1988 - 89

From this point on the winter season handbook lacked the editorial summary of past publications. The chairman's message delivered a common theme in the regretful decline of the number of players and divisions. It seems that enthusiasm was at a low as the annual dinner dance and buffet had to be cancelled through lack of support. On the upside, Richard Priestley had taken over the weekly report in the T&A and was receiving plaudits for his excellent coverage.

Bradford table tennis legend Arthur Bowers competed in his 1000th league match and was presented with a crystal goblet and silver bowl in celebration. Arthur received his tokens at Hermits in the room named after him from chairman Maurice Greenwood. The Hermits club were in a period of significant history as not only league titles and cup competitions came their way, but also individual honours. Only two years since Richard Renton retired from Unity, and a new power had come to the fore. What is also most remarkable about Hermits was not only were they the success that they were at the top of the league, but their lowest team was Hermits S! What an organisational nightmare, lucky for them that they had two top sporting brains to run the club - Richard Priestley (Pennine Radio Quiz Champ) and John Rawnsley (Countdown Champ).