A programme from the inaugural 1926 World Championships in London, a bronze medal won by England at the 1939 Worlds in Cairo and mementos of England’s Swaythling Cup victory in 1953 were among artefacts on display at the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships recently.

England is of course hosting the centenary World Team Championships at the OVO Arena, Wembley, in 2026.

Apart from the first ever tournament 98 years ago, England has hosted the Championships on six other occasions – in London in 1935, 1938, 1948 and 1954, Birmingham in 1977 and, most recently, in Manchester in 1997.

England also sits seventh on the all-time medals table, having won 14 golds and just under 100 medals in total.

That rich heritage was captured in a display of photos and artefacts at the Nationals in Nottingham, which attracted a lot of interest. The film below gives a flavour of what spectators could see.

The display was put together by Diane Webb, Chair of Table Tennis England’s Archive, Museums and Records Committee, who was also on hand over the weekend to answer queries from spectators.

Diane said: “It was very much appreciated to have the opportunity to display some of the Association’s artefacts, along with some which had been loaned for the occasion, at the National Championships.

“The theme was English players and England’s involvement at the World Championships since 1926 and included a programme from that first event.

“The photographic display proved popular, giving details of all medals won by England’s players, whether in team events or as individuals. Photos had been found of all players, bar two from 1926, who had either won medals or taken part in the team events, thereby earning an England cap for each country played against.

“Interest was shown by a wide range of spectators and players, either spotting themselves, players they knew or players who had coached them.”

Some of the items on display belong to Table Tennis England, some had been donated over the years and others were on temporary loan.

We are always interested in hearing about historic memorabilia, and receiving donations, so if you have anything you think would interest us, please contact Diane Webb.