Maidstone & District TTA celebrated their centenary with a gala dinner and exhibition match, raising £1,000 for Dementia UK in the process.

A good turnout of guests including Table Tennis England Chairman Sandra Deaton and former local champions gathered at the Mercure hotel in the town to celebrate the milestone.

International players Gavin Rumgay and Ryan Jenkins played challenge matches against local players Will Wrapson and Anna Vigironova, as well as an exhibition match against each other.

Maidstone & District TTA Chairman Adrian Hall said: “We were very pleased that Sandra Deaton was able to join us for the evening and we hope she enjoyed her visit to Kent – her presence and donation was much appreciated.

“It was special that our President Brian Fuller was present, and special mention must be made of our 1950 Men’s champion Peter Hood and many time champion Gordon Harris who were able to join us.”

He thanked the organising committee, including Bruce Benge who contacted the former members, Master of Ceremonies Peter Newing and umpire for the matches, David Clapperton, plus all others who helped to organise the evening.

The raffle and donations resulted in a cheque for £1,000 being sent to Dementia UK.

Special mention was made during the speeches of the contributions made by Trevor Coleman & Alan Woollven with their coaching at Larkfield & Northborough and the support from the then Kent Chair Reg Thompson.