Great report Suzanne!
I feel the same way as you about the All Englands.
It is the Badminton world’s Wimbledon of Tennis
This tournament is where all of the very best players in the world are desperate to win this Trophy.
I feel very lucky that this prestigious event is held in England.
To be selected is real pleasure for me,and fills me with pride to work with and be a part of our fabulous Line Judging Team.
This is indeed very sad news. I first met Dr John B Alexander in 1989, where I asked for his help to Line Judge at the All England, Wembley Arena in London. He was very helpful, and I worked with him for 5 years when I first line judged.
He was a strict manager, but a very kind man, and I was honoured to see him again a few years ago, and he remembered me, even after 20 plus years.
RIP John.
It was a pleasure working with John he was very dedicated to badminton, I remember our first meeting in Milton Keynes in a pub to form the association. John just asked for volunteers for the Secretary, Keith Lindsay. Treasurer Margaret Redfern and John was the Chairman that was the start of our association, The bank account was opened with 38 members paying £5 on 26th February 1996.
So thank you John for your dedication which has been passed on to us to keep the association going from strength to strength. A dear friend . RIP
I first met Dr. John Alexander when he selected me to attend the All England Championships probably 2010. He was well known for his lengthy, thorough briefings.
I also remember him for being for kind and genuine.
I met John through my late husband Allan, who was a member of John’s line judging team when I was volunteering as a steward. John needed somebody to help with getting game numbers and nameboards prepared for the line judges to take on to court with them, this was before the days of digital scoreboards, so I changed allegiance! Thoroughly enjoyed working with John at the All England and also once at Lancashire County championships at Ribby Hall. His dedication to badminton was remarkable. I remember one time at the AE, on the Saturday morning John went back to Manchester to sort out a problem we were having with the scoring cubes – long-standing members will know what I mean! He was back and we were up and running in time for the semi-finals. He also made the players’ name-boards mentioned above, with the router he used to cut them sharing his “office” at the NIA with all the paraphernalia he brought with him to make the team work. He even let me use his laptop, which at the time was a great privilege as there weren’t very many of them about. Thank you John for making my All England experiences so enjoyable and for your kindness to me over the years.
Anne Spencer 26/03/2021..
I met John in 1982 when he took over the job of Manageer of Line judges. He was a very clever shy guy who was, as others also say , dedicated to the sport. I worked as a score board operator , then a line judge and then as a court steward until I decided it was time to retire in about 2014. .
When the BLJA was formed I became one of the original committee members and during the passing years many changes for the better came about many of which were down to Johns quiet efforts behind the scenes!
Thank you John for your contribution to Badminton – I’ll miss my Christmas cards from you!!
God go with you – rest in peace .
Mavis Bryan
I first met John at the 1993 World Championships in Birmingham. I had been recruited in a hotel swimming pool by Geoff Rofe who asked if I had volunteered, I asked what they needed, the reply was “We really need line judges and I have seen you line judge at friendly internationals”. An hour later John Gowers stuck a volunteer form in my hand and much to my surprise I was accepted. First day and I was so nervous, everyone else seemed to be very experienced – I had visions of doing everything wrong. Dr John was so kind and that was the start of our friendship. This was a true friendship; we didn’t always agree but we could respect each other’s point of view. John had a lovely sense of humour and a very generous nature. John’s dedication to Badminton was fantastic and untiring. R.I.P.
I first met John at Wembley in the early 90’s and had a first taste of officiating as a scoreboard operator then as a Line Judge. I will always remember as Marilyn has said, John would be responsible for making the name boards and sticking them on with Blue Tack. On the funny side, sometimes during a match one of the name boards would come unstuck and drop off and have to be refitted.
As Suzanne has mentioned John will also be remembered for his extensive LJ briefings with sometimes most of the briefing being dedicated to talking about the problems with generating the name boards or other problems which gave everyone an insight how much work was going on behind the scenes.
Johns contribution to Badminton and also giving the opportunity for many Line Judges to attend major events remains a lasting tribute to him.
Thank You for all you done over the years for our sport. RIP John
Since I have known Margaret she has always been dedicated to Badminton in officiating as an Umpire, Line Judge and a dedicated supporter of Para Badminton which she is passionate about.The workload Margaret carries out for the association can sometimes be similar to having a full time job
I remember a couple of occasions when I was Line Judging with Margaret on the same team with me being in front in the line up however this may have been the first time that I had to experience a forced “Social Distancing”. LOL
Keep going Margaret your input to our sport and association is greatly appreciated.
Mavis Bryan
Many Congratulations Margaret, your contribution to our Association has been outstanding in so many ways, from the humble beginnings when we had to boost our finances with the raffles at the All England Championships through the fight to get grants and sponsorship, every battle won just adding to your workload. You took it all in your stride. Your dedication did. not end there, Abby has mentioned many of these in your citation but I would like to add my thanks for the encouragement you gave to young members and finally for your friendship and all the laughter we shared along the way.
I’ve only been a line judge for a handful of years and don’t know Margaret as well as many of the members, but I’ve had first hand experience of not only what an asset she is to our Association, but what kind of person she is as well.
A couple of years ago I had been selected to go to Denmark, my first overseas tournament and something I was very much looking forward to. Sadly, a couple of weeks before, there was a personal tragedy in my then partners family and I didn’t feel it appropriate to leave her and her children at such an emotional time.
I was obviously disappointed not to be going to Denmark but also aware of how close to the event I was having to back out.
Margaret made me feel very comfortable with this, took care of notifying the Danish Association and took everything out of my hands in terms of anything that needed to be done. It was a real weight lifted at a difficult time and certainly something I won’t forget.
I’m sure there are more spectacular stories around Margaret over the years, but on a personal note this is something I will always thank Margaret for. Congrats on our recognition Margaret. Well deserved.
Margaret I was very pleased to see you receive Hon Life Membership at the AGM. You have worked tirelessly for the Association over many years and this recognition is well deserved.
What I remember about those crazy few years working with John as our leader. The ‘tiny room’ that he had to work how he managed I do not know! His fridge(!}, blue tac, yellow score boards, and everything else besides. Getting us to stand in height order when the silverware was presented to the winners, ( in those days we could – John’s idea). His meetings so early!!. The day the key to his room got lost. (Us oldies will remember that one).
But I always remember John would look after us, made sure that we were ok and fought our corner.
Thanks John for everyone you did.
Rest in peace
Congratulations to Kate and Suzanne, on an outstanding achievement in getting all things Line Judge related so correct, precise and successful.
As members we are lucky to have such great leaders in our team, who are willing to put so much of their time into getting things right and accurate, and making the line judges lives easier, so they can focus on going out their and doing the business on court.
Well done Margaret. I have always wondered how you managed to keep going all these years in what I consider to be the most difficult post on a committee. You have shown incredible dedication to the Association and badminton in general. Your love of parabadminton has been plain to everyone and you have done some great work in helping to raise its profile. We have had some fun times at events including overseas ones. The last was in Austria where we had an enjoyable time sharing a room. This is a well deserved award and I am glad to know that you won’t have to collect your own fees anymore.
This is truly a well deserved recognition, Margaret ! Heartfelt Congratulations ! I may add that you are renowned well over the UK (or should I say Welsh ?) borders, and for many line judges (and umpires) across Europe, your name is forever linked to the All England event …
From Kaushik Raja:
“It’s the best ever present awarded to the most well deserved and a worthy winner of all time. Margaret well and truly deserved such an accolade for an invaluable contribution to the association over the years. I wish her all the very best for her future career years ahead with the association”.
Margaret
This is a truly deserved recognition for your tireless effort over the years congratulations are definitely in order.You have shown commitment over and above the requirements. You deal with people with friendship, compassion and empathy.
I am please to know you as my friend.
Beat wishes
Andy x
Carol those were special memories to look back on that room was a disaster area but he knew where everything was.
I remember cleaning up for him on many occasions BUT there was always food and drink if anyone need it.
Also we were invited to a barbecue at John’s house one year endless food, he was special and very very clever.
A big thank you and congratulations are in order for a great team.
Kate and Suzanne, You genuinely did a truly spectacular Job.
Between you, in the middle of a pandemic you managed to pull off the most unusual AE competition our organisation has ever had to contend with.
In your own inimitable way, you managed to fend off and deal with what ever was required for a seamless tournament.
Covid protocols, and delayed test results, last minute change requests on procedures were still briefed efficiently and the teams of line judges, even though in isolation, were under no illusion what, when and where their responsibilities lay.
Malcolm Banham summed it up in his thanks and emotional final brief on Finals day, When he brought the Umpires to us to applaud our effort and show that we are One Team.
From a personal point of view. I am very proud to be a member of our team.
