You wouldn’t necessarily imagine that Table Tennis is a male-dominated sport. It doesn’t rely on brute strength, the players are generally very welcoming and it’s one of those rare sports where, in local leagues at least, men and women compete on equal terms. But if you visited a table tennis club, you’d probably be surprised at the tiny proportion of women playing versus their male counterparts.
Kennet Vale Table Tennis Club is out to address that imbalance. At the start of this month, September, coach Richard Ramsden set up a four-week long, women-only coaching session to encourage women to pick up their bats. He hoped that four or five women would attend, primarily from Marlborough Golf Club where he’d been chatting about the situation with fellow golfer Sue Lyons. To his surprise, about 20 women signed up and they’ve kept coming every week!
The sessions have been a lot of fun. In a friendly, welcoming environment, women have been learning to serve, hit forehands and backhands and build up to rallies. The women range in age from young teens to ladies in their seventies and there is a lovely, encouraging atmosphere.
Tess Pickard joined Kennet Vale about six months ago but has particularly enjoyed the women-only evenings. “The club is very welcoming, patient with my bad playing and very encouraging – so if you are thinking about joining, they really are a very friendly bunch and I’m so pleased I’ve joined them”. she says.
Sheila Hanson only started coming along at the start of September and says, “I’ve really enjoyed playing table tennis for the last few weeks. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. I’d only played ping pong a few times whilst on holidays years ago so it’s nice to have a bit of coaching”.
Hayley Thomas initially brought her son to the Juniors’ session but, as she explains: “The enthusiasm for TT from Richard got me interested in having a go. The club is very welcoming. Even though I am an absolute beginner, I am thoroughly enjoying taking part. The coached ladies sessions have been sociable and great fun and have helped me improve my game. I highly recommend giving it a go”.
The women-only sessions will be continuing until Christmas – the weeks will alternate between an informal Bat and Chat evening and more structured coaching sessions. To get involved, contact Richard Ramsden at richard.ramsden@gmail.com or click here to visit the Kennet Valley Table Tennis Club web page.
New Councillor Emily Trow welcomed to the Town Council
