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Monday
9 August 2004

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TOP MARKS TO CHAIRMAN FOR ACCESS AND APPRECIATION

"Is that how you should hold the bat?", asked English Table Tennis Association's Chairman Alex Murdoch when joining in a game of table tennis with youngsters at the Melbourne Athletic Centre at the start of his visit to Baddow's Clubnight on Friday 6 August. Alex, together with his wife Valerie, were on a visit to the Club, as part of a strenuous programme of visits and contacts with grassroots table tennis that have hallmarked Alex's first year as National Chairman. And what an honour for the Club to have the Chairman of the sports National governing body come and visit. 

Alex and Valerie, both accomplished players in their own rights, took time to watch some of the coaching programme, play against some of the juniors and have a brief talk of encouragement with a group of juniors attending the beginner coaching session. The League Chairman, Norman Smith, was also on hand to greet Alex on behalf of the League and to introduce him to a number of League Officials who were also present as well as the coaching staff. Emphasising how the centre, although run by the Club, is being used by players across the League who come to the open practice sessions for adults. Also the Elite coaching squad, under League Coaching Officer Hil Dowsett, which takes the third coaching session of the evening, is also across the League for the best juniors who wish to come. The initiative he said has also led other clubs to re-open work with juniors and the CLICK introductory competition that the League has now ran for three seasons has further encouraged junior development across the League. 

Alex and Valerie then took up their bats and set off to challenge as many adults present as possible to a one off game of doubles! Taking on all standards in quick succession they dropped just two games! And amidst all of this activity, did Alex duck the odd difficult question? No! Even taking on the chin comments concerning the 11up v 21up debate!

There was no doubting that the Club and its members were delighted and honoured by the Chairman's visit. We really hope we were able to show that table tennis is alive and well in Chelmsford and that BVTTC is as enthusiastic as anyone to promote the sport and show it as a family activity for all ages and abilities. Alex was particularly pleased to hear about whole families being involved in the club and the game and to meet the oldest registered league player as well as some of the youngest! And perhaps most of all he was delighted to hear that those taking part, from youngest to eldest, are having fun, enjoying playing table tennis.

 

Well the Chairman certainly looks at ease! Alex Murdoch (right), and wife Valerie (left) pose with Club Secretary Adrian Pitt and his wife Diane.

 

The Club were also pleased to welcome on this special occasion League Chairman Norman Smith, seen here welcoming Alex and Valerie on behalf of the League.

 

ETTA Chairman Alex Murdoch, centre front, lines up with a number of juniors, club coaching staff, League Chairman Norman Smith (back row left), and ETTA Eastern Regional Development Officer Mark Dare (back centre just behind Chairman) to pose for the camera. But where's the cameraman?

And Alex was keen to show his human face and his willingness to get involved with ordinary players at all levels. So here's a small selection of snaps of Alex and Valerie in action during their visit.

 

Whilst Eastern Regions RDO Mark Dare properly demonstrates a good push shot to one of the juniors at coaching, the ETTA Chairman appears to be reduced to picking the ball up!

 

"No Alex, that's not how you do a forehand drive"! Good job RDO Mark Dare was hand as Alex toured the junior coaching.

 

"Yes, that's the ball dear"! "You are supposed to hit it". Valerie and Alex were prepared to take on all comers to a one off game of doubles. On such a warm night Alex rather wished he's brought his shorts!

 

Well they certainly looked as if they were having fun. Valerie deploys the perfect defensive push whilst Alex looks on, poised to bring into play his 'funny' pimples to confound the opposition in a friendly game of doubles against club members.

Thanks Alex and Valerie for a great evening. We were so glad you found time to call. Do come again.