A remarkable sporting initiative is underway in Horwich.

No, not the one involving Bolton Wanderers.

This is the massive commitment shown by the Bolton and District Table Tennis League to the revitalisation of a sport which has been a local favourite since the 1930s.

The League - in the shape of an enthusiastic sub-committee - is working towards establishing the best table tennis centre in the North-west.

Already there are signs that young and old are beginning to respond to the efforts being made at the Hilton Community Centre in Nuttall Avenue.

Increasing numbers of juniors between nine and 16 are being coached by volunteers and the Friday afternoon sessions for players over 50 are booming.

Secretary Christine Crumblehulme and treasurer Eddie Lee, who have played in the league for 50 and 30 years respectively, took time out this week to detail the exciting plans for the centre.

Basically, the project arose out of the realisation that the closure of the Silverwell Street Sports Centre would leave nowhere for Bolton juniors to be coached for continued successful participation in the Manchester Youth Games.

When the League "had a go" at Bolton Council the authority suggested the use of the Hilton Community Centre, which had been closed previously.

After a trial period to evaluate support, the League signed a 25-year lease on December 18, 1995 to take the building over as a table tennis centre also available for other community use.

The League pays a peppercorn rent but takes responsibility for heavy running costs such as rates, gas and repairs.

There are 10 table tennis tables available for use five nights a week (league only on Thursdays during the season) and on Friday afternoons.

The centre is used at other times by groups such as the Horwich Model Car Racing Club and the St Mary's football club juniors.

"It is taking off," Christine said.

But the problem now is finding the money for a major upgrade of the building to include changing facilities, disabled access, improved lighting and a proper sports floor.

Eddie said they were preparing a lottery grant application for the project, which it was estimated would cost between £60,000 and £70,000.

The League is seeking to raise about £10,000 towards the scheme, which would provide a top class table tennis facility capable of staging major national matches as well as meeting the growing local demand.

Sponsors and donations are being sought as part of a big fund-raising campaign which includes a raffle for which all league table tennis players have been sent tickets to sell.

Bolton has had generations of players who developed an interest in table tennis through churches, youth clubs and companies keen to provide sporting facilities for workers.

The Hilton Centre is already beginning to take the place of many of these organisations and interest is being revived - creating a demand for more volunteers to help.

Eddie, a level 3 coach, is proud of the achievements of the juniors, notably his 16-year-old son Greg, who is the County Under 17 Boys' Champion and 11-year-old Hannah Roberts, the County Under-14 Girls' Champion.

At the other end of the age scale Christine is receiving plenty of enquiries from former players who want to start again.

"We are going to make a success of it," she said.

"I've made my mind up."

Anybody interested in the Hilton Centre can ring Christine on 406693.

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