Club History

The club was originally known by the rather longwinded name of "South Shore Tennis Club Badminton Club."

It was formed around 1980 by a few members of the Blackpool South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland Rd., Blackpool.

Among the early members were Hazel Shaw, Derek Hill and Neville and Marjorie Wiseman, who still, over 25 years on, continue active participation, (although Hazel is now concentrating more on Bridge).

Although the club has always been primarily for those with some previous badminton experience, children of members were welcome from the outset once they could muster a reasonable rally. During the early years as many as 10 children of members participated from time to time. Two of these went on to represent Lancashire at Senior Level.

One early member, Dave Hutchinson, had coaching ability, and he assisted youngster's development. A great advantage of the Tennis Club as a base was the proximity of the clubhouse where younger members could be dropped and collected in a safe environment. Virtually every member would put in an "après court" appearance in the Tennis Club Lounge for a coke or a pint.

More recently a small number of young, talented teenaged players have joined (without their parents). One of our younger members was recently awarded "Most Improved Young Player of the year". A previous youngster was awarded "Blackpool Young Sportsman of the Year". Several of the current team players have been members for 10 to 15 years, including Paul Marshall, Wendy Rutter, Irene Rawcliffe and Neil Pemberton.

At South Shore Tennis Club, club nights were played on what was, (and still is), the Indoor Tennis Court, and four roll-out Badminton Courts were used. These had to be rolled out and put away each evening. As the building used was of a prefabricated nature with metal walls and a Perspex roof it was icy cold in winter, and no form of heating was available. Sometimes members would play all evening in gloves, and removing tracksuits was a brave event. Play has always, since inception, been on a year round basis, with no summer break. For a number of years two playing evenings a week were enjoyed, Wednesday and Sunday. Subscriptions were paid to the Tennis Club.

Fairly early on it was decided to field a team (6 players, 3 men and 3 ladies) in the Blackpool, and District League, and later a second and then a third and forth team were added. Fielding 4 teams requires 24 players, and as membership has never exceeded 30 it says a lot for keenness and dedication that, despite work, holidays, illness and injury, the club have rarely had to concede a game due to non ability to raise a team. One year the club fielded a team of 6 who put over 300 years on court whilst another team of 6 could only muster about 150 years.

Over the years the conditions at the Tennis Club deteriorated, with the roll out mats becoming dilapidated. Replacement mats had to be zipped and unzipped each time they were used, and many a time members turned up to a repair session armed with carpet tape and sticky stuff to prolong the active life. Additionally, the Perspex roof had sustained damage from high flying tennis balls and when it rained water dripped onto the mats, which made them became slippy and unplayable. At the same time the demand by Tennis players for the indoor court in an evening became more pressing. It was therefore with some reluctance, but by mutual agreement, that the Badminton Section decided to go it alone.

The independence from South Shore Lawn Tennis Club necessitated the choice of a new name. Several names were mooted by members, including "South Shore Badminton Club", and "Squires Gate Badminton". No name suggested met with the approval of a majority. "Stanley Badminton" was the only name that no one strongly objected to, so that was that. "Stanley" could be said to be appropriate in that the Tennis Club had been situated in the Municipal Ward called "Stanley", and of course Blackpool is famous for its "Stanley Park", the first dedicated open space park in England, and Stanleys Mathews and Mortensen, Blackpool's most famous footballing pair.

A new venue was found at Lytham St. Annes High School, and more recently at Blackpool 6th Form Centre. The club has also met at VIDA Sports Centre, Arnold School, and Blackpool Sports Centre.

The spirit of the club has always been friendly, with many players becoming off court friends, and many players staying loyal to the club for many years. Over the years a number of Social Events have been enjoyed, such as Christmas Meals, Quiz Nights, and Barn Dances. A small hardcore still follow club nights by a visit to some local hostelry (currently the Highcross at Hardhorn).

Playing wise the club has had its share of success in the local league and cup competitions, but the main success has been the willingness of players of all ages and ability to attend and play on club nights without the need for any "Peg" or "Board" system to decide who shall play with who. Everyone has always played with everyone.