From the Worcester Evening News, 22nd June 2002

Juniors coach will be missed

Stalwart saluted by chairman at meeting

AT the recent annual meeting of the Worcester Table Tennis League, chairman Doug Young paid tribute to league stalwart Jim Foley who died in March, at the age of 86.

He had devoted much of his life to table tennis - particularly the coaching of juniors - even up to two days before he died. Jim will be sadly missed by all involved in the sport locally.

The chairman commented on the new 11-up scoring system introduced last season and said the prospects of any change back to the 21-up system were negligable.

The league was founded in 1932 so this is its 70th anniversary year, which it is hoped to celebrate in some way.

It is also the 50th anniversary of the Worcestershire County Association, and a Golden Jubilee celebration dinner has been arranged at the Holt Fleet Hotel on Friday, October 11. For details contact Beryl Shammon on 01905-421715.

The chairman reported that over the last 10 years the League had lost 28% of teams for varying reasons. He hoped that new players - now being coached by Lewis Siket - could be integrated into the league over the coming seasons.

The League Championships ran smoothly and Finals Night was well attended and produced top-class table tennis.

Lewis Siket took over from John Turner as Coaching Officer and is pleased with the progress being made by the youngsters attending the Tuesday night sessions at the YMCA.

The chairman thanked all Committee members for their various contributions to the smooth running of the League.

Applications for teams to play in the Worcester Table Tennis League in the new season, starting on Monday, September 30, need to be with the secretary David Elliott by Friday, July 12. Anyone interested in playing in the league or forming a new team - junior or adult - playing table tennis during the summer, should contact beryl Shammon on 01905-421715 as soon as possible.