How old you were when you started playing?
I must have been about 13 years old, just after the Second World War. It was with the Stowe Club for boys. I did a bit of everything, Boxing, Cricket, Football and, of course, Table Tennis
In which countries (if any other) have you played?
Baltimore USA and Ireland, both in the World VETTS championships.
What major obstacles have you had to overcome to play continuously?
I overcame a major back operation three about years ago. I had been in a wheelchair for about 3 months previously
What is your greatest disappointment in/about the game?
A lack of good playing facilities and also the lack of young players taking up the game. Those playing league now appear to be mainly veterans.
On what occasion did you first realised that you had Table Tennis talent?
Never! Real talent is something very special. Those who possess it sometimes find the game a bit too easy. Talent alone is not enough though. You still have to work very hard at your game if you wish to achieve any kind success.
How has table tennis influenced your outlook if at all? Is the way you play table tennis a reflection of your character?
Sport has had a great influence on my life, it has taught me how to handle success, also cope with failure, also the importance of working as a member of a team. Refection of my character would possibly be for others to say.
Who is/was or has been your greatest opponent?
Toni Hold in the over 50 VETTs world championships in 1992. He was the current age group champion and also won the event in 1992. Yes I lost!
Can you recall the times you were "in the zone" and everything went perfectly without effort in a game?
Sort of! In the early 1980's I remember playing in six leagues and winning most of them. Getting to six league VETTS finals and winning Three.
Have you noticed that many players seem to lose games after being 2-0 up? Have you ever been in that situation and lost?
Many times, if it has not happened to you then you have not played. The thing is to try and do something about it.
Have you ever lost a game where it absolutely hurt afterwards?
It used to hurt every time I lost, I have got used to it now. Play for fun but the real fun is winning.
Have you ever lost your temper in a game because of something you or another player did?
I have been upset by the attitude or verbal comments of others. I have never lost my temper but have been severely wound up which tends increase my desire to win.
What are your work/life/sport ambitions?
Even at my advanced years I have ambitions, to play competitively as long as I can, to involve myself in youth activities, to help those around me who need support during difficult stages in there lives. Most important though is to find that elusive rubber that will add at least 5 points to my game.
Do you do any mental preparation before your big matches? And if so what do you do?
Have a bottle of red wine the night before a late night. I then sleep it off the following day. Ensure my diet includes Pasta but most important is to play the Tina Turner CD "SIMPLY THE BEST, better than all the rest, on my way to the match.
If you have been playing for a long time what sorts of changes have you noticed in the game?
I started in the late 1940's when it was all Hard Bats and the odd one with a sandpaper surface. Due National Service and bringing up a family I went around 15 years without playing. When I returned it was all inverted pimples sponge bats. Then along came Anti-Loop rubber, long Pimples, now fast Glue, then 21 games up to 11.
The game is faster now, not so many rallies, but you do need to be much fitter. There has always been gamesmanship but it does seem to be more unsportsmanlike aggression now. It is nice to see London Progress have realised there is a problem and have now included a "Code of Conduct” declaration as part of the membership application.
End of Part 1
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