Karen Henry presenting Christine Burke with her Pride of Table Tennis certificate from Table Tennis England for female volunteer of the year. Karens nomination below
What has been done?
Christine has represented Northumberland County for over 40 years across the different age categories and her enthusiasm for the game has never wavered during this time. Following a change in career Christine is now employed on a part time basis at Walker Activity Dome and she immediately recognised that there was a lot of unused space in the Centre, and this could be turned into something to support table Tennis for all levels. Northumberland had never had a Table Tennis Centre where any player regardless of age, ability/gender could go and play on any day of the week. Christine had a strong vision and passionate drive to change this. Christine negotiated the sole use of a hall in the building and has set up a Table Tennis Club with high quality equipment which is in permanent use for 7 days each week, and the Dome Table Tennis Club was born. Christine managed to source new tables, surrounds and bats while claiming exclusive use of this small sports hall for Table Tennis. To further establish the Club, Graeme Barella moved his club NETT to the premises within a month of set up, thanks to the support and facilities put in place by Christine. Christine has co-ordinated Women's and Girls events which have attracted interest locally and from adjoining County. There are only 5 women/girls currently on Northumberland County's ranking list and with 18 women/girls turning up at first session, it is hoped that this will increase over the coming years, as this is one of Christine's main aims. For someone who was just going to do her job at a sports facility to creating this sole purpose facility in a deprived area of the North East, is testament to the enthusiasm Christine has, She will not credit this venture as her own but it certainly would not have happened without her. She is on hand to help coaching sessions, often after her shifts or on her days off, and even though she does not drive, this has never been an obstacle for her to provide help. Dome Table Tennis Centre is still less than 12 months old and its availability is well known across the Area and is being supported by players who would have had practise/social time restrictions at other venues. It is certainly a venue to suit all, and Christine deserves all the accolades for making this possible.
What impact has this had?
Christine has created a unique space which is clean and safe for all to use. She has personalised the venue with Table Tennis decals highlighting the sports halls use to other visitors. Within a month of opening, Dome Table Tennis Club attracted Graeme Barella and his NETT Club, and they started to use the venue. This has given Graeme the opportunity to conduct 121s at a Central venue and has certainly been an integral part in the improvement of our junior players who started to play in Northumbria League this season. The Area’s first Women’s and Girls event was held at the Club in September with more planned for the future. The Club has hosted its first 1* tournaments organised by NETT, the first tournaments in the County for several years, with further tournaments planned. Bat and Chat sessions take place, giving this Club a true community feel. Due to popularity the Club has extended its opening hours to cover 7 days a week, making it a facility truly available to all. From what I have personally seen and heard from players and parents; this is a great place to go to enjoy the sport that we all love. Christine has created real momentum with this and has a hands-on approach to everything that is done-she really is one in a million and is certainly worthy of being nominated for ‘The Pride of Table Tennis’.
