Cheslyn Hay table tennis marathon to raise vital funds

The Cheslyn Hay Table Tennis club has been running in the village for 43 years, giving hundreds of players an education in the sport as well as encouraging youngsters to enjoy the social side of sport in an age where computer games take up so much of their time.

The club is still going strong, however it is in need of some cash to keep on top of the ever increasing cost of equipment as membership numbers fluctuate.

To try to get some money together, a 12 hour table tennis marathon will take place at the basement of Salem Church, High Street, Cheslyn Hay on May 20.

The event will double up as an open day as bosses try to recruit new members, but all are welcome.

John Quinn, who has been club secretary for 25 years, said: "We still have a lot of members and remain a very active club but now we have to take a step back and make sure we have some cash so we can carry on in the future.

"We are in a good position but if a table were to break we would be in trouble, it is that tight these days.

"We have raised thousands for charity in recent years but now it is time to think about ourselves."

Mr Quinn says that the club has helped train players to a national level over its time, as well as being a place where young people can build their confidence.

He said: "We have had young people come in who have been bullied and start off so reserved and shy, but after a while they are walking ten feet tall.

"That's because this is a social sport and we are a club that encourages that side of things.

"On the other hand, we do take the sport very seriously and have produced some top players over the years."