EXETER CLOSE PAVILION
After a long and patient wait, the Kidlington Forum Club’s new purpose-built table tennis facility was opened on Friday 6th February 2009, marking a new era for the Oxfordshire club. The ceremony at Exeter Close was attended by over 80 people, undeterred by the weather.
The club was formed in 1971, with its main aim of providing table tennis for juniors within the area. Since then, it has continued to grow, with 80 members and 14 teams now playing in the local leagues.
Prior to the opening of the new facility, the club had to hire venues across Oxfordshire in order to play their league matches. Coaching was provided on Tuesdays at the Kidlington Forum Youth Club, which was only available one day a week.
The club first approached the Parish Council in 2000 to discuss the possibility of a designated table tennis premises. After many meetings, grant applications and national support from numerous sporting organisations, their dream has finally been achieved.
Money was awarded through the Sport England CCDP Government Programme via the ETTA for the facility, and used to redevelop the old pavilion. Other funding partners include: Cherwell District Council, Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment, The Football Foundation, and Kidlington Parish Council.
Moving forward the club have high ambitions now they have their long-awaited facility. They hope to increase the club’s membership by 25% over the next two years, increase the number of coaches and coaching sessions available by 50% within the next year, to hold local tournaments and work towards achieving Clubmark.
With the club having use of the new premises five nights a week, it will enable them to expand their activities, achieve their aims and provide table tennis for players of all ages in the local community.
Graham Jones (far left) of the Oxford Sports Facilities Trust presented a cheque for £700 to Aubrey Hughes and Paul Woodward of Kidlington Forum (centre) for a new Donic table; also in attendance (far right) Kam Raval, Chair of the Oxford Sports Council. The new centre expects to have six Donic tables in use by April.
Aubrey Hughes, the Club treasurer, gives his address. Aubrey was recently presented with the national ETTA award for Volunteer Co-ordinator of the year at Lilleshall.
