It was a night of high political drama at the OUTTC AGM. Unprecedented event followed unprecedented event, at such a pace that even Robert Peston would have struggled to keep abreast of developments. First, a whole eleven members turned up to the appropriately named “The Big Society” pub on Cowley road. It was a record attendance in living memory, surely qualifying us not just as a big society, but an enormous one. Next, the prestigious position of OUTTC President was to be contested in an election, something that hadn’t happened since 2012. Having listened to Kritica Dwivedi and Louise Todd set out their competing visions for the table tennis landscape in Oxford, the remaining 8 full members cast their votes…and returned a draw – a result that was practically a victory in Varsity this year, but in the current predicament was utterly unhelpful.
Dumbfounded, the incumbent President, Luke Austen, looked to the club constitution for guidance, which was nowhere to be found amongst the humourless 3202 words of duties and obligations staring back at him. With a full constitutional crisis now looming, it took an inspired intervention from veteran Kris Hammarback (the only surviving member who was around last time this whole election thing was conducted) to break the deadlock. Although his first suggestion of 1 vote per Varsity appearance (giving himself a whopping 4 ballot papers) was deemed somewhat less-than-democratic, he next suggested that the 8 should discuss the contest again, re-vote, and see if the outcome changed, with an option to express no preference for either candidate. The votes were cast a second time, and Louise Todd was declared the winner.
All other positions were uncontested, meaning the OUTTC dream-team for 2016-17 is as follows:
- President – Louise Todd, Jesus
- Secretary – Kritica Dwivedi, Exeter
- Treasurer – Leon Law, St Peter’s
- Women’s captain – Danii Whealy, St Catherine’s
- Men’s captain – Callum Richardson, Brasenose
Having served on the club committee for the past 3 years, 2 of them as president, I know that I’m leaving the OUTTC in incredibly safe and capable hands. We’ve had some great success building the club up over the last few years, continuing the excellent work started by Paul Erdunast in 2013. Particular thanks must also go to departing treasurer Ben Nilsson, whose 2 year stint working on the finances in the background has ensured we are in an very strong financial position, something that will allow the new committee to pursue exciting developments for OUTTC in the future.
There’s going to be a handover period for the rest of Trinity term, while Louise does exams, so it’ll still be me answering the emails for a while. After that, I’ll be embarking on the 48 week, 12 exam med-school marathon that is 5th year, but I hope to escape for the occasional table tennis session from time to time. Thanks for all your support whilst I’ve been president, and get ready for the next season – good things are going to happen for table tennis at Oxford.
Luke Austen