Wednesdays, for anyone who can rally
Club nights
Six courts on a Wednesday from 7:30pm, with mixed doubles rotated by Alun off the board, then tea on the bench. If you can keep a rally going, you will fit in here.
Most people join a club for the badminton and stay for the bench.
We have all six courts of the main hall at Sir Thomas Picton on Wednesday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and two on Friday for those who could not get enough of it. You put your name on the board when you come in. Alun, the club secretary, sorts the games by standard, so that it is a good match but not always the same one.
Games are doubles, usually mixed, to 21 by rally scoring, and we rotate after every game or about fifteen minutes, whichever comes first. If there are more of you than there are courts, you get a rest and a chat. Most people play six or seven games in an evening, and that is plenty.
Feather shuttles are in the kitty price on a Wednesday, and plastic on a Friday. Bring non-marking indoor shoes and a water bottle, and that is about it.
What you get
- Six courts on Wednesday, two on Friday
- Games arranged off the board, rotated regularly
- Feather shuttles in the price on Wednesday
- A spare racket if you have broken a string
- Tea on the bench, from the club’s urn
- A Christmas tournament that nobody takes seriously
What it costs
Pay and play is £6 a night. Members pay £3. Pay and play or join works out which is cheaper for you.
Questions about club nights
How good do I have to be?
If you can serve most of the time and keep a rally going, you are good enough for a Wednesday. If not yet, Tuesday is the one for you.
Can I come on my own?
Almost everyone does. You put your name on the board, and Alun finds you a partner.
Your first night is free.
Bring flat indoor shoes. We lend the racket, and Alun puts your name on the board.