Guestbook

Is Victor Garland, table tennis champion still participating? the last tiome I heard of him he was emigrating to Australia. looking forward to your reply.

Wow! Last time I saw Vic was in the late fifties. haven't heard a thing about him since.
If he is still living he will be about 80. Anyone else out there know anything about Vic?

Hi David Brown if you phone me at 01506 413570 I can update you on Bert Kerr, who is now playing more Golf than Table Tennis - hope to hear from you

And here I am again, a year later! No, sorry, cannot volunteer for Press duties. (Just as well, given my infrequent visits to the site to catch up!) Actually, all you need to do is collar one of the National Sports Press Agencies and email them the results. They will do the rest and will be happy to do it - they get paid. Note though, they want info by 6 p.m. on the day it happens or it's not news, and they do want scores of semi-finals and finals, plus names of opponents, and of course team results with details of any major upsets and seedings if poss. It would mean the occasional phone call if away from home but most have Free-Fone.
Site is really good and congratulations to all who were at Wales and did so well. Sorry I had to miss the second day and won't be at first Assessment. See you all soon though.

Many congratulations on an excellent performance in Wales. Bodes well for the Association. Great to see 'Little Mo' making an appearance. I still picture her as about 14 - really showing my age. Glad Senga got a more worthy team mate this time - Didn't you all do well!!

It's official Lundie is now a table tennis legend. Well done all.

Yes, Pat. He's a legend in his own lunchtime.

Usual good report and great team effort Johnny. This must be the best haul of awards sofar and augers well for next year. It would be perfect to win some gold medals at home.
Thanks George, that's your place in next year's team assured.

Used to play 20+ years ago (in the era of Ian Stokes) - played with Gambit in Edinburgh. Anybody know what Bert Kerr is up to these days?

Notwithstanding the previous debate regarding selection, I reckon that the teams selected for Llandudno look if anything, stronger than last year. I think we have a very good chance to pick up some medals. Well done and good luck to all those representing the Scottish Vets.

Thanks, Roy and, like Eddie, almost a gentleman.

Congratulations to all those selected for Llandudno, the teams look strong. Good luck, play well and bring back some medals.

Thanks for the kind words and good wishes, Eddie. You're almost a gentleman.

I read with interest the varying views on the selection process for the 6 nations each of which must be respected and considered. That said I tend to fall into the camp that favours selecting those who support the events throughout the season. There must be some reward for those who keep the SVTTA alive and which by definition provides support to the willing band of volunteers who run the events etc.
Hey Ho

Have a good summer guys

Brian Kean
Cheshire

All of John Cambell's American friends are cheering him on! As usual, your web site is very good. Thanks to John, my game is improving and I am keeping my thumb where it belongs.

I concur with Pat and Roy that the existing selection process must stand for this year.
For future years I would propose a more "flexible" system along the lines of my previous comment. This proposal would still,(quite rightly), heavily favour the members who have gathered the most points and also provide a selection route for those members who for a variety of genuine reasons have missed out.

I agree with Roy that we must stick to the selection process agreed at the start of the season. I'm on holiday so wont make the Championships so I guess u can include me out. as well. I think that if it is a 3 man team then the top 3 on the points table must be offered a place in the team. If anyone can't make it then a selection committee can pick anyone to fill the vacancy not just working it's way down the list.

This is a very sticky subject. As someone who had planned to and desperately wanted to play in every tournament this year and ended up only being able to play (for a plethora of valid excuses) in the pathetic total of 2, I know all the frustrations and disappointments. I am resigned to the fact that I for one will not be going to Llandudno. However, looking at the points lists, it does seem that the Scottish Vets Assn will be playing in the 6-Nations minus Mssrs. Campbell and Salter, arguably the best players in their respective age groups. I'm not sure that this is at in the best interests of those individual teams, or of the Scottish Vets Assn that they are representing. On the other hand, if, as George has suggested, a Wild Card Selection is utilised, what about the player who has played every tounament this season and in his/her eyes qualified under the current rules to play for Scotland, but now finds him/herself omitted from the team? My view ihas to be that this year, the Assn should bite the bullet and select the team under the guidelines that were in place at the start of the season. It's the only way to be seen to be "fair" to those who qualify under the points system after this season's events. I do believe though, that George's suggestion does have merit and should ceratinly be adopted for future years.

