Norman Booth Leisure Centre

We now have regular bookings for badminton, short mat bowls and football to supplement our table tennis. We welcome enquiries from any sports clubs who wish to use the centreWe are also available for birthday parties and we run childrens clubs and holiday clubs.
 

 

For bookings and other information contact Neil Brierley at

Email:  This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Tel: 01279 434085 Mobile: 07814 623879
 

We are currently open for table tennis on Mondays and Fridays from 7:30pm. We will have many other table tennis activities, and special events coming soon are listed below.

Friday 8th May -

BATTS will be hosting an Elite Hardbat Competition on Saturday, 4th July 2009. Please contact Fred Dove for further details.

 

Monday 16th March -

After far too long ( 11 months)  here's hoping you still  want to play  SUPERLEAGUE. Many of you know we lost the first half of the season while the centre was modernised and it's taken a little while to feel confident about staging BATTS premier tournament again.
A number of you had been asking when we're starting again so I'm anticipating a good response. If not, Keith Lesser has some other formats in mind and we reserve the right to use a different approach.
So points to note are that we will now run on Wednesdays. So first one is Wednesday 25th March and could be a good warm up for BL Prem at Ormesby a few days later. Practice from 6pm with tournament starting at 7.30pm. Usual prize money of £280 (winner £140) assuming a full entry of 32.
Please email back if you wish to enter. Payment preferred in advance (total £12 includes ETTA ranking levy) with cheques made out to BATTS to my address below,  or BATTS bank details on request if you wish to pay online.

 

 

Tuesday 24th February 2009 -

 

The club is getting busier all the time. We're continuing to have odd jobs done and the lift should be installed very soon.

Please note that table tennis this Wednesday half term runs through from 1.30-9.30 as usual. We also have a couple of competitions coming up at the club which are ideal for BATTS players.
First we have a Chinese day on Sunday 1st March. We are aiming this at juniors (in addition  of course to Chinese players) and looking for up and coming rather than experienced players. It will start at 10am and be played Superleague style with the aim to give everyone 5 matches. There is £100 of prize money and the local Chinese community will be selling delicious hot food at lunch time ! Entry is £5 per person . Please let me know if you are interested and I can email you an entry form. It should be good fun !
The second item is the Harlow Championships. Junior events will be played on the evening of Friday 13th March and there are events for all age groups. No entry form required and we will charge the normal nightly fee on the night. Please let me know if you wish to enter. Senior events are on the Saturday and Sunday 14/15 March. There are events for all abilities including competitions for division one players only and a handicap tournament on the Sunday. Again no entry form required. Just put your name on the list in the social area upstairs or email me .
Thursday 1st January 2009 -

 

Trust you're enjoying a pleasant festive break. BATTS is looking good and we hope you'll like the improved facilities. We reckon we're ready to go now so table tennis club night resumes this Friday 2nd January from 7pm on our 12 brand new tables !
Just a reminder that table tennis will now feature at the centre on 5 days out of 7. Starting on Monday 5th January, we have matches and practice every Monday from 7pm. Can I please ask regular players in the Harlow League who have not yet paid for their 2008/9 subscriptions of £55 for adults and £35 for juniors. Practice for non-league players costs £3.
Wednesdays will be devoted to table tennis from 1.30pm onwards as we are very lucky to have England international Natalie Green available. We start with an over 50 and non worker session from 1.30-3pm. Then a primary school session from 4-5 followed by a secondary session from 5-6. From 6.30-7.30 we are aiming for a general club session for beginner/improver level. Finally an elite session from 7.30-9.30 for the best juniors and adults. There is a  flat charge of £3 for all these sessions. Please note that Wednesdays start on 14th January. Friday night club night resumes in its usual format from 7pm on 2nd January.
BATTS hosts lots of weekend events in January. One of the highlights is England Commonwealth gold medalist Gareth Herbert who will be putting on a coaching weekend at BATTS on the weekend of 31st Jan and 1st Feb. It is open to juniors and seniors of all standards and runs from 10am-4pm each day. Cost for the course is £60. Please let me know if you would like more details and I can put you directly in touch with Gareth.
Another highlight is the British League Premier Division to be hosted by BATTS on Sunday 18th January. The finest players in the land compete for over £6000 prize money and admission is free.
Lots more I could talk about but I think I'll send out more news as the month progresses. Come and see our new improved centre when you can . The new social area upstairs is available for hire if you know of clubs who may be interested.

