We are delighted to announced that the 2025 winner of the Mike Watts Award for Service to the VETTS is Kim Mudge-Johnson, and the winner of the Alan Ransome Players' Player of the Year is Ritchie Venner.
Kim, along with Cliff Bell, is one of our two Referees who between them mange the complicated and complex business of running our Masters events. It is not only the work on the day, but the amount of time Kim gives in the run-up to the events preparing the entries, the draw and the scheduling, and frequently trying to squeeze as many competitors as possible into an event in order to avoid disappointment by having to refuse entries. As a former top player herself, Kim's priority is always to try to ensure a fair and fun experience for our players. Well deserved.
Ritchie has been a regular on the VETTS circuit for 20 years, winning numerous Masters singles and doubles titles. This year - at his first attempt - he added the O/60s VETTS National Singles and Doubles titles, to the ones he has already won in the O/50s and O/40s VETTS Nationals. He has regularly represented the VETTS in international tournaments and has played in many European and World Veterans events. As well as being frustratingly talented on the table, he has a well-deserved reputation for being an all-round decent guy whether as an opponent or team mate (I can vouch for that!). Well deserved.
Congratulations to Kim and Ritchie and we'll find a suitable opportunity to present you with your awards.