Essex Press Office

Reported by Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Essex County Table Tennis Association

Not even the most torrential of downpours on the Sunday afternoon could dampen the public's enthusiasm for Table Tennis as a record number of people of all ages participated at the Newham Town Show in East Ham Central Park over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 14/15 July 2007.

Three tables were in constant use in the Town Show's giant Sports Tent as players of all ages queued up to take part. With Exhibitions taking place and a Robot also in constant use the public were given a real insight into the world of top class Table Tennis. Literature was handed out to interested people advertising the four Local Clubs taking part - Eastlea Wanderers Community Table Tennis Club in Canning Town, Lister School TTC, Langdon School TTC and Beckton TTC. Highlights of the weekend included an appearance from The Mayor - Sir Robin Wales, an enthusiastic supporter of all the Sports events. He tried his hand at Table Tennis and proved to have an adept forehand.

Shu Huang, Chairman of the Eastlea Wanderers Community Table Tennis Club and the current England no. one Lady Veteran player as well as a Bronze medallist in the 2006 World Veterans Championships Lady's Over 40s Singles said "It was a great chance to showcase our Sport and I am delighted that so many people of all ages took part. I am sure all four Clubs will have gained some new players".

Shu also thanked the Newham Sports Development Unit for organising the event so successfully, as well as prominent local Table Tennis Organisers Shiri Paul, Steve Kerns, Hamish Innes, Juliano Dias and Luigi Mariano. Shu was particularly grateful to leading local Junior players Luigi Mariano, Anil Vekeria and Alex Donkor who impressed everyone with their range of modern stylish attacking shots.

Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Essex County Table Tennis Association