Longevity should be the middle name of extraordinary table tennis player and administrator John Bunn, who recently stood down as chairman of the Stroud Table Tennis League after 50 incredible years at the helm.
John first joined the Stroud Committee in 1969 as Inter Town Match Secretary, a post he held until 1979. He became Vice-Chairman in 1974 and Chairman in 1975.
A talented player, John, who received an award at the recent AGM for his 50 years in post, but he certainly isn’t hanging his bat up yet after recently celebrating his 82nd birthday.
He said: “A particular highlight was playing in a Woodchester side, a club I have played for 55 years, when won the league cup in 2023 playing the final game and winning the cup by two points and becoming the oldest person to do so.
“I am still involved in the Stroud Table Tennis League as I have been elected as its President.”
Fellow table tennis player Allan Lardner paid a glowing tribute to John, he said: “John has always led the Stroud Committee with enthusiasm and the ability to encourage others. He was involved in arranging England International matches at Stroud Leisure Centre in 1976 v USSR and in 1979 v Yugoslavia.
“He helped run the Stroud Closed Tournament for over 20 years with his great friend John Smith, who sadly passed away in 2023.
“John even compiled the history of the Stroud League in time for the 50th anniversary in 1986.
“He was very involved in arranging a 75th anniversary in 2011 at Whitminster Village Hall, which was enjoyed by many guests from around the county and beyond.
“He represented Stroud Veterans on a couple of occasions in 1982 and 1985.
“On a county level, John was a qualified umpire and Umpires Secretary from 1978 for four years.
“He was County Chairman from 1983 for two years and is a County Vice President.
“John will be a hard act to follow but we all have faith in new Chairman Andy Hammond.”
