Stars from present and past gathered at Table Tennis England’s Centenary Gala dinner on Sunday evening after an action packed weekend at the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships.

The Pride of Table Tennis Awards was one of the highlights of the event as volunteers from across the country were crowned winners in front of an audience of over 250 people.

With more than 100 nominations this year, the Pride of Table Tennis Awards judging panel had a tough job to narrow it down to just 12 finalists for the four categories.

Below is a list of finalists and the winners on the night, with special videos from the people who nominated them for an award.

Young Female Volunteer of the Year Award:

Holly Williams (Swerve TTC) – nominated by Steve Brunskill (WINNER)

Anna Cole (Littleton TTC) – nominated by Duncan Arrandale

Edie Newman Dewhurst (Cape Cornwall TTC) – nominated by David May

I am extremely happy to have won the young female volunteer of the year, it came as a great surprise. Coaching beginner sessions has allowed me to build a real sense of achievement and there’s nothing better than seeing the young children enjoying themselves and having fun, as that is what sports is all about. 

HOlly Williams

Young Male Volunteer of the Year Award:

Joseph Race (Barnsley TTC) – nominated by Chrissy Sykes and Geoff Harris (WINNER)

Tarkan Ates (Crawley TTC) – nominated by Anita Maddox and Lee Evans

Damien Henderson (Brandon TTC and Bishop Auckland TTC) – nominated by Chris Leishman and Ryan Morton

What a great evening it was at the TTE Centenary Gala, celebrating the past 100 years of table tennis in England and looking forward to a great future. I am entirely grateful to everyone at Barnsley TTC, for trusting me to take the club forward as Club Leader and chair of trustees. I would also like to thank Table Tennis England for an outstanding evening of celebration. The best is yet to come in English table tennis.

Joseph race

Female Volunteer of the Year Award:

Dale Ward (Harrogate Racquets Club) – nominated by Sarah Jackson and James Walker (WINNER)

Rita Dixon (Brandon TTC) – nominated by Chris Leishman

Jenny Swain (Ashford TTC) – nominated by Sam Timms

How amazing to be nominated and then go on to win the Women’s Volunteer of the Year Award, such a wonderful experience. I would encourage anyone to volunteer, it’s not always easy but the benefit everyone gains can be immense and brilliant to see. It gives me enormous pleasure and satisfaction. One of my greatest pleasures is seeing the girls playing table tennis and wanting to win and beat their opponents, I love it.

Dale Ward

Male Volunteer of the Year Award:

Chris Beckley (Central London Table Tennis League) – nominated by Fabio Petito (WINNER)

Tajudeen Alao (Irving TTC) – nominated by Irving TTC members

Chris Haynes (Corby Town TTC) – nominated by Henry Arthur

I thank TTE for recognising the work of ALL volunteers and for me it’s a life enhancing and enriching recognition that makes all the hours and hours of sacrifice sooooo well worth it.

Chris Beckley