A familiar game can bring back a whole world: Childhood friends, neighbourhood gatherings and the places we once called home.

For older black men playing table tennis across the Over 50s Black Men Forum’s community hubs, the connection often reaches far beyond today’s game.

Many have recalled playing on improvised surfaces in Zaria, paying to use tables at houses in Africa or the Caribbean, and rediscovering the sport in British youth clubs.

O5BM is developing Across the Table That Takes Me Back Home, a heritage project exploring these personal journeys alongside the wider history of how table tennis reached and developed in the countries and communities connected to our members.

During Black History Month, we are inviting Black men aged 50 and above to help shape the project.

Whether you first played in Africa, the Caribbean, Britain or elsewhere, we would welcome your memories.

Where did you first play, and who with? What did you use for a table and bat? What memories does the game bring back today?

Please send a few sentences by email to Enitan Kane, and let us know whether you would be interested in contributing to the proposed project.

We also welcome information about photographs, equipment or other items connected to your story.

Responses will help inform a National Lottery Heritage Fund application. We will seek your permission before quoting or publishing your contribution.