The announcements yesterday provide a little hope. They are well summarised on the TTE website:
https://tabletennisengland.co.uk/news/archived/coronavirus-update/
Suffolk moves into tier 4 restrictions at 00:01am on Boxing Day, Dec 26th 2020.
The Dome will be shut from this time until further notice - updates will appear here and members/keyholders informed as appropriate when this changes.
Mick Talbot, Colin Watts and Martin Tomes are permitted to access the Dome during closure, for maintenance purposes. Any other visits to the Dome must be expressly authorised by one of these 3 people.
All other procedures are suspended at this point and members/keyholders are thanked in advance for their compliance.
Merry Xmas to you all, we hope you all stay safe.
For various sensible reasons, Britannia have never needed generous, powerful and numerous sponsors so much. Any ideas whatsoever please contact Martin or Colin. We actually have a lot to offer, with the number of members and visitors to the Dome, and our fine website (you are reading it, several hundred others do every month).
The Dome re-opens on Dec 2nd. As we are in Tier 2 there are a few changes to the previous procedures, the summary of events is this:
- Aad's and Sean's coaching sessions are as before in bubbles of 15
- Vets sessions with Colin may need to change, he will clarify this if you contact him or turn up
- Summer League cannot resume until further notice
- Adult practice sessions are in bubbles of 2, so generally 3 bubbles and 6 players total. No mixing, no multiple sessions for any player
The default for track and trace is for the session leader to record attendance and each player either uses the NHS App and QR code displayed or their contact number must be recorded. There will be a box in which to post attendance forms
Adult practice is possible Mon - Fri eves and more slots on Sat and Sun. CURRENT SCHEDULE OF PRACTICE SLOTS IS HERE, still waiting for more keyholders to respond for us to add more regular sessions. We are trying for more sessions given numbers are being restricted.
Note that over Xmas / New Year period some sessions may not run due to personal/family reasons; plese check with the session leader for booking and confirmation.
Players must be members, guests cannot participate and spectators are not permitted unless they are parents and their staying is agreed with coaches. Notices and attandance forms will be updated by Wednesday 2nd Dec.
To make sure all newcomers (and returnees) settle in with these procedures, there are some simple criteria should you want to join:
- make an appointment to meet Colin Watts, Sean Gridley or Martin Tomes at the Dome, so they can take payment and ensure your understanding of and compliance with the current procedures.
- email Martin via britanniattcipswich@gmail.com if you are unsure, he can help
You will then be able to book into appropriate sessions.
Relevant documents, so you know what is going on (click to download): 2020/21 Membership Form; Dome entry criteria; Covid procedures
The Committee recognises that 2019/20 members lost about a third of their normal playing time due to events outside the control of anybody. Those full members renewing for next season (we hope you all do) can claim a proportionate reduction in the fee in recognition of this. Please see the new Form for details and renew to continue playing. Forms on table in Dome in addition to the downloads on this site.
Britannia are a TTE Premier Club, one requirement being that all our members are also members of Table Tennis England. This is odd because only private club practice is currently permitted, but we ask you to all register in any case. Details and TTE link on Membership page
The Dome has had a deep clean, ready for play to recommence. Dirty, unpleasant work, sincere thanks in no particular order to Sean Gridley (who managed to clean the ceiling), Rachel Fortnum-Adams, Sara Stroet, Andrew Dosher, Colin Watts, Lavinia Dodd and Paul Kingham.
We have been contacted by a chap looking to start a new club at Woodbridge Community Hall. Still quite a few details to iron out, but in the meantime if anyone knows of a reasonable table that is available for donation, can they let Martin know via the club email address, so details can be passed on?
Once the club is functioning we will post info about it here.
You will notice a lack of normal club activity and results during the Coronavirus lockdown. More than 4 months of playing time was lost until the club re-opened on Sat 25th July. Let's hope we never have to do that again.
A very busy and exciting championships held at Stowupland. Full results are here, featuring many of your favourite Britannia and IDTTL stars.
Click here for the report on the Championships
Some quality stuff at the championships as usual but a surprise winner of the main event - all details in this report
An exciting event with many skillful and hard-fought matches. Full report is here
After an excellent summer league, all the final positions were hammered out this week. As the only match that really counted was the final between Gladiators and Big D, we'll dismiss the others as friendly sporting contests played in the best spirit of a too-hot evening, and concentrate on this.
