Daytime table tennis for over 55s and retirees
Seniors table tennis in Maitland
Seniors table tennis in Maitland runs every Monday and Wednesday afternoon at Pat Hughes Community Hall in Thornton. It is a friendly, unhurried social game for retirees and older players of every ability, whether you last held a bat fifty years ago or play every week. Sessions cost $5, bats are provided, and you do not need to book.
When seniors table tennis is on
The daytime sessions are on Monday and Wednesday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Most of the players who come in the day are retirees and older adults, so the pace suits anyone who wants a good game without being run off their feet.
There is also a Friday evening session from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. It has a wider age mix and is a good choice if you would rather play with family or come along with a younger friend.
Come for the full two hours or drop in for an hour. Nobody minds if you arrive late, leave early or sit out a few games for a chat.
- Monday, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
- Wednesday, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
- Friday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm (all ages)
An easy hall to get to
Pat Hughes Community Hall is at 1B Taylor Avenue, Thornton NSW 2322. It is a large, air-conditioned council hall with car parking and accessible toilets, so a hot January afternoon or a cold July one is no problem.
Thornton Library sits right beside the hall, so it is easy to drop in for a book on the way home. From East Maitland, Rutherford, Tenambit and Morpeth it is a short drive.
Please note we no longer play at the old Maitland Polish Hall on Grant Street. Some older listings still show that address.
Council has more about the venue on its Pat Hughes Community Hall page.
Why table tennis suits older players
Table tennis is played on a small court with a light ball, so there is no heavy running and no contact. You can play hard or gently, and you can stop whenever you like.
It keeps your eyes, hands and feet working together, and every rally needs your full attention for a few seconds at a time. And between games there is time to sit down and talk.
If singles feels like too much running, ask for a game of doubles. Playing with a partner means less ground to cover.
What happens at a daytime session
Arrive a little before 12:30pm if you can. Tell whoever greets you that it is your first visit and they will find you a bat and someone to play. After a gentle hit to warm up, you play short games with whoever is free, so you meet a few different people over the afternoon.
There is no league, no ladder and no competition pressure at our social sessions. Play as many or as few games as you like, and sit out whenever you want a rest and a chat. Two hours is a long time on your feet, and nobody expects you to play all of it.
If you would like help with your strokes, just ask. Experienced players are usually happy to share a tip or two between games.
Bring a friend, a partner or a neighbour
Trying something new is often easier with someone you know. Bring a partner, a friend or a neighbour along, and ask for a game of doubles so you can play on the same side of the net.
If you have grandchildren who want a hit, the Friday evening session from 6:30pm to 8:30pm has the widest age mix and suits all ages.
Your first seniors session
Just walk in on a Monday or Wednesday a little after 12:30pm and say hello to whoever is running the club that day. Someone will find you a bat and a partner, and if you are new or rusty we will help you warm up with some easy rallies before any games.
Wear comfortable clothes and flat, closed shoes with soft soles. Bring a water bottle. That is all you need.
Sessions are $5 each, paid on the day. If you decide to keep coming, there is a $27 annual Table Tennis NSW membership. There is no pressure to sort that out on your first day.
Membership is through Table Tennis NSW, the state body for the sport.
More activities for seniors in Maitland
Table tennis fits nicely alongside other things on the Maitland calendar. The Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association keeps a guide to local seniors activities, including the University of the Third Age (U3A) Maitland, the Men's Shed, book clubs, patchwork quilters and beginner sessions with the Hunter River Dragons dragon boat club.
With Thornton Library next door, a Monday or Wednesday can easily become a morning at the library and an afternoon of table tennis.
See the full list on the CPSA Maitland seniors activities guide. Some listings there still show our old Polish Hall address; we now play in Thornton.
Common questions
Is there an age limit for seniors table tennis?
No. The Monday and Wednesday daytime sessions are mostly retirees and older players, but anyone can come along to any session.
I have not played since school. Can I still join in?
Yes. Plenty of people come back to the game after decades away. We will start you with easy rallies and pair you with someone at a similar level.
Do I need to be fit?
No. You can play at your own pace and sit out whenever you like. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before starting any new activity.
Is there parking at the hall?
Yes. There is car parking at Pat Hughes Community Hall and street parking along Taylor Avenue.
Come and play table tennis in Thornton
Just turn up to a session, no booking needed. $5 per session, bats provided, all ages and levels welcome.