Table tennis community saddened by death of popular player

The Hastings & District Table Tennis League community has been plunged into sadness by the sudden death of popular player Konrad Pieterse.
Keen table tennis player and cyclist Konrad Pieterse.Keen table tennis player and cyclist Konrad Pieterse.
Keen table tennis player and cyclist Konrad Pieterse.

Konrad was a well-liked character who has played for Bexhillians TTC since 2010 having represented Willett & Phillips TTC for the previous seven years.

Trevor Towner, of Bexhillians TTC, said: “The words I would use to describe him are a gentleman, respected, humble, caring, helpful, devoted and well-liked. Even when he lost he would always congratulate his opponent and say ‘well done’. He was such a nice, top guy.”

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Konrad, from Bexhill, died after being involved in a fatal collision with a car on Battery Hill, near Fairlight, last Thursday morning just after setting off on a charity cycle ride to Belgium.

Barry Turnwell, who runs Willett & Phillips, said: “He was one of those people who gave such a lot to life and people loved him dearly.

“He was really just a lovely, gentle man, a real Christian man who was extremely fond of his faith. He was a great sportsman - he was a superb table tennis player and he also loved his cycling. He was very fit.”

Although Konrad left Willett & Phillips (who play at the Christchurch Methodist Hall in Springfield Road) after seven years to play at a higher level with Bexhillians (who play at the Bexhill Youth & Community Centre in Station Road), Turnwell remained good friends with Konrad and his family, and saw them regularly.

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“He was very sporting, lovely to chat to and very friendly in a quiet way,” Turnwell added. “They’re quite a quiet and reflective family and to have this tragedy happen to them is just horrendous.”

Konrad, who was 55, was also a member of Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club.

There will be a service at Pevensey Bay Baptist Church from 1pm on Thursday July 6 followed by a funeral at Eastbourne Crematorium from 2.30pm. After that there will be a gathering back at the church.

Donations can be made to Charity for Kids c/o Arthur C. Towner Ltd, Audley House, 1 Albert Road, Bexhill, TN40 1DG.

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