MGBA life members Nancy Wardle, Philippa Demsey, Paul Nielsen and Kerryn Milner are joined by Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham. Absent: Elaine Brew.
Left: Catching up with old stories of badminton are (back, from left) Des Hughes, Laurie Gordon, Andrew Blaby, Terry Fogarty, Noel Price, Jared O'Shannassy, (front, from left) Joan Hughes, Lorraine Kinrade, Sandra Bell, Kerryn Milner, Brenda Hughes and Kevin Hughes.Photographs by AMANDA EMARY.
The Labertouche team of Cheryl Drayton, Michael Scandolera, Trevor Offrey and Sandra Offrey enjoyed the chance for a reunion. Cheryl and Michael have both represented Australia in badminton.
Badminton Victoria CEO Clint Proctor, Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham and MGBA president Scott Humphrey at the anniversary event.
Having fun at the MGBA's 75th anniversary event are the Drouin team of (back, from left) Philippa Demsey, Paul Nielsen, Jean Nielsen, Brad Garner, (front) Mick Wardle and Nancy Wardle.
The Mid Gippsland Badminton Association anniversary event attracted a solid crowd.
The Mid Gippsland Badminton Association celebrated its 75th anniversary recently.
Formed in 1949 after the West Gippsland Badminton Association decided to split in half, the Mid Gippsland Badminton Association began, and what a journey it has been since.
The MGBA players, past players, and life members all gathered in Warragul on March 16 to celebrate the milestone, with multiple people travelling from around the state.
Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham, Baw Baw Shire councillor Tricia Jones and Badminton Victoria CEO Clint Proctor attended the occasion to help the MGBA celebrate.
Highlights of the day included:
Former Commonwealth Games player Michael Scandolera was present and spoke about the importance of people playing sport, and how his participation in badminton has gained him friends around the world.
Former Australian player Cheryl Drayton spoke about the training and requirements of a high-performance athlete.
Victorian representatives Joan Hughes and Kevin Hughes attended the event also.
Clint Proctor presented the MGBA with a certificate and shield on the day, which will be placed on display at the MGBA headquarters in Warragul.
One of the other highlights on the day was the presentation of a life membership to Nancy Wardle, a past treasurer of the MGBA.
Brad Garner attended the day, and it was discovered he used to write the MGBA section in the Warragul and Drouin Gazette some 25 years ago, which helped to keep everyone up to date.
The MGBA 2024 season will commence on May 1. If people are interested in playing, they can contact the MGBA or one of the current clubs to discuss options further.
The juniors will commence their season on April 26.
The MGBA can cater to all ages from seven to 70, and it is one of the fastest racquet sports available.
Adults are played on a Wednesday or Thursday night, and juniors on a Friday night, with many clubs training either on a Monday or Tuesday evening.
