"WE have a league to be proud of."

They were the words of chairman Peter White at the Clacton and District League's 2017 AGM.

He said it had been a successful season with good competition in the league, a top-class cup final and a Closed Championship which attracted an excellent entry.

Several new players had joined and White thanked coaching officer Felipe Rodriguez and development officer Ferdy Rodriguez for their efforts in running the junior coaching sessions and the 'come and try' nights.

White also thanked Gavin Price, who had continued to administer the TT365 service which continued to be popular with players.

In her secretary's report, Lyn White said the player registration system had few problems.

The handbook, printed by a new printer, had been a good quality product.

Treasurer Mike Hillier reported on a satisfactory financial year with a small surplus of income over expenditure.

The league was grateful to Paul Newbould for his continued sponsorship of the Closed Championships.

He recommended no increase in the affiliation fee of £35 per team.

Press and records secretary Tony Oswick said that over 150 players continued to play regularly in the league.

He thanked Roger Hance for supplying excellent photographs and acknowledged the great support given by Gazette sports editor Matt Plummer.

Coaching officer Felipe Rodriguez said the coaching sessions had continued on Mondays at the Coastal Academy.

Two juniors had joined the league last season.

In his development officer report, Ferdy Rodriguez stated that the 'come and try' sessions had produced seven new players while the quiz had raised over £200.

Trophies for 2016/17 were presented by president Sheila Howe to division one winners Nomads Panthers, runners-up Windsor Condors, division two winners Brotherhood H, runners-up Brotherhood D, division three winners Walton D and runners-up Nomads Wildcats.

Arthur Clarke, from Essex County TTA, presented trophies to Gracie Edwards and Sam Hume, who had both represented Essex Juniors.

The meeting was Sheila Howe's last as league president.

She said it had been a privilege to serve as president for the last 16 years.

She paid particular tribute to White, who had taken over from long-time chairman Brian Rowlen at a difficult time.

She wished the league success in the coming years.

The new president is former league secretary Shirley Rowlen, who presented Sheila with a bouquet as a token of the league's appreciation.

Officers elected for 2017/18: President - Shirley Rowlen; Chairman - Peter White; Vice-chairman - Graham Parkes; Secretary - Lyn White; Treasurer - Mike Hillier; Press and records secretary - Tony Oswick; Tournament officer - vacant; Development officer - Ferdy Rodriguez; Coaching officer - Felipe Rodriguez; Minutes secretary - Kayley Rodriguez; Committee members - Debra Found, Doug Green, Jenny Higgins, Tony Hooper, Gavin Price; Co-opted members - Isabel Barton, Mark Gale, Jason Lloyd; Independent financial examiner - Ray Chillingworth.

The league's ‘come and try’ sessions continue on Friday at the Brotherhood Hall, from 7.30pm.

Anyone who would like to take up table tennis can attend.

Contact Ferdy Rodriguez on 01255 830951 for details.