as a Junior, joined the following year. By this time the Tonbridge League had sadly been reduced to two small Divisions.
Roger Pingram joined our "A" team in 1998/99 to win the First Division with John Lynch, Mike Anderson and Paul White, while Juliet Houghton helped our "B" team stay afloat, winning all her games. For 1999/2000 Toby Massey is heading this team now in Division Two, while John Lynch leads the "A" side in Division One, John Knock the "C" side in Division Two, where the "D" team of Clive Harding, Graham Eade and John Batchelor will continue to cause amusement and havoc, and quite possibly end up winning the Division.
(Final details for the season are shown in Appendix II)
13. Styles
Many players have been mentioned above, but without recording their styles of play. Juliet and Andrew Houghton, both left handers, are most talented players, with Juliet's consistency and placing, and Andrew's exciting hitting always enjoyable to watch. Eric Batchelor, now for many years Tonbridge League President, possessed excellent concentration and with half volley blocking and a backhand smash proved successful over a long period. His son John is equally tenacious and also has a good backhand smash. Bert (Richard) Jeffery, with beautifully balanced defence and attack, was always a joy to watch and play against. Brian Milns a master of timing and placing with an excellent forehand smash. Tony Brooker, to the dismay of his opponents, half volleyed everything back. Phil Page, Clive Wilkins, Bernard Hoskins and Alan Bourne were all good defensive players, with Clive possessing a "fizzing" backhand "chop". Pete Gow, Dick Linegar and Keith Denton favoured non-stop forehand and backhand attack. Ray Chadwick took the return ball early and hit well on either side. Harry Lewis had a classic backhand "flick" smash which Steve Young was later to acquire. Colin Fry used to serve and advance with a stamp of the foot, and Rod Dale would advise a stronger opponent to "hit it" in response to his high defence. Dave Thorpe used a forehand smash down his opponent's backhand side. "Noddy" Hallett, Peter Wilson and now Andrew McCarthy have developed fast and effective forehand "loop" smashes, "Noddy's" was quite legendary. John Knock "uses the angles" to block and hits with his forehand, and Craig Kelly, Steve Doel and Nick Canham all possessed fierce forehands. Cliff Kelly and Francis Bourne also liked to attack and Brian Martin used left handed spin.
Paul White and Graham Eade switch most disconcertingly from defence to attack, while Ted Houghton specializes in a floated defence and Clive Harding a fast attack. John Lynch has a fine "drop shot", Mike Anderson a forehand smash down the middle of the table and Roger Pingram's spin and short arm hitting will bewilder anyone. Malcolm Cole "gives it everything" with his whirlwind forehand, Ian Pearson also hits well and Andy Everett plays a deep and steady game. John Butler "chops" on his backhand and swings his left handed forehand smashes on when changing to attack. Jeremy West has an excellent forehand, also hitting left handed and making the ball "go away" down a right hander's backhand. Tom Stambollouian can hit and "loop" well and has benefited from Gary Howes' coaching at Tunbridge Wells. Toby Massey has practised all summer and is following his brother Stuart in developing a well balanced game. Our other juniors have all improved well over the 1999 - 2000 season, with Adam Starritt, Robert Cormack and Edward Stambollouian gaining representative experience. Gary Shadwell, Jamie McCarthy and Adam Reeves have all in addition been registered for the Woolwich Junior League.
As will have been noted, although some of our players over the years have joined us from the surrounding towns and villages, the village here has produced a large number of the Club's players, quite a remarkable feat which has certainly put Leigh on the "Table Tennis Map ".
Many players have been mentioned above, but without recording their styles of play. Juliet and Andrew Houghton, both left handers, are most talented players, with Juliet's consistency and placing, and Andrew's exciting hitting always enjoyable to watch. Eric Batchelor, now for many years Tonbridge League President, possessed excellent concentration and with half volley blocking and a backhand smash proved successful over a long period. His son John is equally tenacious and also has a good backhand smash. Bert (Richard) Jeffery, with beautifully balanced defence and attack, was always a joy to watch and play against. Brian Milns a master of timing and placing with an excellent forehand smash. Tony Brooker, to the dismay of his opponents, half volleyed everything back. Phil Page, Clive Wilkins, Bernard Hoskins and Alan Bourne were all good defensive players, with Clive possessing a "fizzing" backhand "chop". Pete Gow, Dick Linegar and Keith Denton favoured non-stop forehand and backhand attack. Ray Chadwick took the return ball early and hit well on either side. Harry Lewis had a classic backhand "flick" smash which Steve Young was later to acquire. Colin Fry used to serve and advance with a stamp of the foot, and Rod Dale would advise a stronger opponent to "hit it" in response to his high defence. Dave Thorpe used a forehand smash down his opponent's backhand side. "Noddy" Hallett, Peter Wilson and now Andrew McCarthy have developed fast and effective forehand "loop" smashes, "Noddy's" was quite legendary. John Knock "uses the angles" to block and hits with his forehand, and Craig Kelly, Steve Doel and Nick Canham all possessed fierce forehands. Cliff Kelly and Francis Bourne also liked to attack and Brian Martin used left handed spin.
