Below is an extract from the early minutes of the assaociation that were painstakingly assembled by past player and committee member Tony Arts. As can be seen it grew from a number of disjointed clubs to form the association in 1947. Things were quite different back then but the association has not missed a beat. Our intention is to promote the club in our 75th year
The Beginnings
The sustained interest in table tennis shown at Lysaghts had borne results. The sport had grown from a few enthusiasts and one table to the temporary acquisition of portion of the Galvanised bathroom and four first class tables. Each lunch hour at least thirty players used the tables. The Lysaght Club had two “B” grade and one ,”A” grade team in the competition “A” and “B” had so far met with indifferent success, but the ”B2” team was the only undefeated team in the five rounds completed. R Harley, R Clarke, R Brown, R Coller and
G Barton and a newcomer L Ryan comprised this team. Much was expected of Lance Ryan who had played first grade table tennis in Queensland.
The Club
At a meeting held in Thorne’s Building on Wednesday 26 February 1947 six clubs viz Woonona, Thirroul , CRM., AIS Administrative, Wollongong Tennis Club and Lysaghts gathered to discuss the possibility of forming an association to control table tennis in and around Wollongong.
After a lengthy discussion they were convinced that sufficient South Coast Clubs and players were available to successfully conduct two competitions. Don Pallier and Anthony Tobin were elected Chairman and Honorary Secretary respectively and the following resolutions were carried:
(1) A & B midweek competition be conducted, starting if possible by the end of March. Entries closed on 17 March.
(2) Teams consist of four players, nomination fee 2/- per team.
(3) Ron Denham elected delegate to the Protestant Churches Sports Association was to acquaint these teams of the proposed competition.
(4) Competition matches to be played weekly.
- A knockout tournament for A and B grade to be run on 19 March at Lysaghts Recreation Room. Entries taken by Anthony Tobin, phone Port Kembla 260.
