News & Views from the Colchester Table Tennis League
with Press Officer Martyn Green

13th April-2009
LEN BARTON OBITUARY

Len Barton, who has died aged 83, was a former President of the Colchester & District Table Tennis League for twelve years and prior to that Chairman from 1977 to 1985. Len played and coached in Colchester starting in 1944 before moving to Hampshire in 2001 with his wife Maureen to live closer to his son Terence.

He represented Gt Horkesley and Colchester at playing level but it was as a coach that Len really excelled. He was responsible for the town’s Junior coaching for over twenty-five years, and the growth and success of junior table tennis in the area particularly in the 1970’s and 80’s was largely attributed to his sterling efforts. Such names as Darren Jones, Melvyn Rampling, Paul Taylor and Michael Andrews being just four of the many youngsters to flourish under his auspices. Indeed Len cites Paul Taylor becoming Essex Under 12 champion as one of the most satisfying moments of his coaching career. Len and his wife Maureen were also responsible for several overseas table tennis trips including Easter visits to Frankenberg, Germany and Tarragona in Spain.

Len started coaching in the late 1960’s and in 1975 was responsible for the fund raising events to enable the league to hire the then new Colchester Sports Centre for junior coaching sessions. These courses led to many youngsters achieving Table Tennis honours, indeed even when he stood down as Coach in 1992 he still encouraged juniors with his own ‘Len Barton Award’ to inspire not just higher playing standards but also a level of sportsmanship he always exemplified. It was in this year that he too was presented with a prestigious award. He was honoured by the Essex County Association when he received the ‘Corti Woodcock Memorial Award’ for his significant contribution to Table Tennis in Essex.

Len and Maureen had booked accommodation to return to visit last months Colchester table tennis tournament but sadly, due to Doctor’s orders had to cancel their plans at the last moment. After recent heart surgery Len passed away on Wednesday 8th April in hospital, Portsmouth.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen and son Terence and preceded by his daughter Linda.

Len’s funeral will be held at Colchester Crematorium on Tuesday 21st April at 9:30 am.