Local businessmen Steve Winnard has been selling table tennis equipment for twenty years now, and he's the right man to go to if you're looking for expert advice from someone who really does know his stuff. Steve very kindly agreed to a Q&A session recently and here is it.
How and when did you start playing table tennis?
I started playing at work in 1987. There was a table tennis table in the canteen, and I used to watch others playing when one day someone said "don't just stand their lad get a bat" and the rest they say is history.
Who is your favourite player of all time?
Jan-Ove Waldner for attack and Chen Xinhua for defence.
Why and when did you decide to make a career out of selling table tennis equipment?
I started Custom Table Tennis in 2002 because I was coaching from 1992 to 2002 and a fascination and passion for the equipment moved me to the retail side.
Given that table tennis is both your hobby and your job, what else do you do to relax that isn’t table tennis related?
My partner and I breed and show Jack Russell Terriers so that keeps us busy too.
If you could offer a player one piece of advice, what would it be?
Get some coaching early on so you don't develop bad habits which are hard to undo and of course get the right bat for your style of play.
Should long pimples be banned?
No, otherwise the game will become one dimensional and it's a defenders only weapon against high speed and spin.
You’re stranded on a desert island and only allowed to take one film with you, what is it?
Street Fighter (1975) staring Charles Bronson, Called "Hard Times" in USA
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting likeminded people and talking table tennis and equipment.
And finally, how can people contact you if they want to buy something or get some advice?
They can either email us at sales@customtabletennis.co.uk or ring 01924 769704 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
For more information, here is Steve's website - https://www.customtabletennis.co.uk