Organiser Ross Taylor said he and a number of Bega residents had been making regular trips to play at the Pambula club, but interest had spiked enough to launch a Bega-based session. 

“A couple of us having been playing with the Far South Coast group for the past year or so and we feel it is time to start an afternoon group here in Bega,” Taylor said. 

Two tables have been set up in one of the Bega Showground rooms with games scheduled to run Tuesdays from 1pm until 3pm. 

Taylor said he will gauge general response before expanding the schedule. 

“We may move into night games later on if there is a need for it,” he said. 

“The games will be played at a social level at this stage and the club will be affiliated with Table Tennis NW.”

The new club is now hoping to spread the word and get as many as 30 players involved in weekly meets. 

There will be a minimal $10 registration fee to sign on with Table Tennis NSW, and a $5 fee for the meets to cover rent and equipment costs. 

Taylor said he was astonished how quickly players could reach their potential and praised the social opportunities of a regular club. 

“I am 67 and had not played for 25 years, but in a few games I was back up to my 40-year-old ability ... which I might add is pretty average,” he said with a laugh. 

“But it is great exercise, mind alertness and a lot of fun and it is amazing how many skilled players are out there in the 50 to 70 plus age group.”

Any interested players should contact Ross Taylor on 0418 156 023.