Once again thank you for the tremendous amount of work that you put in over the whole of last year to make the AE happen.
Thank you Anne once again another wonderful newsletter. You evidently put a lot of time in presenting the association with such fantastic reading and information. Thank you again it is greatly appreciated.
What a great read, yet again. Thank you to all contributors and to Anne for putting it together. Really enjoyed reading about how the AE finally came together and the trials and tribulations.
Congratulations to Margaret Redfern on her Life Membership. Thoroughly deserved.
Just finished reading the news letter. Margaret’s achievements are amazing. I was one of the volunteers for the Para Badminton World Championships 2015. After 2 days training I started line judging. Wish I done it sooner.
Well done Anne, I just love reading about the early days of line judging.
John Miskin
Hi Vicky. Got an email from badminton england asking for volunteers for this. Should I complete or wait to hear from you specifically about line judges?
Best wishes
Craig
Hello Ladies
I have completed the form and sent it.
Hope you have received it and please kindly consider giving me the opportunity to line judge.
I shall make a concerted effort to do my utmost level best to do line judging at the best of my ability and know-how.
Thank you for your kind and sympathetic consideration.
Hi Abby
I realised that I just forgot to mention that I am still on crutches since I had a major Right Hip Bone surgery a result of a fall at work.
However, I may or may not be on crutches on the day of the Senior Gold Tournament.
I thought that I should inform you, so that you are aware, though I would still love to line judge.
Thank you for your support.
Hi Suzanne and Mike
I’m sorry but at present I am unavailable for this one as I hope to be reunited with my son his wife and my 2 grandsons. they are hoping to fly into Heathrow from Germany that week… Fingers crossed as all depends on Covid restrictions.
I hope all goes well with the Nationals…Good luck. see you soon
I would like to line judge at the above mentioned Tournament.
I am on the crutches at the moment as a result of a fall at work causing a broken right hip bone injury.
However, I may or may not be off the crutches on the days of the Tournament.
NB: Hopefully, I hope with gods grace I am off them and able to participate, and will do my utmost level best to line judge to the best of my ability and knowhow.
You cannot apply to be a Line Judge using Comments to a Post, you have to fill in the Application Form and in the Comments field, provide additional information.
Hi, I have had issues on here please can you let me know if you had my first request to add me on for the interest for the Nationals. I did this few weeks ago, I have not had acknowledgment, thanks and regards Rajesh Rahul
Hello Abby
I hope you are well and safe.
I thought I should inform you that although I have started my physio sessions, I don’t think I should risk taking part in the tournament.
My sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Thank you so much for your support.
Regards
KR
Hi Vicky,
This is Srinivas Parthasarathy, I am one of the Line Judge. I am not sure if I had put my name forward. Can you please check and let me know if I am in the Mix? if not, can I put my name forward.
I have known Rizvan for over 10 years, and he was a very knowledgeable and genuine gentleman.
He had a great sense of humor, a person I called my friend and my elder brother, I will miss him a lot.
Still quite shocked by this sudden loss, as I saw him 2 weeks ago at the Nationals, where he looked well, and was his usual joking self.
God bless and RIP mota bhai
Ahh Rizzy – what a lovely man you were. We had many many laughs over the years. He will be sorely missed by all in the badminton world. My condolences to his family with hope that smiles will be back eventually when all those happy memories come to mind.
I was deeply shocked to hear the sad news about Rizvan. I have known him for around 28 years through Line Judging and have found him to be a kind hearted person who would always want to help out where he could. He was a person who had a deep love for the sport of Badminton and was always keen to assist in the Training programme from the early days and will be greatly missed.
RIP Rizvan. It has been a pleasure to know you and thank you for the service you have given to our sport.
Gerry Lewcock
National Training Co-ordinator
Badminton Line Judges Association of England
My deepest condolescences to the entire family. I pray the Lords Peace and Hope and Faith during this tough time. What a great guy Rizvan was! He would have me in stitches. You will be greatly missed my friend!!
This is such a lovely, friendly event – I know Scotland really need our help with numbers to make sure the event runs, so please consider putting yourselves forward!
The CE’s rise and fall was way too heavily involved with the rise and fall of the Adcocks
No other players received that kind of support
Thank goodness they are all gone and a new era can begin
Brussy famous Did !!!!! You !!!! Do !!!!! Well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well done all of you , at lest you were on TV I am looking forward to see how Tim Andrew, Anne and Simon give answer Vow.
Can you please confirm the date of this event. The screen that displays the Event Announcement is dated 12 November 2021. The screen that displays Current Event Requests is dated 12 December 2021.
I’m slightly confused in that it’s not immediately clear to me if you are asking for “Expressions of Interest” for any of the Oversea’s Tournaments listed above … {especially as none of them seem to be currently listed on the ‘Current Events Page’}?? In my case I’d be VERY interested in applying for the Thomas/Uber Cup Finals in Bangkok! … {Covid conditions permitting, etc}.
This list is only FYI.
If and when we get any invitations, the announcement and request for LJ will be done through the normal process, at the time accordingly.
You cannot apply for an event by making a comment on a Post.
If you read the Post carefully, it tells you to go to the Current LJ Requests page, and the click the Volunteer button next to the event you are interested in:
-> https://bljae.org/lj-requests
Yep, another good read … {and not just the article I wrote, lol}. One thing for Himanshu : Abby wrote this in his piece : “We now have a list of confirmed national events
to May 2022 (see the BLJAofE website)”. Are we due an update soon maybe early in the new year??
I may be free for this one – will check for time off work next week. Never been to Nottingham before … just want to check on the of the actual badminton venue as I know some University Campuses can tend to ‘sprawl out’ over large areas. Can anyone give me a more detailed address and postcode so I can check this before possibly applying?? Regards, Andrew
Well done to all on the committee. In spite of all the restrictions you have had fabulous year and managed to put on a number of events ibckuding the All Englands congratulations to all.
I wish everyone everybody a happy new year and all the very best for 2022.
Thank you all for your very kind responses. We do appreciate the feedback. The All England is again proving to be challenging because of the current situation. However, we look forward to the summer and the Commonwealth Games. My personal thanks to the organisers of these 2 events, and also to all the other Committee members, who are all working hard to keep the Association moving forward.
Abby Kumar, President
I agree with Margaret we have some really good new LJs who would benefit from being selected for Semi’s and finals. I believe Kate has this sorted.
On the recruitment front can we ask BE if we could have an opportunity to have a recruitment stall in the foyer for AE. I’m sure we could use a training video for people to make the call
We can only select people for semi / finals if they express an interest in doing them. Many dont put their names forward as there is alot of waiting around for few mstches or would prefer to have the weekend with their families.
In my report I have highlighted the need for organising training courses in areas where future major events will be held. I discussed the matter with Kate yesterday. Two such areas are Sheffield, where the International Para event will be held in 2023, and Birmingham, where the All England Juniors will (hopefully) become an annual event from 2023. I will contact Mark Downie to ask for a Zoom meeting asap with Kate and myself to discuss what help BE can give us. I will suggest that they ask Regional Officers to help with recruitment.
Kate suggested that we contact the umpires association to enquire whether it would it would be possible for them to advise those who didn’t pass the umpire course to contact the BLJAofE if they wished to try another line of officiating. I will contact Martin Davis and Ian Collett to discuss this.
This is such an important topic and one where we really must take some action. The umpires are in a similar position, albeit very slightly ahead of us in taking some action to address the issue, and it’s worth reading across to what they have been doing, either to learn what might work, or even to join forces where appropriate.
As this topic has been raised, I think we should keep the momentum up and try and organise a short Zoom discussion specifically covering this area (say 30 mins one evening?) for those who have some ideas and/or want to get involved
Congratulations to all concerned.
Having seen you all progress so much over the past few years, I am very glad to see your efforts and skills being rewarded.
See you soon!
Very sorry to read this post but, more importantly, really hope everything is OK with Martin – lovely man
I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours
Kathleen Cashmore
Many thanks to Martin for his dedication to the role of secretary over the last 5 years. He will be a tough act to follow. Is the Committee aware, from e.g. his resignation e-mail, of any particular issues or concerns about how BLJAE operates which might have caused him to take this decision?. Having spoken to him at the Hampshire senior Gold tournament last Sunday, prior to his resignation, I’m aware that he is also very busy with his other sporting commitments (tennis & football).
It’s too late for me no doubt, and I understand that the age limit is a BWF thing not BLJofE, but such an arbitrary age limit is illegal in English law, certainly in the context of employment. It seems to me that a court would conclude it is also illegal for volunteer positions. There is a well organised assessment process for line judges. This would provide an objective and legally and morally defensible filter to weed out any line judges without the right competences. I believe at the very least this argument should be put to BWF . They might change their mind but at the very least they should be asked to justify this arbitrary, discriminatory age limit.
