Winchester News Online
The new community table tennis club bringing Eastleigh together
The New Community Table Tennis Club, Eastleigh, shows that you don’t have to play in a competitive league, or a high-profile match, to do so in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Players of all ages and backgrounds come weekly to keep practicing, whether they’re developing their skills or simply enjoying the social side of table tennis in a relaxed community setting.
Set out at The Hub on Bishopstoke Road, this club has an opportunity for open training and encourages beginners and experienced ones to be there, take the bat and play.
It is community-based, not competitive. Players drill each other, cheer for one another during friendly rallies, and advance in confidence alongside one another.
For some players, table tennis is physical and mental.
One frequent participant, Matthew Gallacher, said: “It makes your mind sharpen up. You have to think fast, keep focus and read your opponent. It’s a mental workout as much as a physical one.”
His remarks explain why so many people get into playing the game. They also like exercising for sheer fun without being stressed.
The club also welcomes senior players who appreciate the routine and recognise how well these sessions affect health and fitness.
Steven Drew, who attends weekly, said: “It’s so important for people like me at my age. You have to keep going. I’m in my 70s and it keeps my reflexes and mind active.”
We’ve also experienced how welcoming and accessible its activities are, that an ambience where people can join in their own time.
Now, as community spaces and affordable activities are increasingly important, the New Community Table Tennis Club provides something small but important, a place to share company and become part of a wider local community.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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