CREDITON badminton club, Queens BC, held its annual presentation evening at the end of the season at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum.

It was a chance for players and their families to enjoy recognition for their significant achievements and spur everyone on to great things in this new season.

Nick Masson, Chairman, picked out some of the highlights of 2017/18:

• Hayden Herkes achieving a ranking of #6 in the Under 13s singles for England as well as #9 in the Under 13s doubles – both in one week. He has won several Gold level tournaments.

• William Teale winning the Devon Under 13s Bronze tournament in both singles and doubles.

• Grace Lee winning a Gold tournament.

• Amy Housley winning in the Under 15s Gold tournament in singles.

• Learna Herkes winning an Under 16s Gold tournament playing mixed doubles.

• Ben Hussey winning a Gold tournament in the Under 17s boys doubles.

• In the Under 16s National Junior League Finals, Queens picking up the Bronze Medal.

• Sarah Preece remaining Devon #1 in the singles and attended the UK Adult Nationals for the sixth time.

• Players from Queens, representing their schools, helped Chulmleigh win the South West Boys Gold, and QE win the South West Girls Gold.

• Dee Weiner returning with three medals from the English Para Badminton Four Nations Championships.

Success isn’t just measured in medals and trophies though, and Nick recognised and thanked all the players and coaches for their hard work, their resilience, and their positive attitude.

Queens BC wouldn’t be the club it is without the coaches and their continued dedication to badminton and their commitment to getting their qualifications and Continuing Professional Development at the highest level: Sarah Preece, Martin Higgins, Nick Masson, Ed Moffatt, Rachel Theedom, Jan Skinner, Hannah Preece, Becky Tancock, Adrian Partridge, Jamie Dawe, Jenny Maddison, Ben Jordan and Hannah Partridge.

Our assistant coaches are also invaluable – often young players wanting to give something back to the younger age groups: thank you to Amy Housley, Luke Clifton, Sam Hatchell, Matthew Upright, Callum Parker and more.

Nick said: “I’m proud of the coaches who don’t sit back and believe they know everything, but are hungry to learn and turn up to all the coaching support we arrange.”

On awarding the trophies Nick commented on the following players:

Under 8s Most Improved Player of the Year: Sofia Frisby - “Sofia has shown quick progress and her skills are developing well.”

Under 8s Coaches’ Player of the Year: Hannah Tilley - “Hannah is a great member of the Jack’s group. She has a positive attitude and enjoys the Saturday morning training sessions.”

Most Improved Saturday Player: Laura Mellor - “Laura has shown great maturity and faced those challenges and has made real progress this year.”

Under 11s Players’ Player of the Year: Lily Baker - “Lily quietly gets on with her badminton and has made some friends for life.”

Under 13s Players’ Player of the Year: Morgan Vincent - “Morgan has improved on so many levels and is growing in confidence.”

Under 17s Players’ Player of the Year: Ben Hussey - “I am delighted for Ben who has represented the club at the East Devon Junior Badminton League for the last four to five years.”

Under 11s Coaches’ Player of the Year: William Teale - “William is a relative newcomer but impressed the coaches with his tenacity and personality both on and off the court.”

Under 13s Coaches’ Player of the Year: Hayden Herkes - “Hayden is continually driven to succeed at the highest level. He deserves this award for the many tournament successes he has achieved all over the country.”

Under 17s Coaches’ Player of the Year: Learna Herkes - “Learna continually performs at an incredibly high level and she is a real credit to herself.”

Queens Most Improved Player of the Year: Kieran Brookes - “Kieran has found training difficult at times but has surprised all the coaches by his resilience and determination to keep going. The coaches were unanimous in their decision.”

Captain’s Best Club Member: Zoe Housley - Jamie Dawe, as outgoing Club Captain, said: “Zoe has shown, on so many occasions, to be an integral part of the club: playing competitively, supporting others, and happy to help with any task.”

Queens Player Medal: Zoe Ripley - Nick Masson said: “Zoe is new to the club but has made a significant contribution throughout the year. She has fitted in so well with the other players.”

Pinnacle Personality of the Year: Leoni Bishop - “Leoni is a real pleasure to coach. She adds energy, passion and a will to improve and is a positive influence on all the other players.”

Nick also thanked Jamie Dawe for his captaincy this season: “You have been outstanding in the way you have thrown yourself into the role. You’ve done a great job motivating our younger players and your coaching ability is seldom found in someone your age.”

Of Amy Housley, who will be Club Captain for the 2018/19 season, Nick commented: “Amy is a superb player who already supports the coaching team on a regular basis and I have every confidence she will be a superb Queens Captain.”

Sue Williams is stepping down from Secretary on the Committee after being involved with the club for more than 15 years.

She will still be involved in the annual tournaments and support various committee members. Nick thanked her for her huge efforts in supporting the club.

Queens BC actively encourages newcomers of any age to come and have-a-go. Please look at our website for further details: www.queensbc.co.uk .

Kate Povey