The new VETTS season got off to a great start at the VETTS North East Masters, held at the Graham Sports Centre, Durham University Sports Arena, on 29–30 August 2026.
With 22 events across singles and doubles, covering age categories from Over 40s through to Over 80s, and more than 150 competitors taking part, the tournament provided a weekend of high-quality competition, great performances and, as always, plenty of friendship and socialising.
The official results included men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, mixed doubles and consolation competitions across the age groups are attached.
Hilton continues remarkable run
One of the outstanding performances of the weekend came from VETTS President John Hilton, the former European Champion.
John once again demonstrated his remarkable consistency by completing the O/70s and O/75s 'singles double'. His latest success means he has now completed the same double at four consecutive VETTS tournaments –an extraordinary achievement at any level of the game.
The official results confirm Hilton as winner of both the O/70s and O/75s, with Phil Cawser and Maurice Newman respectively taking the runners-up spots.
Ramage claims a treble
Jason Ramage was another star of the weekend, taking an impressive three titles.
Jason won the Men's O/40s Singles, overcoming his doubles partner Andy Wilkinson in a thrilling see-saw five-set final. He then added the O/50s Singles title, defeating Jason Thompson in the final.
His third gold medal came alongside Andy Wilkinson in the O/40s Men's Doubles, where they defeated Keith Bird and Robin Pearce.
Triple success for Linda Simpson
Linda Simpson also enjoyed a superb weekend, completing her own treble.
Linda won the Women's O/70s Singles, the Women's O/75s Singles, and then teamed up with Helen Shields to win the Women's O/70s Doubles.
The results show Linda defeating Helen Shields in the O/70s singles before partnering Helen in the doubles, where the pair combined to take the title.
The Welsh Dragon strikes gold
There was also a first VETTS Masters title for Brian Jeanes – "The Welsh Dragon".
Brian took the Men's O/60s Singles title, defeating Chris Bartram in the final. It was a particularly memorable victory for Brian as he celebrated his first VETTS Masters singles title.
More than just competition
The North East Masters demonstrated once again what makes VETTS special.
The Veterans English Table Tennis Society (VETTS) is an independent society dedicated to promoting friendship and competition among table tennis players aged 40 and above. Established in 1984, it now has around 1,000 members, with players ranging from 40 to over 90. The Society organises a programme of Masters tournaments, National Championships, team events and works in partnership with table Tennis Clubs and independent tournament organisers to provide high quality competitive table tennis in a friendly environment for veteran players.
While the standard of table tennis is highly competitive, VETTS places equal importance on the social side of the sport – meeting old friends, making new ones and ensuring that players, supporters and volunteers feel welcome.
A huge thank you to the volunteers
Events of this size simply could not happen without the dedication of the VETTS volunteer team.
A special thank you goes to Tournament Referee Cliff Bell, whose work before and throughout the tournament helped ensure that everything ran smoothly.
Our thanks also go to Tournament Organiser Chris Blake and to all the volunteers, officials and players who contributed their time and effort over the weekend.
Their contribution is a reminder that VETTS is a genuinely volunteer-run organisation. From preparing the venue and managing the draw and results to registration, scheduling, scoring, presentations and packing everything away, there is a huge amount of work behind the scenes.
Without our volunteers, there would be no VETTS tournaments – so thank you to everyone who played their part.
Next stop – the Midlands Masters
There is little time to rest, with the next VETTS Masters tournament already on the horizon.
The VETTS Midlands Masters takes place on:
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 October 2026
Aldersley Leisure Village
Aldersley Road
Wolverhampton
WV6 9NW
Entries are now open and the tournament is expected to be popular, with the VETTS warning that it is often fully subscribed and can attract up to 300 competitors. Singles and doubles events are available in age categories from O/40 upwards, and the tournament is open to VETTS members. The closing date for entries is Sunday 20 September 2026.
Entry details available here:
https://www.vetts.org.uk/.../Entries-Open-VETTS-Midlands...
For more information about VETTS, membership, tournaments and the full calendar:
http://www.vetts.org.uk
Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up at Durham – and a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the first Masters weekend of the 2026/27 season such a success.
Next stop: Aldersley! 