Which changes do you think have been worse for the game?
Without doubt in my view the introduction of Long Pimples and Anti loop rubbers, in addition the introduction of Speed Glue.
Which changes do you think have been worse for you?
The introduction of speed glue! I could hardly see the ball before so what chance now?
What have been the best changes from your point of view?
Speed Glue. I have an excellent excuse now every time I lose to one of those speed merchants, which incidentally is almost every time now.
How did you get involved with Progress? When was that?
It is interesting you say "Progress" as I remember playing against a Progress team, in the Willesden league where play was in a club room with just one table. It would have been in the 1980's. The current London Progress club I joined when it went to the Willesden High School. Just like all other members I dropped in and was made welcome. I was not discriminated against just because I had Grey hair.
What has been your most difficult match to date?
They are all difficult these days.
Which one male and female player that you have played against do you regard as the most talented?
Shelagh Hession. She was an England player who I also had the pleasure of having in my team and Dave Welsman a county veteran who loves playing defenders, particularly ME.
Is there any particular type/style of player that you *HATE* playing against?
The game is hard enough as it is without going around telling everyone!
You *LOVE/PREFER* playing against what type/style of player?
The open type player that comes at you so you can get some rallies going, coming off the table feeling there was no a loser and that table tennis was the winner as well as me of course.
What was the funniest table tennis encounter you had?
1) Ian B ripping off yet another rubber when things have not gone quite right.
2) Charlie A coming off the table telling me how he would never have lost had it not been for all those nets and edges.
How do you manage to combine sport and study/work?
No problem here, I have been retired about a dozen years so it is the other way round, how do I fit everything around my sporting activities.
What other sport would you be playing at a high level if you were not playing table tennis?
Cricket is my first love and I still play. I have played a good standard, in my early years as a batsman then over the last 25 years as Leg Spin bowler. It is rumoured I have taken around 4000 wickets in my career.
What other sports do you play casually at any level?
Played football into my early 40's and help with my twin grandsons who currently play under 11's football
Have you ever been intimidated by anyone during a match or event?
Yes. I try turn to turn it to my advantage not always with success.
Have you ever knowingly intimidated another player?
No. It is not my style.
Have you ever felt let down by a team-mate during an important match that you lost?
In the final of a cup match many years ago the score reached 4-4. When our player refused to play the decider, conceded the game and we lost the match. His reason was that his opponent was a combination bat player. This was when both sides of the bat had same coloured rubbers. He held very high principals about the game. I will not mention his name, but he was very talented indeed, in fact talented enough to be the regular knock up partner of Chester Barnes one of the finest English players of our time. It was embarrassing for me as I was also one of those combination bat players.
What do you do for relaxation?
DIY, Go to watch Test and County cricket matches, Computer, Interest in the Law.
What advice would you give to young players to improve their game about equipment, practice, physical/mental training?
Change your rubbers but not your blade. Plan your practice session. As part of mental training watch your opponent’s bat not the ball. This will tell you the direction the ball is going.
What person/event/show/thing makes you laugh the most?
Bilko, Laurel and Hardy, Tommy Cooper, Man U losing, sorry about that, QPR fans singing at the beginning of the season "we’re going to win the league" Yes I am a QPR supporter and have been since 1946
Any other interesting piece of information about yourself you would like to share?
The current times have been a bit scary. I was born in the 30's before the 2nd world war. We were bombed out and our neighbours were all killed. My brother, two sisters and I were evacuated separately in 1940 and did not meet again until after the war ended. It was much the same for many other families this was the norm for most of us.
What single significant thing do you think could be done to improve the club?
I would need to give that some thought as I would not wish to say anything that John K would include on page 104 of his follow up Progress book
Any comments to improve the site?: http://www.londonprogress.com
First time I have logged on and the website was easy to move around and user friendly. Well done. I will let you know if I think of anything.
Please list your major achievements table-tennis or otherwise. (Or just the ones you want to)
Being married for forty five years and bringing up my family of two daughters and a son and still found time to play all the sport that I have over many years.
Thanks Albert
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