Kingfisher Table Tennis Club has been around (in one form or another) for many years now. Below you will find a brief history of Kingfisher through the years. During the life of the club, many past and present stars of table tennis have passed through our doors. These are listed in our Honours Section.

History

The development of table tennis in Reading, Berkshire saw a rapid acceleration in the 1980s. Prior to that time the sport had proceeded along an established format of competitive play within the local league structure. Changes, from the inauguration of the league system in 1926 to the present time, have been minimal.

The formation of the Omega Club revolutionised the concept of league play in the area. The club adopted a new approach which sought to bridge the gap between the "play for fun" concept and total excellence. In a few short years a new highly dedicated professional approach was producing high grade performers of international stature.

The example set by the Omega Club was emulated by the Kidmore End Club, who in their turn set standards for junior players.

For both clubs premises had always been a major problem and, although there were major financial constraints at that time, a joint decision was taken to build a purpose built venue on a self help basis. The complexity of the undertaking proved daunting and a further decision was taken to invite Woodley TTC, Reading's largest club, to join the project. So three clubs, all with different areas of expertise, came together to form Kingfisher Table Tennis Club.

The present building has an interesting history. The wooden shell of the building was originally a school dormitory attached to Kennylands School, Sonning Common, South Oxfordshire, and was used during World War 2 to house evacuees from Essex. The dormitory was purchased for £600 and almost bankrupt the Omega Club. The various pieces of the building were stored until a site could be found. With the full co-operation of Bulmershe School, land was provided and the slow process of building the new club began, all the work being conducted by volunteers.

Here are just a few snap shots of the building work and of some of those who helped (click on a picture to see it in full). The photographs show the very early stages of the construction of the Kingfisher Club. The construction took many months of back breaking toil by dedicated members many of whom had little or no building experience, but under the guidance of those who did, the works were carried out and our club took shape and is much the same today.

Photo 1 - Construction (early)	Photo 2 - Construction (later)	Photo 3 - Volunteers
		From left to right, Derek Crombie, Peter Charters, Mike Bullock, Colin Dyke, Brian Halliday & Marion Dyke.

The club is able to stage four tables in match conditions, and the same area can accommodate five tables for practice. Plans are in hand to increase both the playing and social areas of the club.

The Kingfisher Club was opened on 8th January 1988 by ex World Champion and President of the English Table Tennis Association Johnny Leach, MBE, assisted by the local Member of Parliament for the Wokingham District, John Redwood.

Honours List

The following list presents those club members who have represented England at various levels, and listed below that are some of their major achievements at national and international events.

• David Barr
• Alison Gordon
• Gareth Herbert
• Gemma Schwartz
• Mandy Sainsbury
• Jimmy Stokes
• Andrew Syed
• Matthew Syed
• Karen Witt
• Terry Young
• Ayonija Sundararajan (Schools)
• Richard Andrews (Schools)