Table tennis supremo is still coaching at the age of 91

Bobby Thomson, a talented table tennis player and coach, has made a huge contribution to the community over several decades.

Greenock born and bred, he grew up in Drumfrochar Road, with parents Arthur and Chrissie, four sisters and a brother and started playing table tennis when he was at St Mary's Primary School.

(Image: Newsquest) (Image: George Munro) (Image: Newsquest)

Bobby said: "I used to go to a church hall in Duncan Street and played badminton, snooker and table tennis.

"My dad was a professional boxer, so I did a bit of boxing too. I started playing table tennis when I was nine or ten, and by the age of 14 I was in a team. Then I graduated to play for various teams, Rankin Park and the police team and for a Glasgow club in the west league.

"I took part in tournaments. I was the Greenock and District Open Singles Champion five times."

An upholsterer to trade, Bobby left school at 14, and after a few jobs started an apprenticeship with Hodges home furnishings in West Blackhall Street - where Smiths now stands.

At the age of 18, he was called to do his national service and spent two years in Osterbruch in Germany, where he was an observation force signaller.

When he returned, Bobby finished his time went into the carpet business.

But he was restless and sought new experiences in Canada. He sailed from Princes Pier in Gourock to Quebec, via Montreal, then took a train to Toronto where he lived for two years.

He said: "That was a good experience, I learned more there about floor coverings than I ever had at home. I worked for a company, Simpson of Toronto, we provided carpets and floor coverings for the Royal York Hotel in Toronto which was the biggest hotel in the British Empire at that time."

Bobby returned home and reconnected with a local girl, Margaret, known as Pearl Bonnar, and they fell in love, tied the knot and moved into a flat on Dempster Street.

They were blessed with a daughter, Julie.

The couple remained happily married almost 50 years until Pearl sadly passed away ten years ago.

Julie, now in her 60s is senior project manager for the RNIB and lives in Kensington.

After getting married, Bobby took on various jobs, including a bookmaker, and went out on his own as a carpet fitter before launching his own business at a shop at West Station which he ran for many years. He then took a shop on in Roxburgh Street.

He still owns the premises which is now leased out to Well Pharmacy.

Bobby started coaching back in 1960 while he was still competing and ramped up the coaching side when he retired.

He worked for Active Schools and hasn't looked back since, despite poor health.

Bobby said: "I've taught in a few schools, St Kenneth's, Notre Dame, Moorfoot, Greenock Sports Centre, Branchton and a new club at Inverkip Hub. I work closely with Kevin Rodgers there who is doing a marvellous job."

Bobby, who now lives in Forsyth Street, said: "Young people invigorate you, they make you feel better and they pick up things quicker than older people."

He has also coached men who have been on a prison release programme at the Salvation Army.

Bobby said: "It was a great experience. I still see one or two of the guys and they've told me how much they enjoyed it. It's nice to get feedback."

He also coached the 1st Boys Brigade Battalion Team who represented Scotland in the national table tennis championships in Bangor in Ireland.

Bobby is also a past winner of Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year.

But the modest coach is no one trick pony, he has also done weightlifting at Rankin Park along with his good friend George Byng and was also a keen golfer and won Lyle Medal back in 1990 at Greenock Golf Club in its centenary year.

Bobby is also a huge big band jazz fan and the highlight of his week was going to the Loreto Club every Tuesday.

He was so sorry to hear of local music legend Joe Baldi's passing, saying: "He was an absolute gentleman and a terrific musician."

Bobby has also been active in his community in many other ways, and is on the board of Inverclyde Association for Mental Health and In-Works and also a director with Clydeside Action on Asbestos, after being diagnosed nine years ago.

He says being fit all his life and having a positive outlook keeps him going.

Bobby said: "I think some people when they get older just give up, I go out with my dog Isla to Lyle Park every day.

"I got a new hip two years ago and any consultant I've spoken to has told me that keeping myself fit has helped me. I don't smoke, and I don't drink.

"I'm a realist, I don't believe in lying down, you have got to get on with things, rather than sit about.

"Table tennis is great for cognitive function and reflexes.

"I want to get back to coaching as soon as I can."