Gladiators, comprising the formidable trio of Rob Wood, Bernie Ulph and John Seabrook (combined ages approx 290 years) played their normal fluid attacking table tennis (i.e. not fluid or attacking at all) to overcome their Premier opponents Andrew Dosher, Clair Westlake and Rosemary Curtis. In a nail-biting match it came down to an edge on the final point of the last game to squeak it 5-4 overall. Having lost in the previous 4 finals it was a popular result for the lads, and combined with promotion for Britannia Eagles and Petrels, all team members are laden with trophies.
Many thanks to Sean Gridley for his relaxed and carefree running of the league. In his own words the whole event was made by magnificently accurate handicapping. Well done to all teams involved, see you all next year.
Britannia and the IDTTL were invited to coach the table tennis element of this - short report here.
Official report on the day is here, from which images can also be accessed
4 intrepid club members went to France 14-16 June, to meet up with 2 more who recently moved back there (Sylvain and Loic), and play 17 hours over two tournaments. The short report is here.
Pics from the weekend: (1) Head Hankie (2) Sean and Chris (3) Dodgy Headband (4) Brits on Tour (5) Petit Dejeuner (6) Avrille Party (7) Prizewinners
Hugely successful trip to the National U10-U13 championships in Wolverhampton for Isaac, bagging a runner-up spot at U11 and getting to the last 16 at U12.
Write up from the Ipswich Star is here, and click here for a pic of the lively lad himself. Report on TTE website is here.
Held at the Dome - nothing controversial happened, minutes will be posted in the Dome when ready.
Junior events were hotly contested on Saturday, despite missing some players for National Schools champs - full results report here
Senior events took place on Sunday, with a few big names missing but 4 Juniors played who contributed greatly to the proceedings. Report to follow, and in the meantime some pics:
- Andy and Andrew, who sorted the Mens and Veterans between themselves
- Chris and Joe, who took part in the first all double-barreled final, the Restricted
- Jack and Joe, from the Handicap event
The last event of the season saw 19 entrants and a hard fought contest - report is here
It has been a quieter season for Britannis teams in the league this season, with a few odd fixtures outstanding it looks as if the only movement up or down of any of them is the Petrels promotion up to Div 2.
One other positive is that the Swifts won the Handicap Cup, beating a determined Pickwicks A side in efficient fashion. With the scores level into the second half of the fixture, Swifts trio of Sylvain, Martin and Kelly (with Tomasz watching) made their experience pay over the handicaps to win with a little to spare at the end.
Attendances may have been down (particularly in the Junior sections) but competition was still fierce.
Credit went to several Britannia league players for fine performances, and bagging trophies, led by Henry Shaw, who murdered the Junior events and went on in much the same vein in the adult ones as well, taking some notable scalps and the performance award. Father Wayne Shaw picked up a doubles title as well.
One player Henry failed to trouble was the enigmatic Sylvain Floury, who mopped up the Div 1 and Restricted titles. The Premier singles went to our own Sean Gridley, a popular winner.
Some action shots of competitors are currently gracing the IDTTL home page, where full results are posted.
We have bagged the Hundreds of Years Consultancy (Hoycon) as a sponsor for the whole of 2019. This is a network of experienced professionals whose knowledge crosses into many spheres. For a better description of what assistance they might offer you or your business, why not visit their website www.hundredsofyears.co.uk or contact them via hoyconsultancy@gmail.com.
More details are on our Home page - you may also notice the new banner on display at the Dome.
The club values any sponsorship and asks its members to actively consider supporting sponsors, so we keep them!
16 entrants and another hard fought event - full report here
A disappointing turnout for a short notice event still saw some hard competition on the day.
Full report is here
Another action packed event - full report here
2 radically different league formats were voted on for the 2019/20 season, plus the option of not changing the current league format.. See Proposal 1 here, and Proposal 2 here.
In the end, proposal 2 was narrowly defeated by "no change".
Very high standard field saw some very competitive games, with Sam Wilson victorious. For full report click here
Held at the Dome Sunday Nov 25th - report is here
Ipswich Borough Council have installed a table in the Giles Room at the Town Hall. Access is via the main entrance on Cornhill, opening hours are 10:00 to 16:00 weekdays.
See the Council's Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/IpswichTownHallCornExhange/posts/2086794988059329
Please like and share!
Anyone can pre-book an hour slot by calling 01473 432374. There is a £5 refundable deposit for anyone requiring loan of bat and balls.
In addition, the Council have put new tables into Bourne Park and St Augustine's Rec, to add to the tables already in Christchurch Park.
Not a bad return from the recent club / IDTTL event, when we took tables to IBC to raise awareness, well done to all concerned.