A possible solution to the selection process is to have a "wild card" entry for each team similar to the the Ryder Cup. The selection commitee would be the deciding judges.
For example in the over 60's the mens team would be made up of the two players with the most points and the third player appointed by the commitee.

can anyone tell me if Norman Notarangelo is still involved in the TT world. I used to play with 30 years ago in Edinburgh and recall Willy Mabon, Norman Love and who could forget John Moir. I Started playing a few years ago in Berks playing at a reasonable standard in league and the odd county match when time permits. Had a great laugh and game with Richard Yule at a match recently and such a lovely guy still.and maybe see you all one day at one of your vertevents one day in Scotland. GREAT SITE !! Hi

It was great to see Derek, Peter and Geoff at the Stoke at the weekend. Unfortunately as the Thistles are undoubtedly heading for promotion it would appear that my team is haeding for relegation from Div 2, I can't recall Doncaster being famous for miracles. Good luck to all.

Was disappointed to see my Over-50s position on 24/9 is incorrect! I won my final group so came ninth actually. Sandy has confirmed this to me by private email. Otherwise, it'sgreat to have our own space! Do we get any newspaper coverage as well?

Sorry about that, Linda. Sandy has been spanked and sent to bed without any supper. You raise a fair point regarding newspaper coverage. We could do with a press officer. Any volunteers? Maybe yourself,Linda?

I look in on this site fairly often and it is good to see familiar names. I hope to be able to watch more tournaments this coming season but will be only in Glasgow.

Great report Johnnie. Reaching three finals was some achievment and I think you would have taken that prior to the event. In mitigation, I think the team format for the 40's&50's does not maximise our strengths. At least you will have the "Mighty Murray" in your camp for next year. All power to your pen.

Thanks George. Nice to know we have at least one appreciative reader.

Good website. Nice to see some familiar names, John Wilson, Norman Lovie and Ian MacLean. I stopped playing (some would say I never started) almost 20 years ago, but started again a couple of years ago with Ken MacLeods guys down in Hampshire and got back to playing at a decent standard. Since moved to Italy, playing a bit with some clubs in Padova, trying to encourage some talented kids to keep playing.
All the best to those with long memories.

Anyone looking information about the Irish vets scene contact me

Having recently been along to watch the Scottish confined at Holyrood Sports Centre it would appear that perhaps there is a chance to start playing again as I enjoyed meeting up with many {dare I use the word OLD} friends shall start to go along for a hit work permitting and see how we get on. I know it will be murder but shall give it a go.Keep up the great work that is happenning in TT

Great to see this web site as it helps to keep in touch with the game in Scotland (still living in Cheshire) Only manage to get up to the odd event , like many others plagued with a variety of injuries that can't quite hold out for a full tournament,. Along with John Hilton regularly performing our "Table Toppers". exhibitions also doing after dinner and special event compering .. It any of that is of interest give us a shout and good luck to all TT players in scotland and once again thanks to those who put the time and effort in to run this web site.

Thanks, Brian, your comments are appreciated. Get over those injuries and we'll hope to see you up here competing again soon.

Elaines proposal is fine as long as only two singles events are entered. In the distant past players did enter more than two but this produced "headaches" when trying to complete groups.

I would go along with players being able to choose to play in a younger age group if they so wish; However, question: Will it mean that the over 40s will become another Open competition? If everyone enters the over 40s you'll have 2 Opens. Food for thought.

I agree. Players should have the freedom to select which age group they wish to play in.

Hi folks. I intend putting forward a proposal at the forthcoming AGM that players should be allowed to opt to enter age groups below their actual age -as can happen in the team event at the Home Countries international weekend. Any comments?

Surely that can not be the same Johnny Montgomery who beat me in the West of Scotland Open in 1967? I am from N I was 16 years old then

Reply. Hello Jack, nice to hear from a kindred spirit from Northern Ireland. Problem is,Jack, we don't have a Johnny Mongomery listed. Perhaps you mean Johnny Campbell ?

Paul Morris has been introduced to the Kilwinning and Prestwick clubs and looks a mean player. He intends to play in the vets and I am sure he will win his fair share. All the best to Paul and his wife Alex for 2006.

