Jersey Table Tennis Centre Set for September Return After £110,000 Rebuild Fund

The home of table tennis in Jersey could be back in action by September, more than two years after it was badly damaged by Storm Ciarán.

The Geoff Reed Table Tennis Centre was among several sporting venues affected by the tornado and high winds that struck the island in 2023, forcing the Jersey Table Tennis Association (JTTA) to relocate its activities to Fort Regent.

A fundraising drive launched earlier this year to restore the centre has now raised around £110,000, just short of its £120,000 target.

JTTA vice-president Paul Silcock said the money had come from a wide range of supporters, including members, individuals and charitable organisations across the island.

“Our fundraising has been a mixture of our members, to people off the cuff who've just been sending money into the table tennis centre, as well as the £110,000 of donations we've had from various charities and other funding bodies around the island,” he said.

The project has also received a major boost from Jersey Sport, which contributed £50,000 through the first round of its SPORT ACTIVATION funding programme.

The scheme has awarded almost £245,000 to 35 sporting projects across Jersey, with the aim of increasing participation, supporting development and improving opportunities for islanders.

Among the other successful projects were the Jersey Water Polo Association, which received £12,625 to expand junior and female participation and strengthen coaching; the Jersey Surf Kayak Club, which secured £1,886 to develop qualified leaders and improve safe access to the sport; and Skateboard Jersey, which was awarded £21,625 to expand community sessions and support its growth.

Mr Silcock said the funding from Jersey Sport had provided a significant boost as the fundraising campaign nears its conclusion.

“To get £50,000 from Jersey Sport is a great way to come towards the end of our fundraising,” he said.

“ We've still got a bit of fundraising to go, but I think we're now at the stage where we can at least move back in, get the table tennis built.”

He added that while the association had used some of its reserves during the period away from its home venue, the focus was now on completing the final stages of the rebuild.

“We've eaten into our reserves a little bit, but hopefully we will be moving towards getting the final fundraising and the last few bits sorted out,” he said.

The JTTA hopes the refurbished centre will reopen in September, bringing table tennis back to its dedicated island base.