Collage of photos of the Gittisham ping pong table in action. L-R Bill Griffiths, Nick Chapman, Alasdair Bruce and Hamish Hall

Outdoor ping pong arrives in Gittisham

A new sport and leisure facility in one of East Devon’s most attractive villages has been officially unveiled.

The outdoor ping pong table was installed in Gittisham’s play area in March, but given its formal ‘opening’ on Sunday 17 June. It extends the range of facilities on offer in Gittisham to ensure that younger and older members of the community are catered for.

District Councillor Alasdair Bruce (pictured) took part in an inaugural table tennis match as part of the annual Father’s Day barbecue in Gittisham. The purchase of the outdoor ping pong table in Gittisham’s play area has been made possible by S106 developer contributions, managed by East Devon District Council.

Carol Hall, Chair of Gittisham Parish Council, said:

“It’s great to see the ping pong table finally in place – another piece of equipment that residents and visitors can enjoy. We hope that it will encourage people to keep fit, socialise and enjoy our beautiful parish.”

Gittisham Parish Council carried out a public consultation in May 2021 to find out what items parishioners would like to see added to the play area. Outdoor table tennis was voted the most popular item.

The village play area has been the focus of several successful fund-raising applications over the last 15 years. Gittisham is home to a castle tower and slide and several types of swing for different age groups, as well as a wild area with fruit trees to encourage wildlife.