Looks like another Englishman will soon be playing in the Scottish Vets. He is none other than Paul Morris from Brentwood, Essex. Paul and his wife, Alex, have recently sold up down south and will be settling down on the West Coast at Ayr. Alex is originally from the Glasgow area but is not a TT player. Paul is quite a decent player and is a legend in his own mind. I shared a room with him when we played in the World Championships in Melbourne in 1994. It was one of the funniest times I've ever had. He's mad as a hatter. The "medicine bag" he refers to in a previous message, is his own supply of pills and potions for every ailment known to mankind. He has a stock larger than Boots. But I think he's really a hypochondriac . So remember if you play him don't feel sorry for him and take it easy when he starts Oooohing and Aaaahing and rubbing his leg or arm or any other part of his body. He'll be winding you up. In all seriousness he's a fine chap and a good friend of mine. I look forward to meeting up with him again and having some more fun times. I wish them all the best for their new life in Scotland.

Hi John
Paul has already been in touch with us (see guest book entry). No doubt he'll appreciate your good wishes.

Good luck to all at Bathgate this weekend. For various reasons it is unlikely I will be up to play before the Nationals in April. However I am now fully fit, playing very well and intend doing some serious damage to the 50s rankings come April.
Congratulations to the "Thistles" for a good result at Stoke. I'm sure you'll complete the job in the return matches at Doncaster.

Nice to hear from you,Eddie and we all look forward to seeing you at the Nationals.

Hello John Fraser
Read you message.
I am coming North with my "medicine bag" so look out!!!
Get the bat and ball out again and I'll show you what the oldies can do....
Best wishes
Paul

hi everyone,i used to play 30 years ago.nice to see some of the people still playing.just picked up a bat for the first time in years......hoping to play in the vets very soon.all the best, norman lovie
Hi Norman Hope to see you soon at the SVTTA events.

Although I have not been playing for the last couple of seasons, I'm still keeping an eye on things. Good to see a few new names especially Ian Hunter who denied for years that he had attained the age of forty. Hopefully be back next year or perhaps earlier. I'm missing the competition. I'll have to go into an intensive training programme i.e. five push-ups and five trunk curls every day with perhaps a few minutes of TT each week. It doesn't seem much but it's more than I've done in my life. Regards to everyone. John

Hello John Nice to hear from you and we will all look forward to seeing you soon at our tournaments.

really enjoyed viewing this site. havent played the game for over 20 years, just about to pick up a bat and start playing again. all the best to all my old friends all over scotland . hope to see you again in the vets...

Great report on Guernsey John. I hope your posterior is better.
George.

Having not played the Game for 20 years or so now....enjoyed the site. I see some of my old colleagues are still playing...brill!!! All the best from John Moir in Botswana (ex Aberdeen and Scotland player)

Reply
Always nice to hear from names from the past. Thanks for your kind comments re the website

Good luck to John Campbell in your trip for the European over-70 championship. Am looking forward to your returning to the States next November. You have a very nice website. Joe Cincotta and Norman send their best to you also.

Thanks to all the guys and dolls at Sarasota table tennis club. Look forward to seeing you all in November.

I just found this site. What a pleasant surprise. Having been out of the game for many years, I have been made most welcome both at Ardrossan and on my first Friday training in Glasgow. Thank you to all those old and new friends who have been so welcoming. The standard at Vets level is certainly higher than when I last played. Or is it that I'm so out of practice? A little of both I think. Looking forward to playing in as many tournaments as i can. Thanks John for the excellent web site.

Come on Alan Kitson, your only 2nd in the over 60's, you can do better!

Even better than before and love the many photos. We must encourage the juveniles to have a look, just to prove there is life (and real table tennis) after 40! (and 50, 60, 70...) So pleased the results were so good in Widnes.

Well done lads,
the website is excellent and I was impressed with the quick results service for the last assessment. Derek also picked the "best looking vets" for the headline picture.
Kind Regards,
George.

Hi Johnny. Any news about travelling to Widnes or do we all do our own thing?I presume we start on Friday evening and finish Sunday afternoon, after we collect all our trophies! Regards, Carol

nice website, visit the " drums " website at
www.drumchapeltabletennisclub.com for all the latest news going on in tabletennis!!!!

nice one, Drumchapel

Well done John and I have added it to my favourites. Sorry to hear about Big John. Could you send me a suitable address to forward our regards.
George.

Thanks George

Great Website Johnny. Clear, concise, and a spice of humour too! Would be nice to download a page sometimes for circulation to those who don't have computers, or who, like me, like a solid piece of copy to refer back to and to share with others...
Keep up the good work.

From Johnny - thanks Linda. Nice to get some positive feedback.