Paul White and Graham Eade switch most disconcertingly from defence to attack, while Ted Houghton specializes in a floated defence and Clive Harding a fast attack. John Lynch has a fine "drop shot", Mike Anderson a forehand smash down the middle of the table and Roger Pingram's spin and short arm hitting will bewilder anyone. Malcolm Cole "gives it everything" with his whirlwind forehand, Ian Pearson also hits well and Andy Everett plays a deep and steady game. John Butler "chops" on his backhand and swings his left handed forehand smashes on when changing to attack. Jeremy West has an excellent forehand, also hitting left handed and making the ball "go away" down a right hander's backhand. Tom Stambollouian can hit and "loop" well and has benefited from Gary Howes' coaching at Tunbridge Wells. Toby Massey has practised all summer and is following his brother Stuart in developing a well balanced game. Our other juniors have all improved well over the 1999 - 2000 season, with Adam Starritt, Robert Cormack and Edward Stambollouian gaining representative experience. Gary Shadwell, Jamie McCarthy and Adam Reeves have all in addition been registered for the Woolwich Junior League.
As will have been noted, although some of our players over the years have joined us from the surrounding towns and villages, the village here has produced a large number of the Club's players, quite a remarkable feat which has certainly put Leigh on the "Table Tennis Map ".
14. A need for revival
From 1978 to 1990 the Club ran eight teams in the Tonbridge League, which had up to seven Divisions of eleven or twelve teams in each. It is sadly a measure of the general decline of interest in the sport which has seen the League fall to two Divisions of six teams each, of which our Club now runs four teams. Older players have retired, often through nagging injuries, and many of our young players in the last ten years have gone on to University, often with table tennis as well as academic success, and then taken up jobs in other parts of the country. Team sport of all kinds seems generally less popular among 20 to 40 year olds, with the possible exception of ten pin bowling, this is due in part to employment pressures, but is also a result of a decline in community spirit, individual activities are often preferred without the need for a weekly team commitment.
Table tennis is an attractive game, fast skilful and demanding of intense concentration and quick reflexes. It can be played from the ages of eight to seventy and even beyond, and can be a very social sport, partly due to the shared 'eyeball to eyeball' commitment. And there are few more dramatic and thrilling spectacles than seeing a skilful attack pitted against a strong defence and counter-attack. It is to be hoped that the game will experience a revival, and that our Club will be well placed to take part.
From 1978 to 1990 the Club ran eight teams in the Tonbridge League, which had up to seven Divisions of eleven or twelve teams in each. It is sadly a measure of the general decline of interest in the sport which has seen the League fall to two Divisions of six teams each, of which our Club now runs four teams. Older players have retired, often through nagging injuries, and many of our young players in the last ten years have gone on to University, often with table tennis as well as academic success, and then taken up jobs in other parts of the country. Team sport of all kinds seems generally less popular among 20 to 40 year olds, with the possible exception of ten pin bowling, this is due in part to employment pressures, but is also a result of a decline in community spirit, individual activities are often preferred without the need for a weekly team commitment.
Table tennis is an attractive game, fast skilful and demanding of intense concentration and quick reflexes. It can be played from the ages of eight to seventy and even beyond, and can be a very social sport, partly due to the shared 'eyeball to eyeball' commitment. And there are few more dramatic and thrilling spectacles than seeing a skilful attack pitted against a strong defence and counter-attack. It is to be hoped that the game will experience a revival, and that our Club will be well placed to take part.
