24 August, 2023
Blackmore Vale Over 50s Badminton Membership have risen from humble roots to turn into a shining instance of the worth of group badminton.
Based by Peter Duke simply over two-and-a-half years in the past, the Dorset-based membership now has a thriving membership and is likely one of the hottest golf equipment within the nation by way of its age demographic and membership.
Badminton England wish to spotlight the success of Blackmore Vale to show the energy of group badminton and to additional showcase how it’s attainable for gamers throughout all ages to make an influence and encourage extra individuals of their native communities to select up a racket.
Formation
Membership chair Peter moved to the world from Wiltshire, the place he had beforehand been a member of Pewsey Over 50s Badminton Membership, two years in the past.
With no such membership in Blackmore Vale on the time, Duke determined to type a brand new membership within the space, aiming to draw the same stage of curiosity to the membership that he used to play at.
Postings have been made in January 2021 to Fb teams in Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Marnhull and Sturminster Newton.
The proposition included that the membership would play within the morning – when power ranges on this age group are typically at their highest – and that solely social badminton can be supplied.
Curiosity and Growth
Curiosity was ample to start out up the membership in February 2021 and a grant was given by Riversmeet Partnership which kick began the membership by paying for the primary Badminton England Registration in addition to 4 racquets.
The primary session noticed 13 gamers flip up and by April 2021, the common variety of gamers had elevated to 18 with curiosity spreading primarily by phrase of mouth.
By autumn 2021, membership had grown to 30 registered gamers, at which level membership was closed and a wait checklist launched.
Ultimately, a Tuesday session was launched to make sure that all people who have been considering taking part in had the chance to take action.
Affect
Regardless of working for lower than three years, Blackmore Vale is now the biggest Over 50s badminton membership within the nation, with 40 members – a membership quantity that additionally makes them one of many largest affiliated golf equipment in Dorset.
The ages of members of the membership vary from 53-79, with a cut up of 55-45 between female and male members.
The vast majority of members have in truth returned to the game having beforehand stopped taking part in at both a aggressive or social stage, with some returning after a niche of three many years.
All matches on the membership are from a purely social perspective, with all classes non-competitive and designed to spice up the psychological and bodily wellbeing of the individuals.
Response
Membership chair Peter Duke stated: “The expansion in numbers of the membership has approach handed all my expectations. All people appears to get pleasure from taking part in and chatting to others while off courtroom.”
Common participant Ian Durrant added: “This can be a actually enjoyable membership the place you possibly can hit a feathered shuttle once more with no strain – simply social enjoyment.”
