Claude (Bill) Chester (Born 08.08.1934 - Died 25.12.2023)

It is with great sadness that we advise our Members, of the passing of our good Table Tennis friend Bill Chester.

Bill would always greet you with a smile and we can’t remember any time that he did not have a cheery appearance, which made him a very popular teammate and opponent.

Back in the 1990’s Bill was a middle Division player in the Southend & District Table Tennis League. He had a long TT career with the Rayleigh Electricity Sports and Social Club’s Table Tennis Club, known as RESSC. Bill was one of the best players in those Divisions, coming Runner up in the Divisional Restricted Singles events at the Southend League’s Annual  Closed Championships in both in 1998 and 1999.

In 2000, Bill changed clubs and joined the Rawreth Table Tennis Club, playing with the Nunn Brothers - Andy, Dave, Mike and Chris.  The boys used to remark on what a good night they had.  With the Nunn Boy’s progress to higher divisions, Bill transferred to the Hullbridge Sports Association  for the next 10 seasons, where he played with Neal Klyman, Rob Hills, Ross Collins, Paul Ogden, Jim McKechnie, Dennis Warren, Neil Harrild, Barry Bronson and Les Bull.

Bill retired from competitive Table Tennis in 2011, age 77, but continued to pop down to Hockley Table Tennis Club with bat in hand. He was proud to take up, when asked, the role of President of the Hockley TTC, a title he held for 2 years.

Even though retired, Bill was a regular visitor to the Southend Annual Closed Championships and everyone was pleased to see him.

Bill was a lovely man, liked by everyone and will be much missed. We send our Condolences to Bill’s wife Molly, their daughter Karen and their Family and Friends: our thoughts are with you all.

Rest in Peace Bill.

Ken Field, Chairman and Jayne Johnson, General Secretary, of the Southend & District Table Tennis League.

Funeral arrangement. The Funeral will be held on Friday 19th January at Pitsea crematorium. There is no Service, but there will be a few words said just  before the burial, which will be at 1.30pm.

A Wake will be held at the British Legion Hall, Hockley.

Bill’s wife Molly and daughter Karen have asked us to let you know that everyone is welcome to the Burial and Wake.