 

Tuesday 2nd December - 

We had a site inspection last Friday and work is progressing well on the venue. By the end of the year we will be back in a fresher, brighter , more modern centre.
We can resume bookings from Monday 5th January. Our first loyalty is to our existing users so please confirm the slots you wish to re-occupy.
We want to continue investing in the building and we have an interest free loan of £31,000 to repay so we would like to fix a new price of £30 per hour for the prime slots of 6pm-11pm on week nights where we usually have a waiting list. We would expect to hold this price for many years to come, but if it causes difficulty in these tough times ,  please don't hesitate to let us know.
We're always flexible with our pricing for the less popular slots between 9am and 6pm on weekdays and all weekend. Please also note that a large attractive social area upstairs which runs along the complete width of the building is also available for hire at any time.
So please confirm slots as soon as you are able and we look forward to catching up in the New Year

 

Wednesday 19th November -  

Work on the centre started  6 weeks ago (it does seem a lot longer than that ! ) and is progressing well. The finish date is projected to be December 26th though it seems unlikely much will happen on that day ! We are pretty confident however that we will be open for Friday club night on 2nd January.
Essentially, two and a half years after moving into a fairly run down and tired building, we start again with a fresh and modern centre and a new 25 year lease.
Feedback indicates there is a demand to give table tennis all the space it needs. I think our aim should be to feature table tennis on 5 days out of 7. ( We have solid bookings for other sports on Tuesday and Thursday evenings). To do this we need a real team effort and I would urge anyone prepared to look after a session (however infrequently) to put their name forward and come along to a meeting to sort out the timetable.
We want to make Wednesdays a central part of our table tennis plans as we are privileged to have new Regional Coach Natalie Green available on this day over her 3 year contract. Natalie has been an England International at every level, representing her country all over the world. She is an inspired and popular coach and is bound to boost the popularity of the sport at our centre.
Natalie has proposed an ongoing programme that will run on every Wednesday from January 14th.  We will start with an over 50 and retired session from 1.30-3; then a primary school session from 4-5; secondary schools from 5-6; beginner/improver session from 6.30-7.30; elite club session from 7.30-9 comprising top juniors from the area with space also for the top adult players.
Digger has suggested that all members prepared to offer some help at BATTS come along to a meeting to fix the weekly table tennis  programme  He also suggests that if we do that early evening we can finish up at a chinese restaurant ! So if you do want to be involved please reply and I'll organise a date that suits everybody. 
Finally a reminder that Natalie is running sessions at Mark Hall School (the actual school and not the sports hall) every Wednesday finishing on December 10th. They run from 3.30-7 with club members welcome from 5.30...........and helpers welcome throughout

 

Thursday 9th October - Work finally starts on Monday October 6th (at last !!) to completely renovate the centre and is due to finish on December 19th. You will notice a huge improvement but it does mean sadly we will be completely shut between these dates.

On this subject, we will be loading equipment from the centre into the container outside this coming weekend. If you can spare a couple of hours to do a shift please let me know and I will confirm details nearer the time.
We will be buying new tables  so we are selling off our 12 Donic blue foldaway  tables. Please let me know if you know anyone who is interested.
Harlow League matches start week commencing October 6th. Please note that all BATTS teams and Hoddesdon 'A' will be playing home matches at Mark Hall Sports College on a TUESDAY night until the end of the year. Access is off the Old London Rd where there is ample sports hall parking. Matches should start promptly at 7.30 as we have to finish by 10pm.
On Wednesdays , while we are closed,  Natalie Green will be running sessions at Mark Hall school from 3.30 until 7pm. These are aimed at juniors and details of times for different groups will follow. Once again adult helpers are really welcome. Wednesday sessions are actually in the school assembly hall and you should enter via the main school entrance in First Avenue.
Finally BATTS has learnt that the club has been voted National Winner at the Premier Clubmark Club of the Year awards. The award will be presented at the club awards dinner at Lilleshall during the annual ETTA Conference. This event takes place on the weekend of 1st and 2nd November. Unfortunately I'm on holiday at this time,  so we are looking for 2 volunteers who would like a very enjoyable weekend away with everything paid for. Please let me know if you would like more details. 

 

Sunday 22nd June 2008 - Sorry about the lack of updates

 

It now looks like the refurbishment will commence in the second half of July. It is really disappointing to be starting so late and there are 3 main reasons ; my incompetence; lack of continuous professional advice throughout the process (maybe we should have engaged somebody); the bureaucratic nature of Harlow Council.
On a brighter note, we remain open every Monday and Friday from 7pm for table tennis sessions. The junior table tennis training continues from 5.45-7.15pm every Wednesday. The centre is then free and we would like to encourage badminton players as we currently have no session for them. All other sports and activities can continue until building work commences.
We now have a skip outside the centre. If you have time to help us clear out any remaining rubbish, please let me know and I will contact you when we're doing it. Similarly, we expect to get a container to store all our equipment and will need help to load it up nearer to closing down time.
Best behaviour was the order of the day  when Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell made a dramatic visit to BATTS Table Tennis Club.
Not content with a conducted tour, she proceeded to challenge our youngest member , the precociously talented Ethan Walsh, aged 5, to do battle on the table. The picture above shows action from the contest with no prizes for guessing who came off worst !
Tessa's visit on Thursday May 8th  arose from our recently awarded £110,000 Sport England grant and BATTS startling success in turning round a failing leisure centre entirely through voluntary effort.
ETTA Chairman Alex Murdoch and his wife Val, Essex Chairman John Andrews, and local MP Bill Rammell were among the invited guests.