15. Appendix I: Statistics 1950-2000
Season | Total teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Leigh teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Winners (Tonbridge/WKTTA) Side/Div | Leigh teams (Sevenoaks), Win side/Div |
Leigh teams (Junior), Win side/Div |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1950/51 | 59 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
1951/52 | 60 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
1952/53 | 59 | 3 | B/4 | 0 | 0 |
1953/54 | 67 | 4 | C/4 | 0 | 0 |
1954/55 | 76 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
1955/56 | 69 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
1956/57 | 72 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
1957/58 | 68 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
1958/59 | 64 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
1959/60 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
Season | Total teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Leigh teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Winners (Tonbridge/WKTTA) Side/Div | Leigh teams (Sevenoaks), Win side/Div |
Leigh teams (Junior), Win side/Div |
1960/61 | 41 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
1961/62 | 47 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
1962/63 | 45 | 2 | B/3 | 0 | 0 |
1963/64 | 52 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1964/65 | 58 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1965/66 | 59 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1966/67 | 61 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1967/68 | 66 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
1968/69 | 70 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1969/70 | 70 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
Season | Total teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Leigh teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Winners (Tonbridge/WKTTA) Side/Div | Leigh teams (Sevenoaks), Win side/Div |
Leigh teams (Junior), Win side/Div |
1970/71 | 80 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1971/72 | 80 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
1972/73 | 74 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
1973/74 | 63 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
1974/75 | 76 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1975/76 | 74 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
1976/77 | 81 | 6 | C/2 | 0 | 0 |
1977/78 | 80 | 7 | 0 | 0 | |
1978/79 | 79 | 8 | 0 | 0 | |
1979/80 | 77 | 8 | 0 | 0 | |
Season | Total teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Leigh teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Winners (Tonbridge/WKTTA) Side/Div | Leigh teams (Sevenoaks), Win side/Div |
Leigh teams (Junior), Win side/Div |
1980/81 | 74 | 8 | 0 | 0 | |
1981/82 | 75 | 8 | A/1, B/2, C/5 | 0 | 0 |
1982/83 | 58 | 8 | A/1 | 0 | 1 |
1983/84 | 45 | 8 | A/1, C/2 | 0 | 2, B/1 |
1984/85 | 46 | 8 | A/1 | 0 | 2, A/1 |
1985/86 | 38 | 8 | A/1 | 1, A/3 | 3 |
1986/87 | 36 | 8 | A/1, E/2 | 1 | 0 |
1987/88 | 36 | 8 | A/1 | 1 | 0 |
1988/89 | 36 | 8 | A/1 | 2, B/2 | 0 |
1989/90 | 30 | 8 | B/1, G/3 | 2 | 0 |
Season | Total teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Leigh teams (Tonbridge/WKTTA) | Winners (Tonbridge/WKTTA) Side/Div | Leigh teams (Sevenoaks), Win side/Div |
Leigh teams (Junior), Win side/Div |
1990/91 | 24 | 7 | 4, C/2 | 0 | |
1991/92 | 25 | 7 | 5, A/1 | 0 | |
1992/93 | 25 | 7 | A/1 | 4 | 0 |
1993/94 | 23 | 7 | A/1 | 4, C/2 | 0 |
1994/95 | 20 | 7 | A/1, D/2 | 3, B/2 | 0 |
1995/96 | 15 | 4 | 1 | 0 | |
1996/97 | 13 | 4 | B/2 | 1 | 3, A/1 |
1997/98 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
1998/99 | 12 | 4 | A/1 | 1, A/1 | 4, A/1 |
1999/2000 | 12 | 4 | C/2 | 1, A/1 | 2 (N/L 1) |
16. Appendix II: Season 1999-2000
A. Teams - Season 1999/2000
i) Tonbridge & District League
Division 1
A - John Lynch, Mike Anderson, Paul White, Roger Pingram (2nd)
Division 2
B - Toby Massey, Ted Houghton, Ian Pearson, John Butler, Res. Tom Stambollouian (4th)
C - John Knock, Andrew Everett, Andrew McCarthy, Malcolm Cole (1st)
D - Clive Harding, John Batchelor, Graham Eade (3rd)
ii) Sevenoaks League
Division 1
Mike Anderson, Roger Pingram, Andrew McCarthy (1st)
iii) National Junior League (S.E.)
Tom Stambollouian, Toby Massey, Adam Starritt, Res. Robert Cormack (6th)
iv) "Woolwich" Junior League (Tonbridge)
Division 1
A - Adam Starritt, Edward Stambollouian (2nd)
Division 2
B - Robert Cormack, Gary Shadwell, Jamie McCarthy, Res. Adam Reeves (3rd)
v) Representatives for Tonbridge Veterans in Kent League
A, Division 1 - Mike Anderson, Paul White, Roger Pingram
B, Division 3 - Malcolm Cole, Ted Houghton, John Knock
vi) Representative for Tonbridge Juniors in Kent League
A, Division 9 - Adam Starritt and Edward Stambollouion
B. Tournaments
i) Tonbridge Closed - Winners
Tom Stambollouin - Div.2 singles
John Knock, John Butler - Div.2 doubles
Tom Stambollouin - Under 17 & 15 singles
Edward Stambollouin - Under 13 singles
Tom & Edward Stambollouin - Under 17 doubles
ii) Sevenoaks Closed - Winners
Roger Pingram - Open singles
Roger Pingram - Veteran singles
A. Teams - Season 1999/2000
i) Tonbridge & District League
Division 1
A - John Lynch, Mike Anderson, Paul White, Roger Pingram (2nd)
Division 2
B - Toby Massey, Ted Houghton, Ian Pearson, John Butler, Res. Tom Stambollouian (4th)
C - John Knock, Andrew Everett, Andrew McCarthy, Malcolm Cole (1st)
D - Clive Harding, John Batchelor, Graham Eade (3rd)
ii) Sevenoaks League
Division 1
Mike Anderson, Roger Pingram, Andrew McCarthy (1st)
iii) National Junior League (S.E.)
