[1] She first came to prominence in 1958 when she won the English National Junior singles title.

Further wins followed in 1959 and 1960; in addition she won four English National Junior doubles titles.

After the step up to senior competition she reached the final of the 1963 All England Badminton Championships singles losing out to Judy Hashman.

Bairstow brought to prominence a deceptive backhand sliced serve and flick.

Bairstow represented England and won two golds and one silver medal, at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.