If cabin fever is setting in and you're starting to feel like you want to cause a racquet, the badminton club plays twice a week at the Fernie Community Centre.
The badminton club has been running for thirty years. It originally began as a women’s badminton club. “But once more women started joining the workforce, we invited men to join as we had a smaller membership,” said long time member Pat Moore.
“We make up groups of four (to play doubles),” said Chris Stockey, badminton club organizer. “We mix it up so everyone gets to know other people and there really is a mix of all levels. It is a very friendly group and we're always happy to have more people show up.”
You do not need to bring a partner as most folks come on their own. Wednesday evenings usually have 12 or more show up. Friday mornings are a bit quieter with around eight people.
Wednesday evenings are busier with a diverse crowd including younger folks as many are working and cannot make it to the Friday morning drop-in.
There is a small drop in fee of $5.00 or a seasonal fee. Birds are provided and there are six racquets people can borrow if they don't have their own.
Stuckey recommends people bring a water bottle for hydration and a pair of clean-soled court-type shoes.
“We try to discourage people from wearing shoes on the court that they have walked around outside in as dust and dirt can be slippery and dangerous when you are running to make a shot.”
If people don't have separate indoor runners, they will need to really clean off the bottoms of their shoes before playing.
Badminton drop-in is Wednesday evenings 7-9 pm and Friday mornings 9-11 am at the Fernie Community Centre.
For more information please contact Chris Stockey at cstockey@gmail.com.