Littlehampton table tennis stalwart Dennis playing on at 90
Dennis Rhodes, left, receives the Club Person of the Year award from Woodlands Table Tennis Club chairman Dave Richardson, in 2010.
TABLE tennis veteran Dennis Rhodes shows no signs of losing his competitive edge, even after passing his 90th birthday.
He first picked up a bat to join a league team in West Bromwich more than three-quarters of a century ago, and, apart from interruptions by the Second World War and injuries, has played almost continuously – and at a high standard.
With Rustington’s Woodlands Table Tennis Club, he plays in Division 2 of the Worthing District League, his team last year topping the division and Dennis finishing the season having won almost 80 per cent of his singles matches.
For many years he has also competed in the South West Sussex League for Eastergate, and is a popular and well-respected figure in table tennis, noted for his sporting approach.
More than 70 players from the two clubs, family and friends joined Dennis to celebrate his birthday at Littlehampton’s Vardar restaurant.
And a few days earlier at the Woodlands’ club’s match night, there was a surprise presentation to Dennis, of Norfolk Gardens, Littlehampton, on behalf of the members.
Speaking that night, club chairman Dave Richardson said there had been many changes to the game over the years Dennis had played, from the days when bats had sandpaper on one side and cork on the other, and leagues had many more teams than today, including numerous works social clubs.
He added: “But Dennis, I am sure there is one thing that hasn’t changed over that 77 years and that is your wonderful sportsmanship on and off of the table.
“You are a true gentleman and you are always willing to help whenever it is needed, whether helping with coaching and setting up the club.
“You are an absolute inspiration to us all and Woodlands Table Tennis Club is enhanced by having you as a club member.”
For the full story, see this week’s (February 2) Littlehampton Gazette.
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