Email:
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.