The Horsham Table Tennis Association threw open the doors to its new home at the former Italian Club on Harriet Street on Sunday.
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More than 200 curios people came through the doors of the newly branded Horsham Table Tennis Centre.
Former and current members were joined by members of the wider Horsham community as well as Horsham Rural City mayor Pam Clarke and councillor Mark Radford.
Association vice-president Jeff Pekin said there was plenty of interest shown in the next chapter for the association.
“It was very exciting to see so many people come through the doors,” he said. “A lot of our members are in the older age bracket whereas the future lies with the juniors.”
The association has been based at Maydale Pavillion within the Horsham Showgrounds since 1963 and moved to buy its new home when it was auctioned in April.
The move to a new building which it will have ownership of is a significant step up for many of the sports long-time players.
Pekin said one of the biggest benefits would be playing on a wooden floor because it is easier on the body.
“And we’ll be playing in a bit more comfort,” he said. “We won’t have to pack up all the time for sheep sales or the Horsham Show.
“To be able to own something and have the ability to do what we want to do is so great.”
The association is looking for community and council support to help with renovations that need to be done to return the centre to peak condition.
“We’re putting our names in for a the Pick My Project program and we need support,” Pekin said. “It’s not just about us – there is history of Horsham in this building.”