Table Tennis England were saddened to learn of the death of David Hockney on 29th March 2026. David was born in 1952 in Plympton, Devon but was better known in the Bath and Avon area as well as at national level. David was a constant presence in the Bath and District Table Tennis League where he not only played but served as their Assistant General Secretary 1992-93, General Secretary from 1994-2004 and later as their Chairman for 20 years from 2004 until 2024. David was a strong but quiet presence on the Avon County Table Tennis Association, firstly as a member of their Management Committee, then Deputy Chairman from 1996-99, General Secretary from 1999-2001 and Chairman from 2008-18. He also held the position of Press Officer and was Deputy National Councillor from 2004-14, stepping up as National Councillor until 2018. At national level David’s influence and sound judgement were well used on the British League Committee from 2003-14 and the Voting Review Group from 2015-18. Perhaps his most significant contribution was as a well-respected and knowledgeable member of the Standing Orders Committee which he served so well from 2000 until it was disbanded in 2023. As well as the administrative functions, David was also an excellent Tournament Organiser and was a familiar presence on the Grand Prix circuit particularly at Bath and Bristol Grand Prix. Always obliging, he worked with a quiet competence and some of you may recall the task of carrying the tables up flights of stairs to set up the hall at the Bath Sports Centre, never an easy job but one always carried out without complaint. He was respected by all who knew him. For his work throughout Bath, Avon and England, David was honoured by the ETTA when he was made a Vice President in 2018. David will be sadly missed not only in his local area but also at national level. Peter Galea, Bath General Secretary: David served on the Committee for approximately 35 years after joining in 1991. He also served as Club Secretary for RNSTS, and later Ensleigh (in it's later incarnation). Dedication and competence were two of David's greatest traits when it came to dealing with administrative matters. He was also our Avon County representative for many years. 2016. Bath TT League. Mike Clare, Treasurer, David Hockney, Chairman On a personal level I was grateful for all his advice and encouragement as a young player at RNSTS in the late 1970s. Many of you will have fond memories of talking with him about table tennis matters of all kinds. David's son Duncan also played for RNSTS for a couple of seasons. He will be sorely missed, not just at meetings, but also on the playing circuit. His enthusiasm and drive will be difficult to match. Our condolences go to David’s wife, Ann, children Duncan and Natasha, and all family and friends. Details of David’s funeral service will be advised when known. By Peter Galea and Diane Webb
There are two significant events in the life of our table tennis League this week, which I regret I shall be unable to attend. First is the funeral of our dear friend and past chairman of 20 years, David, at 11am on Thursday 23rd April at St Dunstan’s Church, Bristol Road, Keynsham, BS31 2BQ, followed by the wake at Salford Golf Club. The obituary covering his service to table tennis at national and local levels may be found on the website. On a personal note, he was not only committed and thorough in all he did, but also a very kind and gentle person. His knowledge of all things table tennis was formidable at all levels, national, regional and local. We miss his wise counsel, extensive support and genuine friendship. Our sincere condolences go to David’s wife Ann, children Duncan and Natasha, and their family and friends. Please support Ann and the family at the funeral if you can. Next Sunday 28th we have our Annual Closed Championships at Monkton School. The Championship Committee have worked very hard to establish an enjoyable and successful event. They need help this Friday, Saturday and next Monday to move and set up tables to and from St. John’s and Matravers School, Westbury. Details of the help needed are set out in the Chairman’s email last Thursday. Please give a few hours to ensure all goes to plan. My thanks to all involved in the Championships and I wish everyone an enjoyable day. Ray
This year’s Championships had a fresh new one-day format and were hosted at Monkton Combe School. A big thank you to Monkton Combe School for being such a great host, and to the West Wilts Table Tennis League for the generous loan of tables. It was our biggest entry for over 40 years, with action on 12 tables all day and more than 250 matches played. From the first serve to the last point, it was a cracking day of table tennis. Open Singles The Open Singles was played in eight groups, with the winner and runner-up from each group qualifying for the knockout stages. All seeded players progressed to the knockout stages. The competition was keenly contested, culminating in a remarkable five-set final between Dave Hadley and Jack Vaughan, with Jack taking the decider 9–? in the fifth set. Restricted Singles The Restricted Singles (open to players outside the Premier Division) was also played in eight groups, with group winners and runners-up qualifying for the knockout stages. The seeds again came through to the knockout rounds, and the final was contested by Nuno Aguiar and Chris Toft, with Nuno winning in four sets. Veterans (Vets) The Vets followed the same format as the Open and Restricted events. The final was between Dave Hadley and Pete Mott, with Dave winning in four sets. Handicap The Handicap was a straight knockout event and open to all players. This year the format changed so all games were played to 11 (rather than the league’s usual team handicap format played to 21). With players on different handicaps, there were no seedings. The final was contested by Charlie Callus (−14) and Joshy Branch (−21), with Joshy winning in three sets. Junior Events (Under 19 and Under 15) The Under 19 and Under 15 events, which are usually held on a different date to the senior competitions, were also played on the day. It was great to see a mixture of young and old at the event. Joshy Branch won the Under 19s, and Henry Markall won the Under 15s—both favourites for their respective events. Summary of Winners Open Singles: Jack Vaughan Restricted Singles: Nuno Aguiar Veterans (Vets): Dave Hadley Handicap: Joshy Branch Under 19s: Joshy Branch Under 15s: Henry Markall A huge thank you to everyone who played, supported, and helped on the day—you brought a fantastic buzz to the Championships. We’re already excited for next year and can’t wait to make it even bigger and better!
Individual Honours U15 Champion: Henry Markall U15 Runner-up: Sonia Howe U19 Champion: Joshy Branch U19 Runner-up: Henry Markall Handicap Cup Champion: Joshy Branch Handicap Cup Runner-up: Charlie Callus Restricted Cup Champion: Nuno Aguiar Restricted Cup Runner-up: Chris Toft Veterans Champion: Dave Hadley Veterans Runner-up: Pete Mott Open Singles Champion: Jack Vaughan Open Singles Runner-up: Dave Hadley Team Honours Handicap KO Team: Bath Invaders B Handicap Team Runner-up: Wick A Restricted Team: Bitton Restricted Team Runner-up: Wick B KO Cup: Bath Invaders B KO Cup Runner-up: Netflicks A League Honours Division 2 Champions: Bath University Division 2 Runner-up: Ensleigh B Division 1 Champions: Radstock Division 1 Runner-up: Batheaston B Premier Champions: Bath Invaders B Premier Runner-up: Bath Invaders A