Bournemouth Table Tennis League Special Centenary Celebration

The Cooke & Deaton Table Tennis team recently embarked on a long drive from the Midlands, all the way down to Bournemouth for a special event at the Dorset Table Tennis Club, celebrating the Bournemouth Table Tennis League's centenary. The journey was well worth it, as the event turned out to be a spectacular success!

From the outset, there were good vibes all around, with everyone enthusiastically helping us set up. Our new offering, "Play the Pro," was a standout feature of the day. The hall was virtually full right from the start, with participants eagerly lining up to play against our professionals. Alan, Matt, and Nicola each had their own tables: Matt and Alan faced participants head-to-head, while Nicola conducted multi-ball sessions. Players were rotated every 5-10 minutes, giving everyone a chance to experience the spin, speed, and power of professional table tennis. This new offering was extremely well-received, providing players with a rare opportunity to understand the quality of professional shots and serves firsthand.

During the "Play the Pro" session, players also had the chance to try out different Butterfly rubbers and blades, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the event.

Following a short break, we transitioned into a special exhibition event to commemorate the 100-year milestone of the Bournemouth Table Tennis League. The hall was packed with spectators, including the mayor and a local MP, all eagerly anticipating the exhibition matches.

Challengers had the opportunity to play against Alan and Matt Ware. It was a particular thrill for many to see Matt, a local Bournemouth hero and a valued member of the Cooke & Deaton team, competing in a setting where his skills could shine. This was a rare treat for the local community, who usually don't get to witness Matt's competitive prowess up close.

The exhibition concluded with a final showdown between Alan and Matt, featuring a special appearance from the "non-stick" frying pan, much to the delight of the crowd.

We left the event on an absolute high, with numerous attendees expressing how brilliant the event had been and how it couldn't have been any better.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event so memorable. Special thanks go to Matt and Phil Hadley, who have worked with us over the past year to bring this incredible celebration to life.

We had an amazing time and are already looking forward to returning and hosting another event in the future!

Stay tuned for more updates and events from the Cooke & Deaton Table Tennis team!

 For photos of the event, CLICK HERE