Who Are We?

VETERANS ENGLISH TABLE TENNIS SOCIETY (VETTS)

In 1982 the Swedish Association instigated the first 'unofficial' Veterans World Championships. This incorporated events for over 40s, over 50s, over 60s and over 70s. It is recorded that 26 English players played in Gothenburg capturing 2 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals. On their return these players asked for more veteran competition in England. In 1983 Mike Watts, VETTS President until his death in 2001, produced an article called The 'VETERAN' Scene in which he set out ideas for discussion on table tennis for the older player. There was considerable interest.

The inaugural meeting of the Society was held on 15 January 1984 with 35 attendees and 20 apologies. The initial terms of reference were to form an Association of Veteran Players of all standards with the object of promoting competition and friendship throughout the country. The first VETTS National Championships were held in Watford in May 1984 with 99 entrants. VETTS were also well represented at the 2nd Veterans World Championships in Helsinki picking up 12 medals including 3 golds. The following season three Regional Tournaments, Midland, Southern and Northern, were added to the schedule. Since that time the Society has gone from strength to strength. In the current season five Regional Tournaments and a Ratings Tournament will be held as well as the National Championships in 2002 a further regional tournament in the North East will be added. These tournaments are well attended with over 250 entries as the norm from the 799 membership (Oct 2001). The highlight for the members is to participate in the Veterans World Championships which, like VETTS, has grown from the 400 players who gathered in Gothenburg in 1984 to nearly 2000 players. In that time VETTS members have picked up 89 gold, silver and bronze medals.. In 2002 the 11th Veterans World Championships is in Lucerne and over 2000 players are expected. This success has led to the introduction of the Veterans European Championships and the first tournament was held in Vienna in 1995. VETTS members have attended and picked up many medals at these championships including a record 36 at Aarhus in 2001. Friendships are fostered on a global scale these days with VETTS members not only attending the World and European championships but many other Veterans events worldwide. It has become a founder member of The International Veterans Society (IVS) started in 2001.

The Society organises a dinner and dance at all of its tournaments, runs a 200 club with cash prizes and holds regular raffles. The Society also run a thriving 'promotions' stall which provides clothing and goods carrying the VETTS logo. It was sponsored by Hilton Hotels for 11 seasons and has an agreement with Tees Sport for tournament equipment. This has ensured that the membership fee has remained at £10.00 per annum for under 65’s and £5.00 per annum for over 65’s since the inaugural meeting. For this the member receives preferential entry to all VETTS organised tournaments, newsletters throughout the season, which includes ranking lists for all age groups, a diary and other relevant correspondence. If you are aged forty or over and would like to join the action please contact either the General Secretary or Membership Secretary for more information.

General Secretary : EILEEN SHALER 01455-635138
Membership Sec : Val Murdoch, Harwood House, 90 Broadway, Letchworth, Herts. SG6 3PH.
Tel : 01462 671191