Each season The Birmingham Association has it within their gift to award the A.O. Hill Trophy , presented to a player (or players) for outstanding performance over the previous season.
This years recipient of the award is Colebridges Bernard Oliver.
Bernard has won 39 matches from 48 starts in Division Two last Winter , a performance that would normally have merited the individual honour.
The speed of his reflexes and the accuracy of his hitting are all the more remarkable when you consider that Bernard celebrated his 75th birthday last week.
This has not been achieved without application: Bernards’ retirement regime revolves around table tennis.
He practises on alternate days, either at Colebridge or at his home, where he has his own table, and has recently purchased a robot.
He is loyally supported by his wife Pat, who accompanies him on match nights; she is a constant provider of enthusiasm and encouragement (and tea and biscuits).
A well deserved award.