John Finnemore, the organiser behind Carmarthen Table Tennis Club, wanted to share a bit about the club's journey with the sports community.
Carmarthen Table Tennis Club has been buzzing since 1986, thanks to John who got the ball rolling. When John noticed there wasn’t a table tennis club around, he talked to the Manager at Carmarthen Leisure Centre to find a spot. They started small, just a cricket net and one badminton court, but that soon changed. The club now uses three full badminton courts, with up to ten tables in action most Thursdays.
The club’s growth wasn’t just by chance. Groups like Sport Wales and Table Tennis Wales have supported and funded the club over the years. Back in 1999, extra lights were put up to brighten the place, and by 2009, new fluorescent lights were installed. There's also a new floor, so players get top grip while playing.
Members at the club didn’t stop at local matches; they reached out and started friendly matches around the area. By 1988, they joined the Swansea and District Table Tennis League. Now, for the 2022/23 season, they’ve got five teams lined up, with three of those in the Premier Division.
Stan Eastwood deserves a shout-out too. He retired in July 2022 but was a big part of the club as Club Secretary and Chairman of the Swansea League from 2011. Also, he made sure the club’s websites looked top-notch.
Now, Tim Evans is in the League Chairman’s seat. With John, Tim, and the rest of the club's dedication, Carmarthen Table Tennis Club is hands down one of the best spots for table tennis in Wales.
So, here’s to more rallies, matches, and good times at the club! Cheers!