Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Badminton Society was first mentioned through an advertisement for both men and women to join, as the long-awaited coaching facilities had become available at the Regent Street campus on Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12.30pm in March 1973. In October 1975, training took place on Tuesdays 12pm-2pm, Wednesdays 1pm-3pm, Thursdays 12pm-2pm and Saturdays on 10am-12pm at the Regents Street Gym.
In January 1977, the society was running a men’s doubles team in the South East England Technical League in Division Two, whilst they were aspiring to run a team for Division One. In the same month, the society’s mixed doubles team came in 3rd position in the British Polytechnic Sports Association Cup, after being knocked out in a very competitive qualifying group.
On Saturday 26th March- 2nd April 1977, over 40 participants took part in the Polytechnic Badminton Tournament at the Riding House Street Gym. From October 1977, training and squash facilities were available for the society to use on Mondays at North Kensington Squash Club in Ladbroke Grove, on Wednesdays it was the Paddington Bowling and Sports Club in Maida Vale and on Fridays it was the South Kensington Squash Club.
During January 1979, the society saw a rise of members joining the society, as on many occasions there were reportedly up to 40 members on Saturday morning waiting to use the badminton courts, with only three courts being available at the time.
In March 1979, Ken Chua and Aling Sapi-ie won the Seetech Individual Doubles Competition. Whilst at the Seetech Individual Competition, David Witchell reached the semi finals and was knocked out.
A month later, the first team had won the Seetech League Championship, making this their third consecutive victory in their division, whist the second team became runners-up.
The beginning of the season in the academic year of 1979/80, started off badly which ultimately allowed Brighton Polytechnic to win the national B.P.S.A championships. However in December 1979, Bruce Young and Andy Balchin retained their Seetech League Championship by beating Brunel University that year.
In November 1980, some members of the society competed alongside members of the women’s team in the Seetech mixed doubles competition. However, the society were knocked out of the B.P.S.A mixed doubles and men’s doubles competition.
On 24th November 1982, the society’s Men’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ team competed in matches in the Seetech league that year playing against the likes of Davies College and North East London Polytechnic. In February 1982, the Men’s ‘A’ team became the champions of the Seetech League after winning all together 10 consecutive matches.