Tom Stambollouian, Toby Massey, Adam Starritt, Res. Robert Cormack (6th)
iv) "Woolwich" Junior League (Tonbridge)
Division 1
A - Adam Starritt, Edward Stambollouian (2nd)
Division 2
B - Robert Cormack, Gary Shadwell, Jamie McCarthy, Res. Adam Reeves (3rd)
v) Representatives for Tonbridge Veterans in Kent League
A, Division 1 - Mike Anderson, Paul White, Roger Pingram
B, Division 3 - Malcolm Cole, Ted Houghton, John Knock
vi) Representative for Tonbridge Juniors in Kent League
A, Division 9 - Adam Starritt and Edward Stambollouion
B. Tournaments
i) Tonbridge Closed - Winners
Tom Stambollouin - Div.2 singles
John Knock, John Butler - Div.2 doubles
Tom Stambollouin - Under 17 & 15 singles
Edward Stambollouin - Under 13 singles
Tom & Edward Stambollouin - Under 17 doubles
ii) Sevenoaks Closed - Winners
Roger Pingram - Open singles
Roger Pingram - Veteran singles
17. Appendix III - Index to Photographs
(All L to R and from back to front)
1. John Lynch, Mick Cripps, Paul White.
Leigh "A" Div 1 winners 1994/95
2. Bert Jeffery, John Knock, Keith Denton.
Hospitals Cup (TW) winners 1978
3. Mike Anderson.
4. Eric Batchelor, Chris Groocock, John Batchelor.
Hospitals Cup (TW) finalists
5. Tonbridge League Finals 1964 including :-
John Cardon, Clive Harding, John Wright,
Mr.B.P.Bezant (President), Peter Slender,Bert Jeffery,
Tony Watson, Sheila Wolfe, Roly Warner,Sheila Johnston,
Peter Saunders, Dennis Cardon, Colin Acott, Brian Milns,
Graham Nichols, Eric Batchelor.
6. v.Nonington Juniors - (back) Peter and son Gary Clarke,
....,...., (Nonington), Steve Young, Paul Beater,
"Noddy" Hallett, Brian Martin (Leigh) 1975.
7. Leigh Parish Special Constable Graham Eade
at 10, Downing Street, 7th February 1996.
8. Paul Ledsham.
9. Juliet Houghton - selected for England Juniors 1983/84.
10. Andrew and Juliet Houghton - Tunbridge Wells Junior
Open winners 1984/85.
11. Juliet Houghton playing for England (Seniors) v. Japan
at Tonbridge Angel Centre, with the Mayor of Tonbridge &
Malling 21st January 1986.
12. Ted Houghton with Andrew and Juliet 1983/84.
13. Andrew Houghton aged 10 years 1980.
14. Carolyn Chivers and Mark Brown (later Mr. & Mrs.)
N.A.Y.C. Doubles winners 1980/81.
15. Toby Massey, Luke Grayland, Jason Newberry, Jason Stolton,
Sean Willis, Ben Harding (back), Darren Stolton,
Tom Stambollouin, Andrew Wiltshire.
16. Mattias Heidseck (Heusenstamm TTC), Ted Houghton,
James Wilson, Toby Massey, John Knock, Jean Mills,
Robert Cormack, Jack Bresnahan, Tom Hales,Tom Stambollouian
Oliver Marques, Liam Bresnahan, Edward Stambollouian.
17. Steve Doel.
18. Joe Holland.
19. Robert Cormack and Gary Shadwell 1998.
20. John Butler at Heusenstamm TTC with Mayor Josef,
Heinz Dreesen and Dietmar Mohr Sept.1998.