Busy weekend for Britannia youngsters (writes Aad)
Over the weekend we had players competing in three different events. On Saturday we had Lucy N., Isobel, Luke, McKenzie and Henry representing Suffolk in the Cadets team. After a slow start with a loss to Middlesex I, the players stepped it up and had a draw against Essex and a win against Middlesex II. Matches were played at the venue of NETTS in Earls Colne, Essex.
On Sunday there were seven Britannia players at the St Neots one-star. With McKenzie (winner Juniors, RU Cadets), Isobel (winner Cadet girls, RU Junior girls and RU Junior boys plate) and Tarun (RU U11’s plate) winning trophies, it turned out to be a very good day. No trophies but equally good performances from Alexander, Isaac, Joseph and Loïc. It was good to see the players supporting and coaching each other. Unfortunately Sylvain had some car trouble on the way home, but Loic didn't mind, having nailed runner's up spot in the U13 plate.
To finish it off James played in the Britannia Super Series event. He came third at the end of the day.
13 contestants and a good contest - report is here, winner Adam Jepson is here
Two late withdrawals reduced the field to 10 players, but a lively tournament ensued, including 4 of the county's top juniors. Click here for report.
Hotly contested with 20 entrants - report is here
A tremendously hard fought final between Ducking Ping Pong and Gladiators saw Ducking prevail 6-3, but several games were desperately close.
For everyone else, it was holiday table tennis, but good fun. Thanks to Sean for taking over the reins this year, and well done to all finalists.
Until next year then.....
The day went ahead as planned, tables being taken to IBC HQ at Grafton House. Report is here, with pics Teenagers, Table Crew, Chief Exec, Round the Table, IBC Staff and Chuks.
In the meantime, the IDTTL facebook page has details and pics, why not have a look (and like it!?) https://en-gb.facebook.com/ipswichtabletennisuk/
All in all, the day provided suitable encouragement to consider a similar exercise next year, once again as a BTTC / IDTTL joint venture, or even host a Council Championships at the Dome. Watch this space!
Britannia members hoof off to France for the weekend for 18 hours of knackering fun. For report click here.
Photos from the weekend (see text for more details: 1) Limbering up on the plane, 2) Giant mechanical elephant, 3) Nigel's organ, 4) How to arrive at a serious sporting event, 5) Thouare hall, 6) Avrille hall, 7) Sylvain's team, 8) Miriam's team, 9) Angers tapestry
An exciting round of events in blisteringly hot weather - full report is here
This passed off without controversy, minutes are in the noticeboard pockets, at the Dome
At the Dome, Juniors Saturday report here and Seniors Sunday report here.
This was a humdinger with plenty of shock results. Report is here
This event went ahead despite the bitter weather and produced some high-class stuff. Click for report here
Enjoyable event and organised impeccably as usual. Along with the expected big Britannia names of Richard Hutchinson, Andy Warner, Ryan Collins and Dan Shelley mopping up trophies, there were successes for our European contingent of Sylvain Floury in the Restricted Singles and Miriam Hetzel in the Ladies Doubles. Congratulations all.
We are pleased to announce that following a meeting at the Dome on 12/1/18 the renewal was rubber-stamped, following almost a year of graft and paperwork (due to new and stringent requirements). Claire Brockwell met with Martin and Colin, joined in the Vet's session, checked out facilities took pictures and copy documents and passed on the good news.
Thanks to everyone who contributed, but mainly Mick Talbot for breaking the back of the submissions.
At Stowupland high school - full report and results here
This series is hotting up, 4 down 2 to go. Report is here
Our coach reveals what he's been doing..... link to it here
Won by Steven Gray of Cambridgeshire, who knocked out Andy Warner on his way to the final against IDTTL 1st div player Gary Young.
Full report here.
...have been competing in National Cadet and Junior Leagues. Latest results are here
Won again by Andy warner, 19 runners. Full report and pics here
Won by Andy Warner in a surprisingly small (but perfectly formed) field of 13 players. Full report is here
A stormer from Alex. McKenzie and Lucy also took part but were unfortunate to exit from the early knockout rounds.
Pics of Alex with Grandmother here (1) and running to the event here (2) and with father here (3).He pocketed a cool £100 for the win. Pic of Lucy here
Won by Andy Warner from Chris Cockburn, the event enjoyed by 17 entrants. Click here for full report
A modest turnout of 16 players saw Mathieu Jubault, who travelled from France for the event, take first place over Chris Cockburn in a thoroughly enjoyable even. Click here for full event report
A hard fought event won by Andy Warner, featuring an excellent display from Alex Attew. Full report here.
