Tom is the chairperson of Stratford Badminton Club and worked tirelessly throughout 2020 to ensure that its members could play safely (when possible), and in line with the Badminton England guidelines. Stratford Badminton Club was able to run club nights for 12 weeks over August, September and October at Stratford Leisure Centre. Tom adapted our usual club night to allow players to play safely over these 3 months. This included:
- organising ‘bubbles' of up to 6 players on each court
- enabling a sign-up system beforehand to organise bubbles in advance
- electing a Covid-19 officer at club night to ensure safe play
- liaising with the leisure centre in terms of the required risk assessment submission and securing courts at the venue
- keeping players informed of the Badminton England guidance and rules for the club nights
- welcoming players from other clubs who were unable to play at their usual club due to a lack of venue
It is an understatement to say that Tom spent a lot of time in making at least some badminton possible for people, and I would like Tom to be recognised for all his hard work. No doubt as soon as this next lockdown is over, Tom will be busy organising how we can get back on court as soon as possible!
