Hastings and District TTA were ahead of the game when they held the first part of their National Table Tennis Day celebrations on Wednesday July 10 to mark the retirement of coach Teresa Bennett.

Senior and junior league players took part in the regular (junior) weekly coaching session at St Leonards Academy run by teacher and coach Teresa.

The second part of the event was to mark the retirement from mainstream teaching for Teresa, who is also the East Sussex Schools Sports Co-Ordinator.

Approximately 24 senior and junior league players combined to play a variety of highly enjoyable and innovative TT games devised by the ever inventive Teresa. There was also time to play singles and doubles with and against local coaches and players, reinforced by the addition of two of Teresa’s children, Jack and Joelle, whilst brother Josh was busy having represented England in the World University Games in Naples.

It was a great opportunity for players in Hastings Junior league and school players to give a send-off to their teacher and coach Teresa who is retiring from St Leonards Academy after 25 years, at least 20 of which she has spent running the after school club and local junior league. Teresa will continue coaching in a new venture in Brighton and plans are in hand to continue running the Hastings Junior league when the new season starts in October.

The current H&DTTA Chair, Secretary and committee members were all present and President and Coaching and Development Officer Keith Lindsay made a presentation to Teresa and thanked her for commitment to table tennis over many years.

Other #TableTennisDay events are being held at Bexhill Community Centre and Hollington Community Centre on the day itself, Thursday July 18, from 6.30pm.