Ever seen Gail Emms on television and thought about giving badminton a try? Well, if you play badminton already or are intrigued by what the game has to offer you can do so at Quarry House.

The badminton club is an established club which has been meeting in Quarry House for a number of years and caters for players of all levels, providing a mixture of exercise and fun.

The club meets every Tuesday between 5 and 7pm and newcomers are always welcome.

We play doubles matches throughout the evening, mixing players after each match so that everyone gets to play against players with different skills and techniques and have the opportunity to meet new people.

You don’t have to play the full two hours – just as long as you want. Some people play between 5 and 7, some leave earlier and some come down later. Just what ever suits you.

There is also the occasional (well earned) social curry after playing on a Tuesday evening.

There are usually around 8 to 16 people each evening offering a chance to get some good matches in. Overall there are more people who play so it means we get different games each week depending on who can make it.

We have the use of the Forum sports-hall, therefore members are required to swipe in at reception before playing each week. Use of the sports-hall during badminton is included for those with gold card membership to the forum. Others can pay as you go for each badminton club night based on one or two hours. The forum can provide further details of this.

Badminton nets are provided, but players will need a racket (they don’t cost too much and you can often get good deals in the sales). Current members maybe able to lend any new members a racket if they wanted to give it a try before buying their own racket. A small donation towards shuttlecocks is also appreciated.

The club is informal and friendly, the main aim is to have some good games of badminton and some fun too! There is an e-mail circulation list for the club so members can be informed of any updates.

There is no committee as such, but if you are interested in joining in on a Tuesday or have any questions please contact Katie Barnes (Katie.barnes@dh.gsi.gov.uk). Or feel free to turn up on the day, as new members are always welcome.