Table Tennis England was saddened to learn of the passing of former England international Derek Burridge on 17 September 2026 aged 93. Born in Harlesden, Brent, Middlesex on 25 February 1933, Derek achieved much in his life.

He first played for England in a junior team against Sweden in Aylesford on 16 February 1950, a match which England won 5-4. Derek won one of his games and lost one. It was the start of an impressive international career.

Derek’s first senior cap came four years later on 9 December 1954 against Germany in Winchester, a match the team won 5-3. The following night away against Wales in Newport there was another England victory, this time 8-1 and Derek won his singles, and doubles with Harry Venner.

Derek gained more caps, a further one against Wales in 1956, Scotland in 1955 and 1958, two against the USA in 1955 and 1959, two against Yugoslavia in 1958, one against China in 1959, one against France in 1960, a second against Germany in 1960 and three against Russia in 1960.

There was one appearance at the World Championships, at Wembley in 1954, and Derek represented England at the European Championships in 1960. In the latter, the England team came third, with Ian Harrison and Bryan Merrett the other players. The final was a three-way contest which Hungary won, with Sweden in second place.

Further caps came Derek’s way in the first Quadrangular tournament which was played in Belfast, also in 1960. A mixed England team took the title, defeating Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Derek won all his six singles and both doubles, one with Ian Harrison and one with Bryan Merrett.

Derek played in several English Opens from 1952-62 and his best results were two runners-up spots, one in the Men’s Doubles in 1957 with Len Adams and one in the Mixed Doubles in 1960 with Kathy Best. Derek played in the first National Championships in 1960, with his last appearance in 1967. His best placings were Men’s Singles semi-finals in September 1960, Men’s Doubles runner-up with Len Adams in January 1960 and Mixed Doubles quarter-finals with Jean Harrower in January 1960. At the National Top 11 in February 1960, Derek finished first and the National Top 10 in October of that year, he finished second.

A regular on the Open tournament circuit, Derek won over 40 titles at senior and junior level including four titles at the Irish Open in the Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles with Michael Thornhill, and the Mixed Doubles twice, with Margaret Lyons and Diane Rowe.

Derek took part in two tours, one in Holland in 1953/54 and one in West Germany in 1960. He also played in the Liege International tournament where his team beat Liege, Italy, Belgium and France.

During his National Service, Derek was able to continue playing and in March 1953 played in the RAF Championships where his Bomber Command team were runners-up in the team event. It was a winner’s spot in the Men’s Doubles with Bobby Stevens and runners-up places in the Men’s Singles and the Mixed Doubles.

These impressive results led to Derek being ranked at No 3 in England.

Derek was a supporter of Middlesex, in many ways, throughout his life. Playing for his county, Derek made 72 representative appearances at junior and senior level at a time when Middlesex were the top county in the country. It was no mean feat to make their team. He played in a number of Champion County versus the Rest of England matches too. Derek won the Middlesex Closed Men’s Singles in 1958/59 and Men’s Doubles four times, once with Ken Craigie, twice with Len Adams and once with Brian Wright. His support of the county was recognised when he was made President from 2000-16.

In 1960 Derek started his own business which he built up into a major internationally recognised company providing top quality trophies and awards. TTE’s Swaythling Club Fair Play bats are provided by the company as well as many other trophies and awards. As his business prospered, Derek found he had less time for practising and playing. Not being able to maintain his high standard, he made the decision to concentrate on his business interests and table tennis took a back seat. Derek missed the table tennis scene, particularly in the first two years he stopped playing, and recalled how enjoyable his career had been and loved all the people he met along the way.

No tribute would be complete without mentioning Derek’s love of his beloved Brentford Football Club and his greyhounds.

Derek was a lifelong supporter and former vice-president of Brentford, where his son, Mark, is their long-time official matchday commentator, both home and away matches.

A round of applause and tribute for Derek echoed around The GTech Stadium on Friday night at half time, during their 3-0 win over Chelsea and they now sit fourth in the Premier League.

To compound a weekend Derek would have loved, his greyhounds DEREK’S CHAMP and DEREK’S LEGEND both won on Saturday too!

A life well lived. Derek will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. Our condolences go to all.

There is a celebration of Derek’s life being organised by Mark, to take place at Brentford Football Club. Those who would like to attend please email Mark Burridge.