The Wednesday session is for more experienced players. As with the Monday group, there are three tables available. Most games are doubles, but if attendance is low then singles can be played. Some members also attend the Monday session. Quite a few members have played in the local leagues so keep the play at a challenging, but friendly competitive level. Members pay a nominal fee to the group leader at each session they attend - not to the reception of the sports centre. Numbers are limited at this group session too.

Wednesday afternoon Table Tennis Group

In early January 2025 we lost our oldest u3a member, Dave Toe, who after a short illness sadly passed away in his 95th year. He had still been playing 3 times a week just months before he became ill.

It was suggested by Dave Bateman that in his honour, we have a tournament, the winners taking home the Dave Toe cup.

So, on the very last club day before Christmas, 20 players were paired up as fairly as possible, to play a single game, knock out round. Everyone looked quite serious, tactics discussed in quiet voices, everyone hoping to do well. The two pairs with the lowest score went out in the first round. The highest losers went on to try again.

The final came and it was a close run match, it went to a tie break, some good rallies provided oohs and aahs from the watching crowd, but in the end the group leader, Roy Hutchins and his partner Dave Siggins were narrowly beaten by Barry Doan and the canny, choppy, curvy, spinner player, Mike Burton. They are pictured holding the very heavy trophy!! The winners also took home a jar of locally produced honey, provided by beekeeper and fellow player, David McHattie.

It was an enjoyable afternoon, which continued later at the Star Inn in the

town, where the Wednesday players were joined by some members of the Monday table tennis Group, for a Christmas get together drink and mincepies.

Big thanks to Dave Bateman, who came up with the idea, and helped Roy with the pairings, also to Dave's son, Dan, who did the scores on the day.

Special thanks to both the u3a leaders, Eric Tremlett and Roy Hutchins, for all their time and effort keeping these sessions running smoothly, which are very much enjoyed by everyone. We hope to follow in Dave Toe's footsteps and still be playing in our nineties.

Lynne Leech