 

Monday 17th September - Harlow League table tennis matches start today.  Tuesday 18th September sees the first monthly Super League event starting at 7:30pm. Thanks to Fred Dove at LotusApproach.co.uk for writing the software to help us manage the Super League.

 

Tuesday 5th May - Just a quick round up of what's going on at BATTS.

Table tennis practice continues on Monday nights throughout the summer.  Club nights as always on Fridays. Both from 7.30pm-10.30pm. We have a wide range of other activities through the week and always welcome enquiries from any other clubs and sports that wish to book the centre.
Exciting news is that all the work with the ETTA, Sport England, and Harlow Council seems to be coming together with the aim of completely modernising the Norman Booth Centre. There is a really good chance that we will raise the necessary £150,000 and that the centre will be transformed. We don't want to tempt fate but it looks as though this could all happen before the end of the year. It will mean that the centre will be shut for around 7 weeks but we think this is a small price to pay for the many benefits it will bring.
A big date to note is the BATTS AGM ON THURSDAY 5TH JULY AT 8PM  at the Norman Booth Centre when the building plans will be on view. Please make a note of this date and come along. We have a good band of volunteers on our committee and welcome new recruits who want to be part of something really exciting. Don't miss out ! You can volunteer as little as an hour a week if you want to be involved.
Finally, for the 10th year running, we are helping with the Luton Handicapped Children Sports Experience Day on Tuesday June 12th. I arrange the transport and we need ideally around 5 of us to look after the table tennis activities. It is organised by the Presidents Sporting Club and helpers receive a superb buffet when it finishes at around 3pm. Please let me know if you are able to assist.

Tuesday 15th May - JLR Play an entertaining, friendly and fun summer playscheme for ages 5 - 12 will run from Monday 30th July to Friday 31st August 2007.  For more detail please contact Jo Rodwell on 01279 424841, 07952 831186 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

 

 

Sunday 22nd April -  It takes more than nice weather to stop our  table tennis and club nights continue on Monday and Friday evenings from 7.30pm.

We are looking for a few helpers for this Friday 27th April. We have the Essex Junior Open at Harlow Sportscentre (BATTS sadly is not big enough) on the coming weekend and the tables and surrounds need setting up . BATTS club night at Norman Booth will be on as normal but we need some volunteers to help set up at the Sportscentre from 7.45pm on Friday as 20 tables will be in operation over the weekend.
If you can help, please meet at the Sportscentre at 7.45pm and if we can get finished quickly, there should be time to move on to BATTS afterwards.
Incidentally the tournament at the weekend should make great viewing with some of the country's best juniors and including a number of stars regularly playing at BATTS. There will be a tournament shop throughout both days for equipment and clothing.

 

 

Sunday 22nd April -   It's been a busy season at BATTS and I apologise for not keeping in touch more regularly.

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

We've now been in our new home at the Norman Booth Centre for 10 months and we're settling in well. We've reached a level where the centre is being used for between 35 and 50 hours per week. We are working with the ETTA and Sport England on plans to totally modernise our club as funds become available. We are hoping the first phase of the works will be this summer.
The table tennis programme is as follows: FRIDAY nights club night continues throughout. MONDAY night is now a practice night open to all. Flat fee of £3 per person or £5 for a family on Mondays. Both nights start at 7.30pm.
Elite Junior training on Wednesdays resumes on 18th April and continues throughout. Peniel Junior training has 4 dates left : 24th April, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May.
You are welcome to book the hall at other times , and for other uses , by email or phone on my details below. We regularly host badminton, short mat bowls, 5 a side football, yoga and birthday parties.

 

 

 

Sunday 22nd April - The last super League was played earlier this month. 

 Former world no 7 Ding Yi provided the headlines for a busy and enjoyable final Superleague of the season. A cocktail of fine play from a full quota of players and a bustling crowd ( lured perhaps by the free buffet), provided a feast in every sense to set before Chairman Alex Murdoch and his wife Val.

