At the recent Annual Presentation Evening of the Bournemouth and District Table Tennis Association, New Milton Club Secretary Bev Scott-Johns was pleasantly surprised but delighted to be awarded the association’s prestigious Michael Wettstein Cup for Outstanding Services In Administration.

This accolade recognised Bev’s sterling work on the Bournemouth and District Management Committee, especially for keeping the Pairs League going over the past season, and as a very efficient and proactive league club secretary. Bev has many strings to his bow; he is a County Umpire and Tournament Organiser, both skills being much in evidence on behalf of his club and the local leagues.  Bev is pictured below having proudly received his trophy from guest of honour Charlie Childs, a Board Member of Table Tennis England (Bev is on the left!).

This honour comes hot on the heels of Bev being awarded New Milton 2019 Citizen of the Year for his long-term service to the sport of Table Tennis and particularly his long-term commitment as a volunteer at New Milton Table Tennis Club. Bev has been a volunteer for over 30 years supporting its membership, a successful and multi-ability club, with the youngest being 10 years old, and the oldest 80 years young.

It was only just over a year ago that Bev received a Torch Trophy Trust Award for Outstanding Services to Sport, presented by none other than HRH the Duke of Gloucester. In reading out Bev’s citation, England and West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking CBE said that if ever Bev were to leave the New Milton Club, they would need at least three people to replace him! It is good to see that Bev is rightfully receiving recognition for his many years of service to the sport.

Back to the Bournemouth & District Presentation Evening, Bev wasn’t the only member of the New Milton Club to receive an award. On behalf of her H team, Taki Hall collected the runners-up trophies for the Times & Directory Handicap Plate competition for the second year running, and Kai Major collected the Under 18’s winners trophy.

Former club chairman Steve Hemmings won the Vets 60+ title, and England Veteran Brian Bickell won the Vets 70+ title for the second year running. Bev collected the Div 2 Individual’s runner-up shield on behalf of Svet Ignatov who was unable to attend.

Steve Hemmings was called up to the front for a second time as he and Merton’s Kevan Smith jointly received the trophy for the Best Match of the Individuals Tournaments. The Club was also delighted that Broadstone Club’s Krzysztof Skwarek, a regular and popular visitor to New Milton club practice nights, received the award for the League’s Most Improved Player of the season.

The New Milton Club is always on the lookout for new members, from experienced players to absolute beginners, but would particularly like to attract more junior and female players. The first visit to the Club is free!  Anybody interested in joining our very friendly club, or who would just like a bit more information, should contact Club Secretary Bev Scott-Johns on 01425 619552.