This was cancelled due to lack of uptake - only two entrants.
Following the play-offs this week we have the final results, with Sacre Bleu pipping Gladiators for the prestige of overall champions. The result hinged on erratic Martin Tomes v formidable Rob Wood, but hitting and hoping triumphed (just) over pimples and patience for a surprise win. Congratulations to all who took part, also to Brian Blagden who expertly marshalled the event as always. It was good to see new players and Juniors taking part in good numbers, adding an element of chaos to the handicapping but variety to the play. FOR THE FINAL POSITIONS click here.
For those of you who like a good table tennis puzzle, we had an interesting scorecard from one of this week's fixtures If you can work out what happened and who won what, please send your answers to Kieran Bean who may offer a small prize.
With the final results in, congrats are due to Gladiators, who won the Tuesday league in their customary dour and efficient fashion, while Sacre Bleu won the murderously competitive Wednesday league with flair and an entertaining style. The defending champs Duckling Ping Pong tried very hard and managed a creditable 3rd place in Wednesday's division. For the final table please click here
Since Friday 23rd June there is a Ping Pong Parlour in our town, ground floor of Sailmakers (next to Poundland). Purple carpets, orange walls, 3 tables, bats and balls, all for passers-by to play free of charge. This is one of the pop-up parlours launched by TTE to promote the sport - there for seven weeks to cover National Table Tennis Day on July 12th and beyond. We are curious that TTE don't appear to have let us or IDTTL know about this, as we are in regular contact with them, but at least there was an article in the Star.
Wander down? Tell your friends? Pics here are courtesy of Rosemary: Pic 1 Pic 2 Pic 3
It's like announcing that the Martians have landed...!
A full house of 24 players doffed their caps to Neil Charles, who won the event looking in full control throughout. Full report here
This went ahead as planned, all proceeded satidfactorily. Minutes are here, with a printed copy in the Dome.
We have two reports over Easter of a person in hoodie poking around the Dome when there were vehicles in the car park, presumably with intent to steal even if someone was about. Please keep your eyes open and let a committee member know if you witness another
Suppliers of new and used cycles, motorbikes and scooters, based in felixstowe for over 50 years, Alford Bros are proud to support our Junior section. Healthy recreation and transport for active kids and their parents. See more details on the home page, or visit www.alfordbrothersandson.co.uk and support our sponsor!
Catering for every kind of special event, with music for all ages, or a speciality night such as Motown, Rat Pack or 80's, let our very own Andrew Dosher sort our your entertainment. See the home page for more information or visit www.allgenerationsdiscos.com
Well attended with a high quality field. Jake Collins and Clair Westlake were largely unbeaten all day, collecting a sackful of trophies between them. Click for full report and results
Gavin Rumgay prevailed over Ryan Collins - full details here
Held at Stowupland
At the end of their first season, Britannia finished 2nd in division 4A. Click for presentation photo
Individual results were:
Samuel Hume - won 15 out of 16 played - 93.75%
Daniel Shelley - won 8 out of 10 played - 80%
Kian Burgess - won 14 out of 18 played - 77.78%
James Davies-Stokes - won 6 out of 16 played - 37.5%
The Corn Exchange again plays host to the big event of the league. Final date for entries is 22nd January 2017, via http://www.idttl.net/champsentry/ so get organised and get entered! SEE IDTTL WEBSITE FOR REPORTS / PHOTOS
Championships passed off well, Ryan Collins capturing the Open Singles as expected. Results report.
Numbers in the Junior section up on last year - report here
These have now finished for this season, to be reviewed in the summer before deciding about next season.
A full house, again won by Neil Charles over Lauren Charles, in an event where Britannia club members were prominent. Report here
16 very strong players from all around the region, with a shock as top seeds Ryan Collins and Neil Charles did not prevail. Click for report
At approx 8pm last night one of the cars parked in the Dome front car park had a window smashed, and a lighted bottle of petrol or similar chucked inside. Fortunately this set off the car alarm, and club members quickly extinguished the flames, but this could have been significantly more dangerous. It has been reported to the Police, plus a few of the local residents (who share our concerns for their own vehicles and who will look out as a result).
Please can all users of the Dome keep vigilant and challenge anyone or raise immediate help if there is anything suspicious happening.
In the meantime the officers of the club are looking at practical options to protect people and property.
Another enjoyable event on Sunday Dec 11th. Band A won by Andrew Dosher after a tense encounter with Curtis Beales, and Rex Manning stealing Band B from Martin Tomes - report to follow.
