England greats from the past caught up with old friends when the England branch of the Swaythling Club International (SCI) met during the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships.

SCI was set up in 1967 to promote friendship and sportsmanship through table tennis and its members are made up of former international players and officials who represented their countries at World Championships or Olympics.

In attendance at the England branch meeting were: Linda Jarvis, Melody Svenson, Alison Broe, Jose Ransome, Beverley Godfrey, Diane Webb, Karen Tonge OBE, Alan Ransome OBE, Denis Neale, Richard Scruton, Don Parker, Jill Parker MBE and (not pictured) Nicky Jarvis.

The branch currently has 39 members, with 15 having joined since the start of the year.

The meeting started with a minute’s silence for friends and colleagues who have recently passed, including Harvey Webb, who administered the SCI England in recent times.

Those attending also explored opportunities when our members could meet – for example, the WTT Feeder Manchester and the WTT Star Contender in London later this year.

Richard Scruton gave the group an excellent update on the Centenary World Team Championships and possible opportunities that this could provide for members.

Photo by Michael Loveder, Table Tennis England Official Photographer.