21. Clive Harding, John Knock, John Batchelor Oct.1995.
22. Finalists Tonbridge "Woolwich" Junior League March 1999,
including - John Knock (Organiser), Adam Starritt,
Toby Massey, ...., Eric Batchelor (President),
Tom Stambollouian, ...., ...., ...., Edward Stambollouian,
James McCarthy, ...., .....
23. Tony Lawrie, Paul Davis, John Knock, Daniel Love,
Steve Hawkins, Stuart Massey, Juliet Houghton,
Diet Mohr (Heusenstamm TTC),Jeremy West,Marc Wood (in front)
1989.
24. Steve Doel, Stuart Gorman, Gary Barnacle, John knock,
Bernard Hoskins. 14th March 1989.
25. "A" Roger Pingram, Michael Anderson, Paul White 2000.
John Lynch.
26. "B" Ian Pearson, Toby Massey, Ted Houghton 2000.
27. "B" Toby Massey, John Butler, Ted Houghton 2000.
28. "C" Malcolm Cole, Andrew Everett, Andrew McCarthy,
John Knock 2000.
29. "D" John Batchelor, Clive Harding, Graham Eade 2000.
(All L to R and from back to front)
1. John Lynch, Mick Cripps, Paul White.
Leigh "A" Div 1 winners 1994/95
2. Bert Jeffery, John Knock, Keith Denton.
Hospitals Cup (TW) winners 1978
3. Mike Anderson.
4. Eric Batchelor, Chris Groocock, John Batchelor.
Hospitals Cup (TW) finalists
5. Tonbridge League Finals 1964 including :-
John Cardon, Clive Harding, John Wright,
Mr.B.P.Bezant (President), Peter Slender,Bert Jeffery,
Tony Watson, Sheila Wolfe, Roly Warner,Sheila Johnston,
Peter Saunders, Dennis Cardon, Colin Acott, Brian Milns,
Graham Nichols, Eric Batchelor.
6. v.Nonington Juniors - (back) Peter and son Gary Clarke,
....,...., (Nonington), Steve Young, Paul Beater,
"Noddy" Hallett, Brian Martin (Leigh) 1975.
7. Leigh Parish Special Constable Graham Eade
at 10, Downing Street, 7th February 1996.
8. Paul Ledsham.
9. Juliet Houghton - selected for England Juniors 1983/84.
10. Andrew and Juliet Houghton - Tunbridge Wells Junior
Open winners 1984/85.
11. Juliet Houghton playing for England (Seniors) v. Japan
at Tonbridge Angel Centre, with the Mayor of Tonbridge &
Malling 21st January 1986.
12. Ted Houghton with Andrew and Juliet 1983/84.
13. Andrew Houghton aged 10 years 1980.
14. Carolyn Chivers and Mark Brown (later Mr. & Mrs.)
N.A.Y.C. Doubles winners 1980/81.
15. Toby Massey, Luke Grayland, Jason Newberry, Jason Stolton,
Sean Willis, Ben Harding (back), Darren Stolton,
Tom Stambollouin, Andrew Wiltshire.
16. Mattias Heidseck (Heusenstamm TTC), Ted Houghton,
James Wilson, Toby Massey, John Knock, Jean Mills,
Robert Cormack, Jack Bresnahan, Tom Hales,Tom Stambollouian
Oliver Marques, Liam Bresnahan, Edward Stambollouian.
17. Steve Doel.
18. Joe Holland.
19. Robert Cormack and Gary Shadwell 1998.
20. John Butler at Heusenstamm TTC with Mayor Josef,
Heinz Dreesen and Dietmar Mohr Sept.1998.
21. Clive Harding, John Knock, John Batchelor Oct.1995.
22. Finalists Tonbridge "Woolwich" Junior League March 1999,
including - John Knock (Organiser), Adam Starritt,
Toby Massey, ...., Eric Batchelor (President),
Tom Stambollouian, ...., ...., ...., Edward Stambollouian,
James McCarthy, ...., .....
23. Tony Lawrie, Paul Davis, John Knock, Daniel Love,
Steve Hawkins, Stuart Massey, Juliet Houghton,
Diet Mohr (Heusenstamm TTC),Jeremy West,Marc Wood (in front)
1989.
24. Steve Doel, Stuart Gorman, Gary Barnacle, John knock,
Bernard Hoskins. 14th March 1989.
25. "A" Roger Pingram, Michael Anderson, Paul White 2000.
John Lynch.
26. "B" Ian Pearson, Toby Massey, Ted Houghton 2000.
27. "B" Toby Massey, John Butler, Ted Houghton 2000.
28. "C" Malcolm Cole, Andrew Everett, Andrew McCarthy,
John Knock 2000.
29. "D" John Batchelor, Clive Harding, Graham Eade 2000.