You may have noticed that table tennis tables have appeared all over Bristol. There are 46 tables and they are here as part of Ping!, providing people with opportunities to play social and competitive table tennis, free of charge, with the aim of getting as many people as possible across the whole of the UK playing the sport and bringing some community spirit at the same time.

As soon as I heard about the project, I knew that I had to play on every single table in Bristol. Not just that, but to play against an opponent relevant to the table’s location. So for example, a lion keeper at Bristol Zoo and a gardener in Castle Park.

At Grillstock against Dr BBQ I had a young doubles partner helping me, while the Colston Hall was the most conducive venue yet for a good game because it is inside. When playing Dave the park keeper in Castle Park before work one morning we both got absolutely drenched.

If you want to play a quick first-to-11 game, I will certainly be up for the challenge. Please email bristolculture@gmail.com or tweet @Bristol_Culture and tell me on which table you would like battle to commence.

Here are the nine opponents that I played this week:

Location: Anchor Square
Opponent: Paul, 31, from Montpelier. Ping! volunteer.
Score: 0-11

Location: ss Great Britain
Opponent: Captain Bob, 73, from Easton. ss Great Britain steward.
Score: 11-8

Location: Grillstock
Opponent: Ray (aka Dr BBQ), Florida. Outdoor cooking expert.
Score: 11-7
Ribs that Dr BBQ had eaten before our game: 20

Location: Castle Park
Opponent: Dave, 59, from Horfield. Park keeper.
Score: 11-8
Rain: Heavy

Location: Ashton Court
Opponent: Pete, 45, from Aston Court. Head gardener.
Score: 11-9

Location: Millennium Square
Opponent: Zoe, 35, from Pill. At-Bristol PR manager.
Score: 11-3

Location: M Shed
Opponent: Ben, 34, from Ashley Down. Community partnerships officer.
Score: 11-7
Balls lost into Floating Harbour: 1

Location: Bristol Zoo
Opponent: Alan, 39, from Southville. Mammal keeper.
Score: 11-6
Radio calls that Alan took about lions during our game: 1

Location: Colston Hall foyer
Opponent: Julian, 22, from Easton. Box office assistant.
Score: 11-7