Alan Ransome and Mike Smith are receiving strong support from the East Midlands region where Sandra Deaton, a major supporter of table tennis in the region and a former member of both the Ransome and Murdoch Management Committees, has circulated the letter below to all of her contacts.

ETTA OFFICERS ELECTION 2009

As you will be aware, there will be an election for the posts of Chairman and Deputy Chairman with the current post holders Alex Murdoch and Peter Bradley being challenged by Alan Ransome and Mike Smith respectively.

Nominations have now closed with Alan and Mike receiving nominations from Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire  and Nottinghamshire   as well as strong endorsements  in the  Manifesto from the East Midlands Region -   myself, Rhys Evans ( Gavin’s father) and Tony Chatwin (former  ETTA Deputy Chairman).

I was delighted to receive the news that Alan Ransome OBE had decided to stand for chairman of the Etta for the period of 2009 to 2011. I worked closely with Alan in his previous chairmanship and can unreservedly state his wealth of knowledge within the game of table tennis is second to none. He has an innate ability to motivate, lead and support those who work with him.
During his previous period of office there was continual evidence to support he has an natural instinct for new initiatives to drive the sport forward. We are coming to a era within the game that we have never experienced before with the onset of London 2012. We have to capitalise on this and undoubtedly Alan Ransome and his team will have the experience, ability and knowledge to do this better than anyone else. Alan Ransome knows the sport from A to Z --grass roots to International matters and NOW is the time to make that count.

Mike Smith was my predecessor as East Midlands Regional Chairman for 6 years and is currently Vice -Chairman elected by the counties. His knowledge and expertise is vital and a significant contributory element in the establishment towards the most organised and successful region in the country. He is dedicated to the East Midlands high standard of development, coaching, performance and structure.  His involvement locally spans over 40 years with current roles being National Councilor for Leicestershire as well as local development roles both in ETTA and ESTTA.  He is also heavily involved in the County Sports Partnership and Local Sports Alliance successfully developing table tennis opportunities.

With the onset of the new four year whole sport plan funding, we need a definite direction, i knowledge and expertise. I would urge you most strongly to vote for Alan and Mike as they will bring strong clear leadership to the ETTA working with and for the membership.
You will have received the Manifesto from Alan and I am sure you will give it the attention it really deserves. If there is anything you want to ask Alan or Mike, please let them know. Contact details are ajransome @aol.com – 01642 322223 and mike.gr.smith @tesco.net – 0116 2858475. If you want to contact me, then please do on 01246 570805 / 07776 176005  or sandra.deaton@btconnect.com

With best wishes -- Sandra Deaton