A lovely gentleman, who I became good friends with as we did the same LJ Training Course in October 2012, and we both loved our gadgets.
I shared many AE and other tournaments with him, always a great pleasure to see Kong.
I was sorry to see him leave us for the USA, and now he is no longer with us, I miss him even more 🙁
I know his laughter and infectious smile will be missed by all the LJs & Umpires that knew him.
RIP my dear friend, you left us far too early!
Very saddened and shocked to hear the sad news about Kong especially as he was a still relatively young person. . He was trained by myself and Abby at Wimbledon in 2012 and went on to attend many events as described by Abby and became a valued member of our Line Judge family..
I will miss my chats and laughs with him which we had when we met at events as he was a very likable and easy going person and always greeted you with a smile.. On the professional side, he had a doctorate in Computer Science so we would also enjoy our in depth technical chats on occasions.
It was a pleasure to have known Kong and he will be greatly missed by all that have known him.
R.I.P. My Friend
Gerry
National Training Co-ordinator BLJA of E
I am so sad to hear of the passing of dear Kong, such a lovely man always smiling and laughing at my silly jokes and teasing. Always made the AEO fun place be. You are in my thoughts buddy, love goes out to the family, Rest up.
A great shock to hear Kong had passed away, he was the perfect gentleman and a delightful person to have as a friend.
Wonderful conversations.
I cannot believe it was 2019 when we sat together watching the finals of All England, that was the last time we met.
Rest in peace Kong you have left a lasting legacy behind you and inspired so many.
Sadly missed I will always remember your smile.
Good to see mention of Gill Gilks’ playing partner Margaret Beck in the article. I had forgotten that. Margaret of course is from West Cumbria. It seems that every now and again our sparsely populated northern county produces some star players, Lauren Smith being another. And in the men’s veteran game the evergreen Harry Shadwick!
So are my ‘apologies’ for not being able to attend which I sent in by email … but of course I accept the missing Chairperson’s Report is of greater importance, lol?!
Dear Friends, I am so overwhelmed by the responses received since Kate posted the news. Thank you all so much, I will treasure your kind comments. Badminton England have been very kind in voting me into this position, and I am delighted that I can continue to attend BE meetings and have a say in its administration. In recent years Kate has joined me in meetings with the BE CEO and Chairman, and we also work closely with Mark Downie and Chris Miller on major and national events. This is good for our Association, and it keeps us on BE’s radar. I know that we have sufficient talent in our committee for us to continue this close link with BE into the future. Thank you all so much. My best wishes to you, and your families, for a safe and healthy future.
Abby
I see that the BWF have upped the prize money to $1 million and Super 1000 status has also been granted to China, Indonesia and Malaysia. I’m guessing that they want to split the first round over two days to bring in extra revenue. But if they want to expand by having an extra round, Martin’s nightmare may become true.
Well done everyone, you all did all of us proud!. I wonder if anyone can help, if any of you who were at Birmingham have a spare polo shirt medium size, please could you consider sending it to me – I will of course pay postage
Yes i agree with all above. My thanks to the terrible trio of Vickty, Kate and Suzanne who ran the shop well. Good time had by all (except those in purgutory)
Hi Himanshu
Wow that is a comprehensive view of what happened in Birmingham.
I has a ball at the Commonwealth Games It was a pleasure to work and share with a great bunch of people.
I would have liked to say “ You missed a bit” but you didn’t. fab memories.
Well done .
Andy
No firm timings as yet Cheng, but I am working on 09.00 start and 16.00 finish. I am liaising with BE to get full details confirmed by end of Sept. I will get back to all those who have expressed an interest by that time.
Worth noting that the start date of TUESDAY 29th November is correct, i.e. just like the All England next year the Welsh Open is also on for an extra day, i.e. tournament scheduled to last 5 days, rather than the ‘usual’ 4.
Hi Kate can you send some details about line judging to Manjula, Nagraj and Tanvi to dr_manjoo@yahoo.com? There will probably be 3 of them. Also to Aparna maganty at aparnamaganty@gmail.com thanks
It has been a great pleasure working with you and for you over the years. Congratulations on your achievements with Badminton England with regards to the Line Judge and AE tournament itself for the last seven years. You will be a hard act to follow.
I hope you will still join us on the lines.
Thank you Kate, for all the years of hard work that you have put into making the All England Tournament a pleasurable experience for me. I really appreciate your efforts
It’s been fabulous working with you Kate as your deputy. I’ve learnt so much from you; not only about the event but about how to interact with our wonderful linejudges, the umpires and Referees and the BE staff.
Like Abby says, your work load would be starting about now, so you’ve got some time available to fulfil other ambitions. Enjoy your well deserved break.
Thank you.
Thank you Kate, for all the years of hard work that you have put into making the All England Tournament a pleasurable experience for me. I really appreciate your efforts. will miss you Kate.
Thank you
I remember when I did my first AE event I felt very nervous but on meeting Kate and her team at the venue I knew I would be okay, as Kate and team were approachable. I have attended the AE a few times now and I know everything is so well organised and a great event to attend.
Thanks for all your help over the years and will be missed.
Thanks again Kate
Kate , I know the stresses and I am extremely sorry you have made the decision to step down. I do hope that you will carry on as a line person. All the best and keep in touch.
Kate, many thanks for all your hard work and efforts over the last six years – we go back a lot longer than that. It has been a pleasure working with you. You made the All England a really worthwhile experience and I am sure many of us are grateful for that. I wish you well for the future.
Yonex were the ones developed and approved with BWF so i assume they are the ones that would be used in BWF approved events. The shuttles do look very much like feather ones.
Anne Morden
Having just seen both messages, I sorry to see that Kate cannot continue, but it must be an arduous and time consuming job dealing with Badminton England and organising the judges for this premier event. Thanks to both Abby and Sue for stepping up to manage the AE line judges at short notice.
Thanks for sharing the news letter. Interesting topic about the sustainability of shuttles. Glad to know that badminton world is thinking and putting things into motion to make this sport more sustainable and economical.
Change in right direction is good, although I agree on the point of difference in feel and trajectory. However if this change allows more clubs to survive and continue to play, it should be welcomed and promoted whole heartedly.
The Form will not submit until you complete all mandatory fields, that measn you must answer Yes or No for each date, you cannot leave any filed, except the Comments field blank.
Thank you all for your messages of support. As I mentioned, we are all working together to deliver a successful tournament. That is the aim of all of us. With such great support, especially from Kate and Suzanne, I know we can do it!
Thank you everyone for your kind words. It was a very difficult decision to make but I am still line judging, so I hope to see you all around the circuit soon. I wish Abby and Sue all the best for the 2023 All England, it’s a lot of hard work and stressful at times but I know you will deliver a great line judge experience at the All England next year.
Hello Abby been hospitalised since the 3 October so I don’t think I will be available for the rest of the year. I have a 6-8 weeks recovery period after my discharge today.
Thanks Kate.
All, please click on “simple survey” which is 6 lines down from the title heading. It is really important that we all fill in this survey in order to help Badminton England with their EDI Policy.
Thanks
This is a really generous bequest by John and reflects his tremendous commitment over so many years to Badminton, BA of E, and in particular our Association of Line Judges. Thank you, John and I am sure the money will be used wisely in his name.
I agree it was his idea, built and executed by him. just to start could we not have some title of this web site with his name and acknowledgement. Surely we could start by having something permanent to him.
Better late than never to respond but as usual great newsletter. Birmingham did look wonderful snd I said to myself while watching that I hoped it was better organised than Glasgow which Horace touched on in his report. I was in the player info area amid reams of unnecessary paperwork that no team ever collected, the food was awful and i never saw any live badminton. That said. GLASGOW made the hassle well worth it, i met some great folk and thanks to Davina we had a lovely place to stay!!
Could you please pass on my condolences , as Doug was a great friend of mine, he is quite local to me and have known him for a very long time.
By best wishes go to his family , his whit and companionship will be greatly missed.
I’ve known Doug for almost 30 years, having seen him each year at the All England in Birmingham and a few other events. Doug never had a bad word to say and it was a pleasure to know him.
Hi, so sorry to hear this sad news, could you please send condolences to his wife and family.
I also knew Doug and he had been to Scotland a few times, also at the AE too.
Very sad news. Please pass on my condolences to Doug’s family. I have known Doug for many years through the AE,Scottish and other events and shared some good times, he was very good company.
Such sad news, known Doug since the days of Wembley. He was a true gentleman, and a cheerful since of humour. Please pass on our condolences (from the Volunteers team @ the AE.)
