THE desire to improve his workplace table-tennis skills was what originally hooked Bernard Lyon into the sport 36 years ago and now, his commitment has been rewarded with life membership to the Stratford Table Tennis Club.
"When I started work for the Taranaki Power Board in 1972, the other workers there were playing table tennis at lunchtime," said Bernard, "I tried, but I was hopeless at it."
"I recall one particular game I got beaten 21-love."
Because of his own, self-confessed inabilities, Bernard knew getting better at the game was going to need more than a little practice and he joined the Stratford Table Tennis Club.
"There were a lot of table tennis clubs around the district. Every country hall had a team."
"We would hold interclub competitions in the old Army Hall in New Plymouth, with different grades of players."
For Bernard, the peak time of district table tennis was the 1970s and early 1980s, when interest in the game was buoyant, and Stratford could boast 25-30 regular players.
"We would play in the old Stratford Community Centre and always on a Wednesday. It had great lighting "
"We had junior table tennis at 7pm, when the children played until 8pm. The adults would play after that."
As was the case for many community groups, membership of the table tennis club began to decline in the late 1980s.
Despite the closure and ultimate demolition of the old community centre leaving the club without a permanent home, the efforts of club stalwarts like Bernard kept things ticking over until they were comfortably placed in their new residence, the Stratford Scout and Guide Hall.
As well as active membership of the club as a player, Bernard also served as the club's president and secretary/treasurer.
"It was quite a surprise, but I was very pleased to receive the life membership award. It's a real honour."
Another person receiving a life membership award was Ned Radich who, like Bernard has devoted a lot of time and effort to the club for decades.
"Ned took over as president from 2000-2006," said current president Colin Roskilly, "Between us all, we kept the club going. Sometimes, it would just be Ned and I there, but we'd still set everything up because people would still expect things to be running."
Although numbers have been in decline, Bernard and Colin are still very positive about the game and encourage people of all ages to come along and have a go.
"It's great for helping to develop co-ordination and encouraging activity, and it's a very friendly game," said Bernard.
"We're always looking for new members," said Colin, "we play from 7.30pm on Wednesdays at the Scout and Guide Hall."
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