Herne Bay Table Tennis Club is a lifeline to many locals.

"Knock it down" was the headline on the front page of the Herne Bay Gazette (27th Jan 2022). It would be the  easiest thing to do, right?

What the Herne Bay Gazette didn’t initially share is that this building is not just a "loo block". In fact it hosts a thriving Table Tennis Club at its centre. This building, although needing love and care (as is so often the case with people), is a hidden gem if the Council would take the time to look a bit closer. 

Too often, people are dismissed in the same way as this building. The reality of life’s adversities can take their toll and people can become bruised, broken or maybe just a bit life-worn, they might be in need of a bit of love, or support or care. It would be much easier to overlook them because they don't "fit", or to remove then from view because they are struggling.

This Table Tennis Club does not overlook or dismiss people, it provides a community space for all. It’s a place for both young and old, novice and professional, and it's not just about table tennis. This is a place for conversation, for emotional and practical support, for learning from one another, for physical health, for mental health, for laughing, for mourning and for unity. 

Sadly, the Council may look at the exterior alone and make a judgement, but what we would urge them to do is to speak to the people who fill this building every week. Please do not simply see a shell, and miss the life within.

The local members of the club hold fast to the motto that is engraved upon the Herne Bay coat of arms "'NE CEDE MALIS' - Yield not to adversity" - they are determined to live life and share it together despite the adversities they’ve faced. The Herne Bay Tennis Club provides a welcome space for all to do that as a community.

Please sign our petition to urge Herne Bay Council to review their plans to destroy our Table Tennis Club and instead consider renovating and restoring a much loved hub of fun, solidarity and community.