Very sad news indeed, a real gentlemen with a unique sense of humour, and I spent many a time discussing technology and various line judge rules an behavior. I hope he RIP and my deepest condolences to his family.
I remember meeting Doug at my first ever tournament abroad in Basel, Switzerland where we shared a room. He was a regular visitor there and I think it was one of his favourite tournaments. In addition to the badminton. He was a lovely soft spoken gentleman. I too send my condolences to his widow and family. RIP Doug.
Very nice article, thanks Gloria
Thanks Gloria, sounds like despite the restrictions of this strange new world you had a good time.
Congratulations ladies. Well deserved selection following your hard work with the All England.
Nice one ladies. Like the Charlie’s Angels of line judging!!
Well done everyone, I’m in good company!!
Congratulations to Vicky Kate and Suzanne for your Commonwealth appointments. The badminton tournament is in safe hands
Great report Suzanne!
I feel the same way as you about the All Englands.
It is the Badminton world’s Wimbledon of Tennis
This tournament is where all of the very best players in the world are desperate to win this Trophy.
I feel very lucky that this prestigious event is held in England.
To be selected is real pleasure for me,and fills me with pride to work with and be a part of our fabulous Line Judging Team.
Did those who wear glasses find it problematic having to wear face masks in terms of ‘fogging up’?.
A number of the Line Judges had glasses and they did not find them fogging up.
This is indeed very sad news. I first met Dr John B Alexander in 1989, where I asked for his help to Line Judge at the All England, Wembley Arena in London. He was very helpful, and I worked with him for 5 years when I first line judged.
He was a strict manager, but a very kind man, and I was honoured to see him again a few years ago, and he remembered me, even after 20 plus years.
RIP John.
It was a pleasure working with John he was very dedicated to badminton, I remember our first meeting in Milton Keynes in a pub to form the association. John just asked for volunteers for the Secretary, Keith Lindsay. Treasurer Margaret Redfern and John was the Chairman that was the start of our association, The bank account was opened with 38 members paying £5 on 26th February 1996.
So thank you John for your dedication which has been passed on to us to keep the association going from strength to strength. A dear friend . RIP
I first met Dr. John Alexander when he selected me to attend the All England Championships probably 2010. He was well known for his lengthy, thorough briefings.
I also remember him for being for kind and genuine.
I met John through my late husband Allan, who was a member of John’s line judging team when I was volunteering as a steward. John needed somebody to help with getting game numbers and nameboards prepared for the line judges to take on to court with them, this was before the days of digital scoreboards, so I changed allegiance! Thoroughly enjoyed working with John at the All England and also once at Lancashire County championships at Ribby Hall. His dedication to badminton was remarkable. I remember one time at the AE, on the Saturday morning John went back to Manchester to sort out a problem we were having with the scoring cubes – long-standing members will know what I mean! He was back and we were up and running in time for the semi-finals. He also made the players’ name-boards mentioned above, with the router he used to cut them sharing his “office” at the NIA with all the paraphernalia he brought with him to make the team work. He even let me use his laptop, which at the time was a great privilege as there weren’t very many of them about. Thank you John for making my All England experiences so enjoyable and for your kindness to me over the years.
Anne Spencer 26/03/2021..
I met John in 1982 when he took over the job of Manageer of Line judges. He was a very clever shy guy who was, as others also say , dedicated to the sport. I worked as a score board operator , then a line judge and then as a court steward until I decided it was time to retire in about 2014. .
When the BLJA was formed I became one of the original committee members and during the passing years many changes for the better came about many of which were down to Johns quiet efforts behind the scenes!
Thank you John for your contribution to Badminton – I’ll miss my Christmas cards from you!!
God go with you – rest in peace .
Mavis Bryan
I first met John at the 1993 World Championships in Birmingham. I had been recruited in a hotel swimming pool by Geoff Rofe who asked if I had volunteered, I asked what they needed, the reply was “We really need line judges and I have seen you line judge at friendly internationals”. An hour later John Gowers stuck a volunteer form in my hand and much to my surprise I was accepted. First day and I was so nervous, everyone else seemed to be very experienced – I had visions of doing everything wrong. Dr John was so kind and that was the start of our friendship. This was a true friendship; we didn’t always agree but we could respect each other’s point of view. John had a lovely sense of humour and a very generous nature. John’s dedication to Badminton was fantastic and untiring. R.I.P.
I first met John at Wembley in the early 90’s and had a first taste of officiating as a scoreboard operator then as a Line Judge. I will always remember as Marilyn has said, John would be responsible for making the name boards and sticking them on with Blue Tack. On the funny side, sometimes during a match one of the name boards would come unstuck and drop off and have to be refitted.
As Suzanne has mentioned John will also be remembered for his extensive LJ briefings with sometimes most of the briefing being dedicated to talking about the problems with generating the name boards or other problems which gave everyone an insight how much work was going on behind the scenes.
Johns contribution to Badminton and also giving the opportunity for many Line Judges to attend major events remains a lasting tribute to him.
Thank You for all you done over the years for our sport. RIP John
Very much deserved. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of myself and all members.
Many congratulations Margaret, a truly well deserved award for one of the major contributors to our association for such a long time.
Since I have known Margaret she has always been dedicated to Badminton in officiating as an Umpire, Line Judge and a dedicated supporter of Para Badminton which she is passionate about.The workload Margaret carries out for the association can sometimes be similar to having a full time job
I remember a couple of occasions when I was Line Judging with Margaret on the same team with me being in front in the line up however this may have been the first time that I had to experience a forced “Social Distancing”. LOL
Keep going Margaret your input to our sport and association is greatly appreciated.
Mavis Bryan
Many Congratulations Margaret, your contribution to our Association has been outstanding in so many ways, from the humble beginnings when we had to boost our finances with the raffles at the All England Championships through the fight to get grants and sponsorship, every battle won just adding to your workload. You took it all in your stride. Your dedication did. not end there, Abby has mentioned many of these in your citation but I would like to add my thanks for the encouragement you gave to young members and finally for your friendship and all the laughter we shared along the way.
I am pleased for you Margaret, an acknowledgement well deserved.
Anne Spencer.
A well deserved tribute to a lovely lady. Congratulations Margaret, I am so pleased for you
I’ve only been a line judge for a handful of years and don’t know Margaret as well as many of the members, but I’ve had first hand experience of not only what an asset she is to our Association, but what kind of person she is as well.
A couple of years ago I had been selected to go to Denmark, my first overseas tournament and something I was very much looking forward to. Sadly, a couple of weeks before, there was a personal tragedy in my then partners family and I didn’t feel it appropriate to leave her and her children at such an emotional time.
I was obviously disappointed not to be going to Denmark but also aware of how close to the event I was having to back out.
Margaret made me feel very comfortable with this, took care of notifying the Danish Association and took everything out of my hands in terms of anything that needed to be done. It was a real weight lifted at a difficult time and certainly something I won’t forget.
I’m sure there are more spectacular stories around Margaret over the years, but on a personal note this is something I will always thank Margaret for. Congrats on our recognition Margaret. Well deserved.
Margaret I was very pleased to see you receive Hon Life Membership at the AGM. You have worked tirelessly for the Association over many years and this recognition is well deserved.
What I remember about those crazy few years working with John as our leader. The ‘tiny room’ that he had to work how he managed I do not know! His fridge(!}, blue tac, yellow score boards, and everything else besides. Getting us to stand in height order when the silverware was presented to the winners, ( in those days we could – John’s idea). His meetings so early!!. The day the key to his room got lost. (Us oldies will remember that one).
But I always remember John would look after us, made sure that we were ok and fought our corner.
Thanks John for everyone you did.
Rest in peace
Congratulations to Kate and Suzanne, on an outstanding achievement in getting all things Line Judge related so correct, precise and successful.
As members we are lucky to have such great leaders in our team, who are willing to put so much of their time into getting things right and accurate, and making the line judges lives easier, so they can focus on going out their and doing the business on court.
Congratulations Margaret well deserved for all your hard work.
Congratulations Margaret. Thanks for all the time, dedication and energy you have contributed. A well-deserved award. Jan
Congratulations Margaret. A well deserved recognition for all hard work over past many years.
Well done Margaret. I have always wondered how you managed to keep going all these years in what I consider to be the most difficult post on a committee. You have shown incredible dedication to the Association and badminton in general. Your love of parabadminton has been plain to everyone and you have done some great work in helping to raise its profile. We have had some fun times at events including overseas ones. The last was in Austria where we had an enjoyable time sharing a room. This is a well deserved award and I am glad to know that you won’t have to collect your own fees anymore.
