Newsletter - shuttle speed decay
The importance of lifting to the rear of the court...
The linked research article shows the physics behind how much a shuttle slows down when smashed - its speed halves for every 3.35m it travels!
Eric Collet 2026 Phys. Scr. 101 125007
The time-of-flight increases by about 50% for a smash from a range of 11.5m compared to a range of 10m.
Also, since nylon shuttles deform more when smashed, their speed is much greater than feather shuttles.
Newsletter - research into the playing order for matches
Have you wondered whether it makes a difference if you play rubbers strictly in the order suggested on the score sheets, or is it better to play any available pair as soon as a court becomes free?
Find out in the attached newsletter.
Algorithm code available here
Summer 2026 tournament winners
Congratulations to the following winners of our third annual tournament, and thanks to John and Gavin for organising.
Christmas 2025 social
Many thanks to Jane and everyone on the social committee for organising this year's Christmas meal at the Harpenden Arms.
Christmas 2025 tournament winners
Congratulations to the following winners of our third annual 'fun' tournament, and thanks to John for organising.
Southwest Herts league Mixed winners 2024-25!
Presentation of the league trophy to captain Nick on 24 June 2025 at the league's AGM
End of season club tournament - April 2025
Congratulations to Nick as the overall winner of this year's club tournament. Thanks to John for organising and to Meera and Matt for assisting.
Overall winner
Runners up
Club Christmas tournament - December 2024
Congratulations to Derek as the overall winner of this year's fun tournament. Great variety of games and well organised John and Caroline.
Club Christmas social - December 2024
Many thanks to Jane for arranging drinks at the Oddfellows Arms and dinner at Okka. Great to see so many members there.
Club summer social - July 2024
Many thanks to Rowena for arranging a summer social at the Queen's Head and to the 14 people who attended.
League trophy - Ladies 4
Caroline had great pleasure in collecting the Southwest Herts Badminton League trophy for the Ladies 4 division today on behalf of the club. Many congratulations to all our lady players.
Start of 2024 summer season
We have started our summer season which runs until 31 August 2024. Our block booking is for 5 courts in May, 4 courts in June and July and 3 courts in August. This follows how we expect numbers to fall as people take summer holidays. We will keep it under review. Meanwhile, the summer club is a great chance to invite new players along to give the club a try.
End of season tournament
Congratulations to Raghav on winning the 2023-24 end of season tournament and being awarded the Martin Winstone Shield. And many thanks to John for organising it.
Start of winter season
Welcome back everyone for the start of the winter season on 6 September. We play now through to the end of April 2024 with just two weeks break over Christmas: no courts on 20 or 27 December.
Venue change
From 7 September 2022, the club is relocating from St George's school to Harpenden Leisure centre. This will enable us to have five courts rather than four during the winter season and accommodate matches during club nights.
Return to play guidance from Badminton England (published 10 September 2020)
Newsletter to keep you entertained whist club play is suspended
Get the special club bulletin here
