As I sit in the garden staring up at a cloud-caked sky, wondering how it can be possible for Summer to have invited such dismal weather to take the limelight, I’m struck by the unfolding story I’ve suddenly been written into. It’d been 15 years since picking up a bat in any competitive sense and after a single season of club play, I find myself donning the title of “chairman” of what can only be described as an exceptional club. Owing to the incredible people who have tirelessly occupied and nurtured it’s walls over the years. Stranger things have happened I suppose.
My personal journey with Rougham Table Tennis Club (RTTC) begins in the Summer of 2023, (with significantly better weather than we’re treated to now I might add). Tom Borlase, having recently moved to Bury St Edmunds and sharing a similar situation to myself, missing a productive, engaging and competitive outlet, begins attending club nights and after a brief period of contemplation I also take up the charge.
I’ll never forget that first training session. Common sense had booked holiday well in advance and left me to fend for myself, the result was showing up in rather tight skinny jeans wielding a ragged £10.00 bat far past retirement age (much like many club members). I was treated to a rather deserved thrashing, serving as stern reminder that appropriate sports wear is always preferable than passing out from water loss.
From that day, I would show up each week to be greeted by friendly, kind, generous and supporting individuals who would push me to improve and constructively analyse my play. I went from comfortably losing all my games, to being able to hold my own against those far more skilled and experienced than I, even winning more than a handful of games in division 3. For me this summarises the essence of RTTC. No matter if you’re a beginner or experienced player. You’re met wherever you’re at, then invited and encouraged to be a part of a bigger story. One of connection, community and growth.
So watch this space! We’re conserving the momentum built and carrying it into the 2024/2025 season with our eyes on the top of division 3.
– Rupert Hammond, Club Chair.
Rougham Table Tennis Club 