This is truly a well deserved recognition, Margaret ! Heartfelt Congratulations ! I may add that you are renowned well over the UK (or should I say Welsh ?) borders, and for many line judges (and umpires) across Europe, your name is forever linked to the All England event …
Congrats again !
Congratulations Margaret. A well deserved recognition for all hard work over past many years . well deserve she work hard last 25 year.
Congratulations Margaret. This award is well deserved recognition for all your voluntary work for the and behalf of the Association.
Congratulations Margaret. Well Deserved award
Services to Badminton very much apreciated
From Kaushik Raja:
“It’s the best ever present awarded to the most well deserved and a worthy winner of all time. Margaret well and truly deserved such an accolade for an invaluable contribution to the association over the years. I wish her all the very best for her future career years ahead with the association”.
Dear Margaret
Well done and deserved.
From Pam, Grace and Carol xxx and ((Hugs))
Margaret
This is a truly deserved recognition for your tireless effort over the years congratulations are definitely in order.You have shown commitment over and above the requirements. You deal with people with friendship, compassion and empathy.
I am please to know you as my friend.
Beat wishes
Andy x
Carol those were special memories to look back on that room was a disaster area but he knew where everything was.
I remember cleaning up for him on many occasions BUT there was always food and drink if anyone need it.
Also we were invited to a barbecue at John’s house one year endless food, he was special and very very clever.
Yes Margaret ‘that room’ as you say memories ❤️
A big thank you and congratulations are in order for a great team.
Kate and Suzanne, You genuinely did a truly spectacular Job.
Between you, in the middle of a pandemic you managed to pull off the most unusual AE competition our organisation has ever had to contend with.
In your own inimitable way, you managed to fend off and deal with what ever was required for a seamless tournament.
Covid protocols, and delayed test results, last minute change requests on procedures were still briefed efficiently and the teams of line judges, even though in isolation, were under no illusion what, when and where their responsibilities lay.
Malcolm Banham summed it up in his thanks and emotional final brief on Finals day, When he brought the Umpires to us to applaud our effort and show that we are One Team.
From a personal point of view. I am very proud to be a member of our team.
Once again thank you for the tremendous amount of work that you put in over the whole of last year to make the AE happen.
Thank you for the info.
Thanks for he info.
Excellent report Bhai Sab.
Well done buddy, keep up the good work as always.
Thank you Anne once again another wonderful newsletter. You evidently put a lot of time in presenting the association with such fantastic reading and information. Thank you again it is greatly appreciated.
A brilliant newsletter, thank you
What a great read, yet again. Thank you to all contributors and to Anne for putting it together. Really enjoyed reading about how the AE finally came together and the trials and tribulations.
Congratulations to Margaret Redfern on her Life Membership. Thoroughly deserved.
Thanks Anne for all the effort you have put in to produce the news letter. Much appreciated !
Just finished reading the news letter. Margaret’s achievements are amazing. I was one of the volunteers for the Para Badminton World Championships 2015. After 2 days training I started line judging. Wish I done it sooner.
Well done Anne, I just love reading about the early days of line judging.
John Miskin
Thank you for the info
Regards
KR
Thank you for the info.
Regards
KR
Thanks Vicky, all information gratefully received!
Best regards ,
Sue Oldershaw
Brilliant
Thanks for the info Vicky.
Good news
Thanks for the info Vicky. Chris steeden.
Hi Vicky. Got an email from badminton england asking for volunteers for this. Should I complete or wait to hear from you specifically about line judges?
Best wishes
Craig
Dear Craig,
Please ignore this, it isn’t a line judge expression of interest request, that will come shortly but will be directly from our association.
Regards
Vicky
I would like the same team as 2021. They worked well and efficiently
I would like to apply for the position of Deputy Manager because I believe that I have all the relevant experience required for this position.
I have knowledge of the BLJA members as I have been on the Committee for several years.
Dear Rizvan,
Please send an email to Martin to Apply, posting a Comment is not the way to apply.
I hope all is well mota bhai.
Regards
Himanshu
May the best team win, which if previous years is anything to go by, they certainly will
We have a winning formula.
Thank you for
The update.
hi Abby i would like to attend this event
yunus
Dear Yunus,
Please email Abby to attend this event.
Regards
Himanshu
I can be there Abby – Sue Mobsby
Dear Due,
Please email Abby to attend this event.
Regards
Himanshu
Many thanks Vicky
Hi Abby, I’m free on 1st August. I would like to volunteer for this event.
Many thanks ,
Bernard Lorenzo
Hi Bernadino,
Please send an email to Abby to request a place on the LJ team.
Thanks
Himanshu
Hello Ladies
I have completed the form and sent it.
Hope you have received it and please kindly consider giving me the opportunity to line judge.
I shall make a concerted effort to do my utmost level best to do line judging at the best of my ability and know-how.
Thank you for your kind and sympathetic consideration.
Regards
KR
MOB:007583710495
Please count me in.
Thanks
KR
Dear Kaushik,
Please send an email directly to Abby to register.
Regards
Himanshu
Hi Abby
I realised that I just forgot to mention that I am still on crutches since I had a major Right Hip Bone surgery a result of a fall at work.
However, I may or may not be on crutches on the day of the Senior Gold Tournament.
I thought that I should inform you, so that you are aware, though I would still love to line judge.
Thank you for your support.
Regards
KR
Hi Suzanne and Mike
I’m sorry but at present I am unavailable for this one as I hope to be reunited with my son his wife and my 2 grandsons. they are hoping to fly into Heathrow from Germany that week… Fingers crossed as all depends on Covid restrictions.
I hope all goes well with the Nationals…Good luck. see you soon
Thanks Andy. I hope everything goes as planned. You’ve waited so long to hug those grandchildren.
I would like to line judge at the above mentioned Tournament.
I am on the crutches at the moment as a result of a fall at work causing a broken right hip bone injury.
However, I may or may not be off the crutches on the days of the Tournament.
NB: Hopefully, I hope with gods grace I am off them and able to participate, and will do my utmost level best to line judge to the best of my ability and knowhow.
Thank you both kindly for your kind support.
Dear Kaushik,
You cannot apply to be a Line Judge using Comments to a Post, you have to fill in the Application Form and in the Comments field, provide additional information.
Regards
Himanshu
I will keep updating you both of my progress.
Regards
KR
Hi, I have had issues on here please can you let me know if you had my first request to add me on for the interest for the Nationals. I did this few weeks ago, I have not had acknowledgment, thanks and regards Rajesh Rahul
Dear Raj,
We have your application.
Regards
H
Well spotted Horace. I see they are still wearing ties. When was the last time we had to wear them at the All England?
Tony Godfrey
I noticed on the first day the players were slipping & falling in two of your matches. Were you on Mopping ! !
Hello Abby
I hope you are well and safe.
I thought I should inform you that although I have started my physio sessions, I don’t think I should risk taking part in the tournament.
My sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Thank you so much for your support.
Regards
KR
Selections have been made and emails sent out.
Please check your inbox and junk and respond via email.
What are the dates of these please, unless I have missed them
Refer to the “Current Event Requests” page.
French and Belgium Opens taking place in the same week?? Coronavirus seemingly still continues to do/cause strange things to happen …..
Another variant!
I thought both France and Belgium are back on the red list, thus necessitating quarantine on return to the UK
It is up to the individual, some people may be happy to isolate upon their return.
Hi Himanshu, the above link to Mikes email appears to have an incorrect email address, I replied and it bounced back. Kind regards, Keith.
Thanks Keith, I found the error.
Please try again.
Regards
H
I have, works fine now, thank you.
Regards
Keith
I am on holidays that week unfortunately.
Hi Himanshu, lovely to see you yesterday. Can you put in to line judge on 19th September U19 Gold
Please can you let me know What is dates for all above and where events? you can send me email or text.
Yunus
Hi Vicky,
This is Srinivas Parthasarathy, I am one of the Line Judge. I am not sure if I had put my name forward. Can you please check and let me know if I am in the Mix? if not, can I put my name forward.
Warm Regards,
Srini
Dear Srinvas,
You cannot contact Vicky via a comment to a post, you need to send her an email directly.
Vicky Hatton
Regards
Himanshu
I have known Rizvan for over 10 years, and he was a very knowledgeable and genuine gentleman.
He had a great sense of humor, a person I called my friend and my elder brother, I will miss him a lot.
Still quite shocked by this sudden loss, as I saw him 2 weeks ago at the Nationals, where he looked well, and was his usual joking self.
God bless and RIP mota bhai
Ahh Rizzy – what a lovely man you were. We had many many laughs over the years. He will be sorely missed by all in the badminton world. My condolences to his family with hope that smiles will be back eventually when all those happy memories come to mind.
