Plaque unveiled in memory of Ted Ling

A new plaque has been unveiled in Diss in memory of a popular sportsman.

Ted Ling, who died in December, will be remembered by the plaque unveiled at Fair Green by South Norfolk councillors Martin and Jenny Wilby on July 18, which was National Table Tennis Day, to commemorate Ted’s love of the sport.

Friends and players from Diss Table Tennis Club met at the green’s new table tennis table, recently installed by Ping!, an organisation which encourages participation in the sport.

The plaque, on the table will remember his legacy.

Martin Wilby said: “I first faced Ted across the net many years ago. He was a very tough competitor but always fair.

“His enthusiasm for the sport was infectious and he supported new players, encouraging them to play and helping them improve their skills.”

Ted was well known in Diss, having farmed at Palgrave all his working life and raising his family in the area.

He was an active member of the sporting community, playing many sports, including football and hockey.

But he was perhaps most remembered for his contribution to table tennis in Diss, where he started as a player, before becoming a committee member and later president of Diss Table Tennis Club.

He was famous for his catchphrases on the table. “What a miss” and “whole table” were two of many that would always bring a smile to both opponents and spectators.

Club chairman David Mortlock said: “He will be remembered very well at the club. He was always encouraging youngsters.”

Ted’s encouraging nature is remembered through the Ted Ling Cup, a trophy awarded to young players at the club.

He captained many teams over the years and played in games in both Diss and Palgrave, still playing well into his 70s.

As president, Ted rarely missed a meeting and was known for being the life and soul of many presentation nights with his partner Jean by his side in the later years.