It is with great sadness that the Western Australian Table Tennis community received the news of the passing of Doreen Bridson on Saturday 3 July 2010.
Doreen was a champion player winning numerous open events including two state doubles title and culminating in winning the State singles title in 1988 at age 58. She was a member of 9 State teams from 1961 to 1977 being captain on 3 occasions
At the club level Doreen was secretary of the Victoria Park club in 1975 the year in which Doreen and Gerry formed the Stirling Table Tennis Club which they ran jointly until the present.
Doreen was accredited as a level 11 coach coaching state junior squads and at schools. Also she had a stint on the WATTA Committee beings Official Scorer and served as a state selector over a number of years.
In recognition of her service to the sport she was made a life member in 1979.
Doreen really came into her glory in veteran’s arena winning the state singles title on 4 occasions, the WA VETERAN of the year on three occasions and winning numerous titles at several New Zealand veterans’ championship. She also excelled at the Australian Veteran Championship whilst representing the state over 20 years, highlights being:
1999 – 0/70 Women’s Doubles
2000 – 0/70 Women’s Doubles & Women’s singles
In 2004 completed the triple in the O/75’s winning singles, doubles and the mixed with Husband Gerry.
Then at the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney in the over 80 events she won Gold in the Teams & singles and silver in the mixed & women’s doubles
These results were in a large part attributable to the Thursday morning practice group which Gerry and her commenced over 10 years ago at the WATTA Centre.
Doreen was always a strong supporter of WATTA activities and her ticket writing skills were drawn upon in producing posters for events. Additionally impromptu parties were held at the Bridsons usually after championship finals nights. Fellow players were always made welcome at Bridsons - I recall the number of meals and snacks she provided. Doreen was always running of her feet looking after her guests. Also she never missed ones birthday, organising a card and usually a cake.
On hearing of her passing many tributes from all round Australia have been received. A Testament to Doreen popularity was the crowd of over 100 who attended the service at the Karrakatta Crematorium on Wednesday 7th July.
Irwin Parker