I was deeply shocked to hear the sad news about Rizvan. I have known him for around 28 years through Line Judging and have found him to be a kind hearted person who would always want to help out where he could. He was a person who had a deep love for the sport of Badminton and was always keen to assist in the Training programme from the early days and will be greatly missed.
RIP Rizvan. It has been a pleasure to know you and thank you for the service you have given to our sport.
Gerry Lewcock
National Training Co-ordinator
Badminton Line Judges Association of England
Real shock….we had so many laughs…helpful with everything…we will miss him.. RIP my friend..
My deepest condolescences to the entire family. I pray the Lords Peace and Hope and Faith during this tough time. What a great guy Rizvan was! He would have me in stitches. You will be greatly missed my friend!!
Hi Margaret
Just enquiring on the Denmark event and LJs needed
what’s the dates on this one and what expenses are needed for us to pay
Dear Dione,
Posting comments is not a way to contact the event manager, please send an email directly to Margaret.
H
Dear Dione,
TO find out event dates and locations, always look at the Current Event Requests page -> https://bljae.org/lj-requests
Regards
Himanshu
I have already accepted the invitation to be there.
Dear Ruben,
Please let Margaret know.
Thanks
Himanshu
Hi Gerry,
I’m interested in volunteering for this event , it is just near to where I live.
Thanks
Bernardino Lorenzo
Dear Bernardino,
You cannot communicate with Mgrs using comments to post, please contact Gerry directly.
Thanks
H
This is such a lovely, friendly event – I know Scotland really need our help with numbers to make sure the event runs, so please consider putting yourselves forward!
Love to attend this..unfortunately have to go away for a family matter..
Dear Paul,
Fully understand, thanks for letting us know.
Regards
Himanshu
Okay.
Hi I have applied for this event but have not had any response if I have been accepted. John
Dear John,
You should have got an email from Gerry confirming your place.
Regards
H
Hi Himanshu, please put me in .
Dear Douglas,
Please fill in the Volunteer Form if you wish to Line Judge.
Commenting to Posts is not the way to volunteer.
Thanks
Himanshu
The CE’s rise and fall was way too heavily involved with the rise and fall of the Adcocks
No other players received that kind of support
Thank goodness they are all gone and a new era can begin
I’ll be spreading the word, & have set it to record on the day. Looking forwards to seeing the team do well.
Brussy famous Did !!!!! You !!!! Do !!!!! Well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well done all of you , at lest you were on TV I am looking forward to see how Tim Andrew, Anne and Simon give answer Vow.
GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, I SHALL ENDEAVOUR TO LINE JUDGE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY AND KNOW HOW.
Sorry the link does not work !
Try now.
I will be available.
Hi Depend on time of start, I am available for this event. if it is early then no. 4 hr drive to MK and 4 hr back. so I come by train
Yunus Suleman
Hi Yunus, the event starts at 9am, with LJ Briefing at 8.30am, sorry.
Hi, please put me down for the event on the 12th December. Raj
Hi all I am available that’s week please let me know. Raj
Hi Raj,
You cannot register for any event by making a comment, you must complete and submit the registration form for all events.
Happy New Year
H
Rajesh, could you please reply via the Current Event Requests Page, thanks.
Abby
Hi Abby, This is Srini and I would like to volunteer…I am unable to use the current events requests page..
Dear Srini,
I saw your application email, so this means you did find the Form and complete it correctly.
H
Yes I did, thanks Himanshu..it wasn’t clear to scroll right on the app, while using mobile.
Can you please confirm the date of this event. The screen that displays the Event Announcement is dated 12 November 2021. The screen that displays Current Event Requests is dated 12 December 2021.
Dear Gloria,
My mistake, I have corrected the error. The event is 12/12/21.
H
Can you tell me what time this event starts and finishes please
Dear Caroline,
These events normally require an 8.30am LJ Briefing and start at 9am.
Regards
Himanshu
Thanks Himanshu what time does the event normally finish?
Dear Caroline,
Normally around 4-5pm.
H x
Thanks Himanshu what time does the event normally finish?
Sorry can’t help at the next two tournaments in MJ. Family birthdays!
I’m slightly confused in that it’s not immediately clear to me if you are asking for “Expressions of Interest” for any of the Oversea’s Tournaments listed above … {especially as none of them seem to be currently listed on the ‘Current Events Page’}?? In my case I’d be VERY interested in applying for the Thomas/Uber Cup Finals in Bangkok! … {Covid conditions permitting, etc}.
This list is only FYI.
If and when we get any invitations, the announcement and request for LJ will be done through the normal process, at the time accordingly.
OK, I get it – thanks for the clarification!
It does say at the top “For information only – please not not reply”
Hi Margaret, I would like to purchase a BLJAE top please. The size is large. Many thanks. Charles Cheung
Charles, please use the link in the Post to contact Margaret, making a Comment to the Post is not contacting Margaret.
Thanks
H
Hi Margaret. I’d like an xl top please. Best wishes, craig
Dear Craig,
Please send an email directly to Margaret, using the link in the Post.
You cannot order using Comments to this Post, sorry.
Regards
H
Hi
I am interested to be one of line judge for this tournament.
If you have a space for me, please let me know ASAP.
Kind Regards
Wing
Dear Wing,
You cannot apply for an event by making a comment on a Post.
If you read the Post carefully, it tells you to go to the Current LJ Requests page, and the click the Volunteer button next to the event you are interested in:
-> https://bljae.org/lj-requests
Regards
Himanshu
Well done Anne; . so pleased that you took up the challange to edit the News letters. Thanks.
Seasons Greetings to all
Anne Spencer .
Brilliant as always Anne.
Happy Christmas everyone and and safe and healthy 2022. It’s going to be busy. 🙂
Yep, another good read … {and not just the article I wrote, lol}. One thing for Himanshu : Abby wrote this in his piece : “We now have a list of confirmed national events
to May 2022 (see the BLJAofE website)”. Are we due an update soon maybe early in the new year??
Dear Andrew,
Please refer to our web site and scroll down to the entry titled “FYI Only: Upcoming National Events (up to May 2022)”.
Regards
H
I can help in Nottingham!! Sue Mobsby
Dear Sue,
Great, please Register.
HNY sweetheart.
H x
Wishing you all the best and hopefully see you all soon!!
Happy New Year to all
I may be free for this one – will check for time off work next week. Never been to Nottingham before … just want to check on the of the actual badminton venue as I know some University Campuses can tend to ‘sprawl out’ over large areas. Can anyone give me a more detailed address and postcode so I can check this before possibly applying?? Regards, Andrew
Dear Andrew,
Please contact Abby with your query akcontact@hotmail.com.
Regards
H
Thanks, and all the very best to all, Sue
Well done again to the committee, looking forward to a healthier New Year for all.
Well done to all on the committee. In spite of all the restrictions you have had fabulous year and managed to put on a number of events ibckuding the All Englands congratulations to all.
I wish everyone everybody a happy new year and all the very best for 2022.
Thank you all for your very kind responses. We do appreciate the feedback. The All England is again proving to be challenging because of the current situation. However, we look forward to the summer and the Commonwealth Games. My personal thanks to the organisers of these 2 events, and also to all the other Committee members, who are all working hard to keep the Association moving forward.
Abby Kumar, President
Please put me in, hoping the restrictions allow.
Dear Doug,
You cannot volunteer for an event using a Reply/Comment for a Post.
Read the Post and complete the relevant Registration Form.
Thanks
Himanshu
I am available
Dear Ruben,
You cannot apply for an event with a comment, read the registration page, it states this very clearly.
Please fill in the registration form my friend.
Regards
H
I agree with Margaret we have some really good new LJs who would benefit from being selected for Semi’s and finals. I believe Kate has this sorted.
On the recruitment front can we ask BE if we could have an opportunity to have a recruitment stall in the foyer for AE. I’m sure we could use a training video for people to make the call
I really like the idea of a stall at the AE.
We can only select people for semi / finals if they express an interest in doing them. Many dont put their names forward as there is alot of waiting around for few mstches or would prefer to have the weekend with their families.
In my report I have highlighted the need for organising training courses in areas where future major events will be held. I discussed the matter with Kate yesterday. Two such areas are Sheffield, where the International Para event will be held in 2023, and Birmingham, where the All England Juniors will (hopefully) become an annual event from 2023. I will contact Mark Downie to ask for a Zoom meeting asap with Kate and myself to discuss what help BE can give us. I will suggest that they ask Regional Officers to help with recruitment.
Kate suggested that we contact the umpires association to enquire whether it would it would be possible for them to advise those who didn’t pass the umpire course to contact the BLJAofE if they wished to try another line of officiating. I will contact Martin Davis and Ian Collett to discuss this.