Ding Yi is possibly the finest player to grace the BATTS club though former regular Ryan Jenkins might have something to say about that. He dropped not a game throughout in beating Sarra Wang, Eli Baraty, Neil Charles, and Abdul Wuraola to reach the final.
 His opponent John Holland came through via Mark Wicker, Ben Swart, Chris Beckley and Hubert Noah. Some shock results in this half of the draw with Ben Swart on his debut beating Matt Spero. Similarly Chris Beckley beat Bulgarian Ilin Russev, Clive Carthy in 5, and was in touching distance of the semi-final when he lost a fifth leg to John Holland. John was again taken to 5 by Hubert Noah in the semi final.
The final was a magnificent affair in front of a large and appreciative crowd. Ding Yi won 3 straight 5,6 and 9, but the brilliance of the rallies belied the fact that John is no longer a regular tournament player.
Who were the other players to really stand out. Chris Beckley and Ben Swart as mentioned. Ashley Stokes made a wonderful debut with a fabulous return of 4 wins out of 5 with his only defeat at 11-9 in the 5th to Hubert Noah. Zac Zilesnick, ranked 5th in England Under 13s, scored an unbelievable 3 wins on his first appearance and impressed everyone with his fine attitude.
It may make it tougher for referees and organisers, but the fact that busy lifestyles prevent the same 32 players competing from month to month adds a lot to the colour of the tournament. It augurs well for the future of Superleague that 10 players were keen enough to make their debut in the final event of the season . Ding Yi was one of 6 different names to take the title this season.
Improvements for next season will include 8 meetings rather than 7, more regular free buffets ( I haven't told my wife yet !) , and a bigger incentive to sign up for the series as this helps with planning. Fred Dove is working on a project to film the best matches and make them available as DVDs.
In conclusion, it's your feedback, suggestions, and criticism , that has helped make Superleague popular. So please feel free to keep it coming !

 

Wednesday 7th March -  There will be a beginners Yoga class between 10 and 11 am. Men and Women welcome. For further information, please contact Kim on 07731 449843

Tuesday 19th December - Table Tennis sessions are now finished for Christmas and resume on Friday 5th January.  We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
The next Super League is on Tuesday 9th January.
Tuesday 31st October - The SUPER LEAGUE starts at 7.30pm with many of the country's finest table tennis players. We are proud to say that national chairman of the English table tennis Association Alex Murdoch will be present. Admission is free. We need some umpiring help and will pay anyone prepared to umpire some games. Please let me know if you are willing.
 

 

Tuesday 24th October - To help with the refurbishment of the Centre, we received news last Monday that we have been awarded £16,000 from the Essex Community Initiative Fund. We will hear next week the outcome of an application for £10,000 to the Harlow Recreation Trust. Sport England have pledged to match all the grants we receive.

Finally the Harlow Table Tennis Championships results were:
MEN’S FINALS
JOHN MONK  BEAT NEIL BRIERLEY  11/9 11/6 4/11 11/7 
LADIES FINAL
 MARY NICHOLLS BEAT VAL BLAKE 11/8 11/7 6/11 11/4 
MENS DOUBLES
 RON WILDE & ALAN LAMPRELL BEAT JOHN MONK  & REUBEN OKAI 4/11 11/3 10/12 11/8 11/2 
RESTRICTED 
VAL BLAKE  BEAT JIM CABLE 11/7 11/9 8/11 11/4 
VETERANS 
NEIL BRIERLEY BEAT RON WILDE 11/6 7/11 11/4 11/9 
VETERANS OVER 60’S
 DIGGER LAMPRELL BEAT JIM CABLE 11/6 11/6 11/5 
JUNIOR GIRLS 
NATASHA WALSH BEAT GEORGIA GROVER 
JUNIOR BOYS
ALEX GEORGE BEAT LUKE WALSH 11/9 11/9 13/11

 

 

Monday 9th October sees the start of the Harlow Table Tennis Championships at BATTS from 7:30pm.  They continue at the same time on Wednesday 11th October and Friday 13th October.

 

Sat 30th Sept. and Sunday 1st October - Greg Yarnall is organising a course for coaches at BATTS. Please ask for more details.

Sat 23rd September - Regional training at BATTS for the elite junior squad.

 

Sat 16th and Sunday 17th September - Essex Junior trials at BATTS. Please let me know if you wish to enter.

 

Monday 11th September - Harlow Table Tennis League season commences. Please ask if you wish to be included in a team.

 

Sat 9th and Sun 10th September - British League at BATTS all weekend. You are welcome to come and watch if you get the chance.


Sunday 3rd September
- The coach of our national team, Steen Hansen, (equivalent to football's Steve McLaren) , will be visiting our centre and imparting the secrets of reaching national standard. Again, you need to pre-book for this event. 

Friday August 25th - The best British player of recent years, Ryan Jenkins, will provide one to one coaching at BATTS from 6pm -9pm. This is a rare opportunity to have the highest possible level of coaching and you need to pre-book if you are interested. Please ask for details.