Wisbech Table Tennis Club secure future by finding new premises

Wisbech Table Tennis Club have found a new site for their meetings.

They were told on May 16 they would have to leave Pinnacle House, which they had shared with Wisbech Boxing Club for nearly seven years.

With alternative venue prices too high for the club to consider, members were concerned they would have to cease operations altogether.

However, Littlechild & Son Ltd, a local apple farm in Leverington, have offered one of their redundant farm buildings as a dedicated table tennis centre.

Bob Littlechild, who has played the sport for over 50 years and runs a team in the Wisbech league, wanted to give something back to both table tennis and the local community.

The building’s size will allow for five tables to be set up for play seven days a week.

Peter Munch, treasurer of the table tennis club, says around £9000 worth of upgrades will be needed before the farm building is fit for purpose.

It is hoped that it will be ready for play by September of this year.

He said: “We have the determination of our membership (150) to make this succeed and some are

willing and able to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to do the work to get it done.”

Mr Munch said he was surprised the club were asked to leave their old premises because they had originally been given assurances they would have full use of the facilities for up to ten years.

He also said the club have applied to become a ‘Community Amateur Sports Club’ so they can obtain business rate relief.

This means they have changed their name from an 'association' to a 'club'.

Mr Munch said the group's equipment will be moved to the new location this weekend with the help of their long-time sponsor Eastern Rent A Van.

Membership prices are available on the club's website.