This is such an important topic and one where we really must take some action. The umpires are in a similar position, albeit very slightly ahead of us in taking some action to address the issue, and it’s worth reading across to what they have been doing, either to learn what might work, or even to join forces where appropriate.
As this topic has been raised, I think we should keep the momentum up and try and organise a short Zoom discussion specifically covering this area (say 30 mins one evening?) for those who have some ideas and/or want to get involved
Thanks for the notice. I have expressed my availability but can’t see my name on the list. I will be there in any case.
Dear Ruben,
Thanks, Pete Goadby is your contact and LJ Manager.
H
I am available.
Ruben, you need to apply on the current events page. This won’t get you a place
Cheers, I have actually done that now.
As I was one of the founder members I am pleased to see that the association is still active. long may it continue. Regards Anne Spencer.
Hi all. I am sorry, but I will not be able attend the AGM zoom as I will be line judging at the Swiss open.
I’ll be there! Sue Mobsby
Dear Sue,
You need to register with the Form, you cannot Accept with a Comment.
Regards
H
Do we have a start time yet as I may need to arrange accommodation
Hi guys, had to change to apologies. Have a great meeting
Congratulations everyone.
Woop woop. Well done everyone
Well done
Well done everyone
Congratulations to all. Well done on your assessments results. A great effort all round. See you l very soon somewhere on the circuit.
Andy
Congratulations to all hope you have good time and enjoye line judges,
Sorry guys missing you all, umpiring at Milton Keynes for premiership weekend.
Well done everyone
Congratulations to all concerned.
Having seen you all progress so much over the past few years, I am very glad to see your efforts and skills being rewarded.
See you soon!
Sorry I did not make it, umpiring in Perth that day
Is the list of LJs up to date as I will be attending and my name isnt currently displayed?
Congratulations to you all. We’ll done. “Call it as you see it”
My apologies, completely missed the day following family commitment
Where’s “I know my place “ photo !
Dear Martin,
It’s on page 2 sir!
H
Very sorry to read this post but, more importantly, really hope everything is OK with Martin – lovely man
I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours
Kathleen Cashmore
Very sorry to hear that as Martin done an excellent job for the association. I wish him all the best
Many thanks to Martin for his dedication to the role of secretary over the last 5 years. He will be a tough act to follow. Is the Committee aware, from e.g. his resignation e-mail, of any particular issues or concerns about how BLJAE operates which might have caused him to take this decision?. Having spoken to him at the Hampshire senior Gold tournament last Sunday, prior to his resignation, I’m aware that he is also very busy with his other sporting commitments (tennis & football).
Sorry to hear that news,
Sue
I to was talking to Martin at Winchester, he is very busy with other sporting commitments, but I do wish him well
I’m very envious! Well played Paul ,
Sue
Thanks Sue..He was very humble and spoke to us as if one of us….
It’s too late for me no doubt, and I understand that the age limit is a BWF thing not BLJofE, but such an arbitrary age limit is illegal in English law, certainly in the context of employment. It seems to me that a court would conclude it is also illegal for volunteer positions. There is a well organised assessment process for line judges. This would provide an objective and legally and morally defensible filter to weed out any line judges without the right competences. I believe at the very least this argument should be put to BWF . They might change their mind but at the very least they should be asked to justify this arbitrary, discriminatory age limit.
A lovely gentleman, who I became good friends with as we did the same LJ Training Course in October 2012, and we both loved our gadgets.
I shared many AE and other tournaments with him, always a great pleasure to see Kong.
I was sorry to see him leave us for the USA, and now he is no longer with us, I miss him even more 🙁
I know his laughter and infectious smile will be missed by all the LJs & Umpires that knew him.
RIP my dear friend, you left us far too early!
So sorry to hear the sad news, he always has a smile when we meet and chat, my condolences to all the family.
So sad to hear this. Had more than one dinner with him in Akbar’s , he always had a smile and handled his spice well. May he rest in peace….
Very saddened and shocked to hear the sad news about Kong especially as he was a still relatively young person. . He was trained by myself and Abby at Wimbledon in 2012 and went on to attend many events as described by Abby and became a valued member of our Line Judge family..
I will miss my chats and laughs with him which we had when we met at events as he was a very likable and easy going person and always greeted you with a smile.. On the professional side, he had a doctorate in Computer Science so we would also enjoy our in depth technical chats on occasions.
It was a pleasure to have known Kong and he will be greatly missed by all that have known him.
R.I.P. My Friend
Gerry
National Training Co-ordinator BLJA of E
Very sad news and taken far too young. As already said he was a lovely and smiley person.
RIP Kong you will be missed by many
I am so sad to hear of the passing of dear Kong, such a lovely man always smiling and laughing at my silly jokes and teasing. Always made the AEO fun place be. You are in my thoughts buddy, love goes out to the family, Rest up.
A great shock to hear Kong had passed away, he was the perfect gentleman and a delightful person to have as a friend.
Wonderful conversations.
I cannot believe it was 2019 when we sat together watching the finals of All England, that was the last time we met.
Rest in peace Kong you have left a lasting legacy behind you and inspired so many.
Sadly missed I will always remember your smile.
Very sad to hear this. RIP my friend…
My condolescences to the family. Gods peace be with u during this tough time xx
Such a shock to hear this sad news about Kong – he was always so jolly, laughing and joking. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Lovely friendly guy. RIP
RIP Susanto. It always nice to having a chat at badminton events as a line judge and umpire. Will miss. May God bless your soul. xxx
Lovely words. Thank you Kristin.
Kong will be very sadly missed. He was a wonderful gentleman.
I will miss a gentle friend
Good to see mention of Gill Gilks’ playing partner Margaret Beck in the article. I had forgotten that. Margaret of course is from West Cumbria. It seems that every now and again our sparsely populated northern county produces some star players, Lauren Smith being another. And in the men’s veteran game the evergreen Harry Shadwick!
Like everyone else, so sad to hear this news – Kong was such a delightful character.
RIP my friend.
Sorry I cannot help at this event, due to volunteering in Nottingham at the World Canoe Championships
Well done Mike
Good news for the Association. Hope you enjoy the job.
Tony
Great news. Congratulations and well done Mike.
I feel we are in safe hands once again
Thank you
Andy
Well done Mike!! 👏👏
Good news. Thank you Mike, well done!
Well Done Mike
Congratulations Mike on the new appointment, wishing you every success
Thank you, Mike.
Well done and thank you for taking up this roll.
Gloria
The chairperson’s report is missing.
So are my ‘apologies’ for not being able to attend which I sent in by email … but of course I accept the missing Chairperson’s Report is of greater importance, lol?!
Well done Abby. Well deserved
Well done Abby. It is well deserved
Congratulations..very happy to learn this..
Congratulations Abby!
Great, Abby – well done and thanks for all your work for BLJA over so many years
Nice one Abby, well done.
Congratulations Abby
Anne spencer
Congrats you deserve it.
Congratulations Abby
Well deserved Abby. Congratulations.
Something you deserve Abby – many congratulations. X Sue Mobsby
Congratulations Abby. A well deserved nomination.
This is very good news and ensures line judge representation at the top level. 😊
This is wonderful news. Congratulations Abby, it is fitting recognition and well deserved, all your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Well done.🤗👍
Well done, congratulations
Really pleased for you Abby, no one deserves it more.
Well done and definitely deserved.
Dear Friends, I am so overwhelmed by the responses received since Kate posted the news. Thank you all so much, I will treasure your kind comments. Badminton England have been very kind in voting me into this position, and I am delighted that I can continue to attend BE meetings and have a say in its administration. In recent years Kate has joined me in meetings with the BE CEO and Chairman, and we also work closely with Mark Downie and Chris Miller on major and national events. This is good for our Association, and it keeps us on BE’s radar. I know that we have sufficient talent in our committee for us to continue this close link with BE into the future. Thank you all so much. My best wishes to you, and your families, for a safe and healthy future.
Abby
Look forward to a 3:00 am finish again !
Well done, Abby! A long time coming and very much deserved. Congrats.
I see that the BWF have upped the prize money to $1 million and Super 1000 status has also been granted to China, Indonesia and Malaysia. I’m guessing that they want to split the first round over two days to bring in extra revenue. But if they want to expand by having an extra round, Martin’s nightmare may become true.
Great news Abby, well done
Well done Abby and so well deserved.
