The New Milton Table Tennis held their combined AGM/Presentation Evening down at the Mudeford Wood Community Centre on Monday 27^th July.

At a pleasingly well attended evening, Club Chairman Brian Vibert, described a very hectic and rewarding year for the Club in his inaugural Chairman’s Report.  He reminded the very upbeat audience that his main aim for the year was to try and get a presence back into New Milton to try to boost the membership and to attract new players.  With this in mind we started an after-school table tennis club at the Arnewood School and a coaching evening, which were very well attended.

Brian continued that the Club had made its welcome return to New Milton this year by starting practice sessions in the Memorial Centre, which were very well subscribed.  We then needed to purchase four new table tennis tables and other equipment, which was enabled by a generous donation from the New Milton Residents Association and donations from committee members.  This hopefully will produce more members and players, and enable us to increase our presence in the Bournemouth and District League from 6 teams to 9 teams.  Brian thanked the committee members and team captains for all of their hard work this year.

Brian said that we had already secured some sponsorships and continue to look for other opportunities.  He added that were are continually looking for other ways to fund our Club rather than just through members subscriptions and donations. To this end, there will be a Cabaret Concert at the New Milton Memorial Centre on Saturday 22^nd August 2026, in support of the New Milton Table Tennis Club Development Fund (see later).  The Club kept the flag flying by a welcome return to the New Milton Rugby Club Fun Day, and its participation at the recent open day at the Memorial Centre.

The joint Club Development Officer/Head Coaches Matthew Daish and Andrew Stainton fleshed out some of Chair Brian’s points, reflecting that the promotion of the club has increased considerably over the past year.  They also pointed to increased presence on social media (Facebook & Instagram) and in the local press.  Looking ahead, they said that there are several exciting opportunities for future development.  Establishing a structured junior pathway remains one of our highest priorities, as this is currently a significant gap within the club.  With an increasing number of ladies joining the club, we will also explore opportunities to potentially expand female coaching provision and encourage greater participation.  We also have a number of wheelchair players within the club, and coaching for the disabled can also be provided.  The clear message from Brian, Matthew and Andrew, was to look forward to building on the momentum over the coming year.

Club Secretary Bev Scott-Johns reported that 6 teams had been entered into the Bournemouth and District League, with no promotions or demotions.   Two New Milton players, Andrew Stainton and Sylvia Smith were commended by the Association for being the only players who competed in every match of the season for their respective teams. That takes real commitment, to turn out for your team for every match, come hail or shine.

Within the annual Bournemouth & District League Tournament, New Milton players won two titles and came runner-up in one event. Brian Vibert won the Veterans Over 60’s final, and Andrew Stainton beat team mate Max Bannon to take the prestigious Closed Singles trophy.  Stainton teamed up with Merton’s Gaynor Fisher to win the Mixed Doubles final.

The elections for committee officers and members got underway with Brian Vibert being returned as Chair for a second year, and Andrew Stainton being elected as Vice Chair.  Returning unopposed were Secretary: Bev Scott-Johns, Treasurer: Chris Pusey, Welfare Officer: Lynn Willrich, and Committee Members Sylvia Smith, John Parkhouse and Gerard Redman.  Stepping up to the important role of Club Development Officer is David Forbes, who is happy to do his bit to drive the club forward.  Superstar Matthew Daish is off to play professionally in the Bundesliga, but will remain on the committee to keep a watchful eye on our media presence.  Brother Peter makes a welcome return to the committee after a couple of year’s break.

With the official business out of the way, Club Secretary Bev Scott-Johns presented the club’s annual trophies.  After the presentation of the club’s annual tournament trophies (listed below), the winners of the club’s two annual discretionary trophies were announced, and warmly applauded. The Doris Marshall Memorial Plate for Club Person of the Year unsurprisingly went to returning Chair Brian Vibert.  He assumed the Chair at last year’s AGM and said that his main aim was to try to get a presence back into New Milton to try to boost the membership and attract new players.  He started with gusto and has worked tirelessly throughout the year to achieve this.  A very humble Brian thanked the Committee and Team Players for all of their hard work this year, but much of the credit for the Club’s success goes to him. The James Lewis Shield for Most Improved Player went to Nigel Bliss who managed to improve his winning average in Div 1 from 64% last year to this year’s 82%.  This made him the third best player in Div 1. Well done Nigel!

Annual Club Tournament Trophies

Singles: Winner: Matthew Daish, Runner-up Andrew Stainton

Handicap Singles: Winner: James Moss, Runner-up: Andrew Stainton

Over 40’s Handicap: Winner: James Moss, Runner-up: Stuart Burton

Drawn Doubles: Winners: Andrew Stainton & Matt Daish, R/Up: Ian Anstead & Chris Pusey

Chosen Doubles: Winners: Andrew Daish & Ian Anstead, R/Up: Shaun Newcomb & Nigel Bliss

SUMMER PAIRS COMPETITION

Once again, the club’s Summer Pairs competition is being played at the Mudeford Wood Community Centre, with 8 teams competing for honours.  At the halfway point, the Kestrels (James Moss (captain), Andy Ingram, Steve Martin, Paul Savage) are flying highest on 84 points, well ahead of the Condors on 69 points.  The eventual winners will be awarded with the Sandy Fagan Memorial Trophy when the competition ends mid-September.

CABARET CONCERT IN AID OF NEW MILTON TABLE TENNIS CLUB DEVELOPMENT FUND

Experience an unforgettable evening of music as our Cabaret Concert takes you on a journey through some of the world’s most loved music — from the timeless masterpieces of Mozart to the iconic hits of The Beach Boys – with plenty in between to suit every musical taste.

Conducted by Phil Daish-Handy (Nova Foresta Philharmonic), this special concert will feature vocal soloists, award-winning young musicians, and the Voices for the Forest Choir. The concert will take place at 7:00 pm on Saturday 22 August 2026 at New Milton War Memorial Centre, New Milton, BH25 6DE.

Tickets are £15 per person, with proceeds supporting the New Milton Table Tennis Club Development Fund, helping to provide improved facilities and opportunities for local players.

Tickets can be obtained from Bev Scott-Johns (01425 619552) or booked via our online booking page: https://www.ticketsource.com/nova-foresta-classical-players/cabaret-concert/e-ljrvel

New Milton Table Tennis is always on the lookout for new members, from absolute beginners to experienced players.  We are a very friendly and welcoming club, and we run coaching sessions to boot.  Your first night is free, so what have you got to lose, apart from a bit of spare timber?  For more information, please contact Brian Vibert on 07952 974657, or Bev Scott-Johns on 01425 619552.

Shown below are Brian Vibert (left) and Nigel Bliss receiving their well-deserved trophies from Bev Scott-Johns