Table tennis players bounce back

AN over-50s table tennis club is back in the swing of things following three months out of action.

The group was left homeless after more than 20 years when Chadderton Sports Centre closed at the end of November, 2009.

Members were initially told there was no room for them in the replacement multi-million-pound well-being centre while alternative faclities offered elsewhere in the borough were not suitable. But leisure bosses have now agreed to accommodate the group in the state-of-the-art new centre. The club has more than 20 members in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Alan Wynn (75) said: “We played in the old sports centre for 20-odd years.

“When they were closing it down they said they would fit us in the new one, then they couldn’t.

“They said they would find us room in the library, then they couldn’t — it was a right run-around.

“They did show us Oldham’s Sports Centre, but that wasn’t really suitable.

“They then offered us a place in Failsworth which was even worse.

“Most of our members are from Chadderton, that’s why we dug our heels in, because most people walk there. We got a photo in the Chronicle, and spoke to our MP.

“I think they were a bit surprised that we didn’t just say ‘OK then.’”

Some of the players compete at league level but Alan added: “It is more of a social thing than anything, a bit of fun. We get together and meet other people.”