A sports club has made a generous donation to a youth organisation in Weymouth in honour of a beloved club founder who recently passed away.
STEPS Club for Young People based on Chickerell Road has been presented a cheque of £412.37 by the Wyke Table Tennis Club.
John Southway and David Wyatt started Wyke Table Tennis Club 25 years ago at Wyke Regis Community and Sports Association (WRCSA) in Ryemead Lane with the support of Norman and Ann Morris.
Mr Southway sadly passed away on May 24 this year and his fellow club founder has paid tribute to his ”great friend.”
David Wyatt said: “John's death is a sad loss. He was a great friend and a truly good man who played table tennis into his eighties. Our thoughts are with his family. His friends and all those who played with him over the years will remember him.”
At its peak, the club had four league teams and Wyke A won the league one season with Sai Maganti as Captain.
However, due to the lack of numbers in recent years, the club made the decision to close.
Mr Wyatt added: “Covid spelt the beginning of the end for the Club and with dwindling numbers it was decided to close the club and sign off the accounts.
"As we had enjoyed our matches with STEPS led by Tom Lane over the years, we decided that they should receive the sum of £412.37 to support their excellent work.
“Four tables remain at WRCSA, so if anyone wished to restart evening table tennis it would be by arrangement with WRCSA.”
Principal Youth Worker at STEPS, Tom Lane, also expressed his condolences to Mr Southway’s family
He said: “I am so sad to hear of John’s death: it was always a great pleasure to play against him and he was a real gentleman. I’d like to send our sincere condolences to all John’s family and friends.
“STEPS is in its 60th year and has been run entirely as a Charity since 2016, providing a range of developmental activities and support for young people in the community as well as fabulous facilities for so many local groups.
“We always enjoyed playing against Wyke Table Tennis Club and are extremely grateful for this generous donation.”
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