NOBODY at the Cirencester Table Tennis League believed they would be starting the 2015 summer competitions without the presence of Ken Bridle, who died on May 1, writes Chris Jackson.

Over the last 25 years, Ken worked tirelessly to make the league the success it is today, twice receiving the English Table Tennis Board’s Unsung Hero Award.

Ken, from South Cerney, started playing table tennis in his teenage years and continued into his working life when, if a table wasn’t available, he made arrangements for the provision of one.

Just recently he helped put together a history of the league's last 25 years.

So many people in the sport will miss him, not only in Cirencester but also in the Stroud League where he played for the Woodchester club.

Ken played his part at county level, being treasurer of the Gloucestershire Table Tennis Association for many years, while for Cirencester he fulfilled many roles including vice chairman, treasurer, tournament organiser and booking officer. He also ran the National Cadet competitions, which were completed the weekend before he died.

Ken was ably supported by his wife Margaret, who hosted committee meetings and organised refreshments for club nights and competitions. All of us who worked with Ken send his family our heartfelt sympathies.

As news of Ken’s death has spread, the league has received emails and telephone calls from all over the country, including from Table Tennis Wales, Table Tennis England and his beloved Bournemouth Football Club. From all these messages, it is clear that he was well respected and regarded as a true gentleman, and as Mr Table Tennis through and through.