Held at the Dome on Sunday 4th December 2016, report here.
Lively and engaging, but room for more attendees next time - use it or lose it!
24 participants, won this time by Neil Charles. Full report here
The inaugural coaching event for new and inexperienced players took place, attracting 6 non-members, 6 club members and a loaned table tennis robot. A positive and enthusiastic atmosphere prevaied, bats were twiddled, backs slapped and definitely worth repeating. Watch this page for more details of the November session
Held at the Dome on Sunday 2nd October, the exclusive invitation event featured established talent from Ipswich and Lowestoft, with some of the finest junior players in the county. For event report click here
21 participants, won again by Lauren Charles - click for event report
We are providing a couple of volunteer coaches for 1 hour every fortnight, starting Wednesday 7th Sept 2016 1:30-2:30. This is to support the "Enrichment" programme where pupils choose non-academic activities to broaden their outlook. George Earle and John Seabrook have already volunteered, Jack Perkins also a possible. Contact Martin if you also are willing to take part
Now completed for 2016, the league was its usual mixture of sweaty fun and nail-biting tight games due to the handicaps. Team of the summer Greatest Show On Earth finished 3rd in the end, having only lost to some Donkeys but sweeping all else before them. Expertly organised by Sean, with Sylvain, Martin and "Super" Les completing the line up, they may be back to entertain the league again next year.
There were a few other tems taking part of course, all details in Brian Blagden's Season Report.
A full turnout and lively event - click for report
Britannia didn't manage to qualify for the League last year, but this year strode through qualifying in style. Hats off to K Burgess, J Davies-Stokes and D Shelley, and click here for the report
Held at the end of June. Click for Minutes, Chair's report and Officers
28 players participated on 12th June at the Dome. Event report to follow
Final event of the season was Sunday May 15th at the Dome. Won by Chris Doran, report here
Held on Thurs 28th April at the Dome. For minutes click here.
Sat 16th and Sun 17th April at the Dome. Saturday saw all Juior events with results report here and all Senior events were on Sunday including a fun Hard Bat singles event at the end of the day. Click here for Seniors report and results summary. Numbers down this year but enjoyed by all nonetheless.
Event included Chris Doran, recently seen on ITV4 at the national championships. For event report click here
Being held at Stowupland High School, Sunday 20th March, starting 09:15. Entry forms are on the table in the Dome, entry by Fri 11th March to Andrew Dosher.
Being held at the Ipswich Corn Exchange on the weekend of 13th and 14th February 2016. Entry forms and details are in the League Handbook, or you can enter through www.idttl.net/champsentry. ENTRY IS EXTENDED TO SAT 16th JAN 1pm by handbook postcard or website only, and is free of charge for as many events as you can fit in.
If you have a little free time in the evening of Friday Feb 12th, the organisers are looking for volunteers to collect and set up the tables, and clear up after the event on Sunday 14th - let Martin Tomes know if so. SEE IDTTL WEBSITE FOR REPORTS AND PHOTOS
4 intrepid club members went to France 14-16 June, to meet up with 2 more who recently moved back there (Sylvain and Loic), and play 17 hours over two tournaments. The short report is here.
Pics from the weekend: (1) Head Hankie (2) Sean and Chris (3) Dodgy Headband (4) Brits on Tour (5) Petit Dejeuner (6) Avrille Party (7) Prizewinners
The day went ahead as planned, tables being taken to IBC HQ at Grafton House. Report is here, with pics Teenagers, Table Crew, Chief Exec, Round the Table, IBC Staff and Chuks.
In the meantime, the IDTTL facebook page has details and pics, why not have a look (and like it!?) https://en-gb.facebook.com/ipswichtabletennisuk/
All in all, the day provided suitable encouragement to consider a similar exercise next year, once again as a BTTC / IDTTL joint venture, or even host a Council Championships at the Dome. Watch this space!
Britannia members hoof off to France for the weekend for 18 hours of knackering fun. For report click here.
Photos from the weekend (see text for more details: 1) Limbering up on the plane, 2) Giant mechanical elephant, 3) Nigel's organ, 4) How to arrive at a serious sporting event, 5) Thouare hall, 6) Avrille hall, 7) Sylvain's team, 8) Miriam's team, 9) Angers tapestry
Any excuse for a jolly trip, Martin Tomes and Sylvain Floury spent a weekend in France playing 2 tournaments in the sweltering heat. Click here for a short report and pics
This was successful and enjoyable. Click for event report and for photos
Held at the Dome, Sunday 19th July 2015
Click for Report and photos