Well done everyone, you all did all of us proud!. I wonder if anyone can help, if any of you who were at Birmingham have a spare polo shirt medium size, please could you consider sending it to me – I will of course pay postage
I have one you can have x
It was an absolute privilege to be part of such an amazing team x
Yes i agree with all above. My thanks to the terrible trio of Vickty, Kate and Suzanne who ran the shop well. Good time had by all (except those in purgutory)
Not sure if this an event that happened in June or one that’s happening in September
Thanks Suzanne, error corrected 🙂
Hi Mike I am interested in line judging in this event. Reggie
Hi Mike I am interested in line judging at this event
Srinivas could you please log in and request via the events page, so I get the email expression of interest
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike I am interested in Line Judging at this event. (From Wing Tsui)
Hi Mike
I’m interested in this event please consider me for selection
Andy could you please log in and request via the events page, so I get the email expression of interest
Thanks
Mike
Hi Himanshu
Wow that is a comprehensive view of what happened in Birmingham.
I has a ball at the Commonwealth Games It was a pleasure to work and share with a great bunch of people.
I would have liked to say “ You missed a bit” but you didn’t. fab memories.
Well done .
Andy
Great pictures Himanshu, thanks for sharing!
Its great to see how much you can pack into 2 weeks.
WOW brilliant xx
I can help at this event Mike if you need more judges! Sue M
Dear Sue,
Please register.
H x
Can you please put my name forward for this event.
Thanks John
I’m available for both days with overnight stay.
Para championship is on the 11th Dec, which is the same day as the Senior Nationals?
Yes, that is correct. It is Badminton England’s scheduling.
It’s a shame, I would like to have volunteered for the para championships, but cannot travel on the 10th, so cannot get to Sheffield for the 11th
Do we have a rough idea about schedule/finish time on the 11th Dec for the Senior Nationals?
No firm timings as yet Cheng, but I am working on 09.00 start and 16.00 finish. I am liaising with BE to get full details confirmed by end of Sept. I will get back to all those who have expressed an interest by that time.
Please consider me for selection
My son Alex Kodiatt is interested in becoming a Line Judge. Pl let me know next steps. Thank you
Paul, your son can apply via this website – how to become a line judge, and details of courses will be sent through to him. Thanks
Kate
Excellent memories Himanshu, thank you
I have already applied, but need to change my availability – now only available for the 17th and 18th
Pauline, can you resubmit so that your availability is recorded on an email. Thanks Kate
Dates shown on the current events page for the Welsh Intl show start date as 26th November. Above notification shows start date as 29th November ?
Dear Tom,
Thanks, mistype corrected.
Regards
H
🙂
Worth noting that the start date of TUESDAY 29th November is correct, i.e. just like the All England next year the Welsh Open is also on for an extra day, i.e. tournament scheduled to last 5 days, rather than the ‘usual’ 4.
Hi Kate can you send some details about line judging to Manjula, Nagraj and Tanvi to dr_manjoo@yahoo.com? There will probably be 3 of them. Also to Aparna maganty at aparnamaganty@gmail.com thanks
Dear Reggie,
All training is coordinated by Gerry.
Ask you friends to use the Contact Us link to request there interest.
Thanks
H
Well done Mike. The new haircut sealed it!! Sue M
Thanks Sue, its a terrible cut as it goes curly when wet
Well done and well deserved
Pete
Thanks Pete
Congratulations Mike, well done…
Thanks George
Congratulations young man, welcome to the BWF ITO Club.
Thanks H, looking forward to it
Ok thank you.
Congratations Mike , excellent news!
Thanks Simon
Congrats Mike!
Thanks Chen
Congratulations Mike, well deserved
Thanks Keith
Congratulations, Mike. Well done.
Thanks Paul
Look forward to seeing you on BWF TV. Congrats Mike.
Thanks Tony as long as its my good side 😁
Congratulations Mike. I hope you get selections as good as mine. I have had a wonderful time with BWF. Enjoy
Andy thanks and yes I hope so
Congratulations Mike… Well deserved..
Thanks Gloria
Hey Mike, congratulations.
Thanks Ruben
Please consider me for this event when dates are confirmed
Congratulations Mike !
Thanks Suchit
Big shoes to fill!! Congrats on setting the standard for the future Kate.
It was great working with you over the years, was looking forward to seeing you this time as well. Good luck with everything…
Thanks Kate for everything you have done xx
Congratulations Mike
Thanks John
Thanks for all your hard work, will miss you
It has been a great pleasure working with you and for you over the years. Congratulations on your achievements with Badminton England with regards to the Line Judge and AE tournament itself for the last seven years. You will be a hard act to follow.
I hope you will still join us on the lines.
Thank you Kate, for all the years of hard work that you have put into making the All England Tournament a pleasurable experience for me. I really appreciate your efforts
Thank you.
Well done Kate, always calm and approachable. Thanks for all your hard work.
i have nothing extra to add to all the above accoladaes. We will miss you
It’s been fabulous working with you Kate as your deputy. I’ve learnt so much from you; not only about the event but about how to interact with our wonderful linejudges, the umpires and Referees and the BE staff.
Like Abby says, your work load would be starting about now, so you’ve got some time available to fulfil other ambitions. Enjoy your well deserved break.
Thank you.
I hope the future works out for you, but good luck to your successor
What will be do without you canal Kate!!!
Thank you Kate, for all the years of hard work that you have put into making the All England Tournament a pleasurable experience for me. I really appreciate your efforts. will miss you Kate.
Thank you
I remember when I did my first AE event I felt very nervous but on meeting Kate and her team at the venue I knew I would be okay, as Kate and team were approachable. I have attended the AE a few times now and I know everything is so well organised and a great event to attend.
Thanks for all your help over the years and will be missed.
Thanks again Kate
Kate , I know the stresses and I am extremely sorry you have made the decision to step down. I do hope that you will carry on as a line person. All the best and keep in touch.
Kate, many thanks for all your hard work and efforts over the last six years – we go back a lot longer than that. It has been a pleasure working with you. You made the All England a really worthwhile experience and I am sure many of us are grateful for that. I wish you well for the future.
Thank you, Kate, and best wishes !
As usual an excellent news letter – thanks Anne M
Anne S
Excellent News Letter…Thank you..
Thanks Anne. Does anyone know what brand were the synthetic feather shuttles used for the BWF tournaments?
I like the idea of synthetic feather shuttles but haven’t found any that have been close enough to feathers for feel/flight.
Yonex were the ones developed and approved with BWF so i assume they are the ones that would be used in BWF approved events. The shuttles do look very much like feather ones.
Anne Morden
Hi Abby,
Congratulations you have my support , if you want it. Good to have you back
Well done, Abby and Sue.
Thank you, Janet!
Having just seen both messages, I sorry to see that Kate cannot continue, but it must be an arduous and time consuming job dealing with Badminton England and organising the judges for this premier event. Thanks to both Abby and Sue for stepping up to manage the AE line judges at short notice.
Thank you, Tony
Interesting article on artificial shuttles, but I wouldn’t be keen on making the goose redundant!
All the very best Abby, happy to support in anyway…
All the best Abby & Sue
Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing the news letter. Interesting topic about the sustainability of shuttles. Glad to know that badminton world is thinking and putting things into motion to make this sport more sustainable and economical.
Change in right direction is good, although I agree on the point of difference in feel and trajectory. However if this change allows more clubs to survive and continue to play, it should be welcomed and promoted whole heartedly.
Nice to see you back Abby…all support from me to you and the team…
Hi unfortunately due to circumstances I will not be able to attend this event.
Well come back Abbey and Sue
Hi Abby
I have applied for most of these not sure which ones u have accepted me on
Do let me know when u get chance
Cheers
Dionne curd
Hi Dionne, I will look into this asap and respond by email.
Abby
Happy to have you back. Well done.
Congratulations Abby and Sue!
Thank you very much
Sorry can’t find the EOI form (!!) but would like to be considered for the All England 2023
Found it!!!!!!!!
Dear Sue,
I see you found the “here” link 🙂
H x
I’ve completed the E01 form but don’t think the Submit button worked. Can my interest be acknowledged please. Thanks
Dear Pam,
The Form will not submit until you complete all mandatory fields, that measn you must answer Yes or No for each date, you cannot leave any filed, except the Comments field blank.
H x
I did Himanshu. Yes on every date.
Hi Pam I did the same twice so I tried the 3rd time without a space for the mobile number.
Sue and Reggie, I have received your forms.
Pam, I am still awaiting yours.
Thank you all for your messages of support. As I mentioned, we are all working together to deliver a successful tournament. That is the aim of all of us. With such great support, especially from Kate and Suzanne, I know we can do it!
Thank you everyone for your kind words. It was a very difficult decision to make but I am still line judging, so I hope to see you all around the circuit soon. I wish Abby and Sue all the best for the 2023 All England, it’s a lot of hard work and stressful at times but I know you will deliver a great line judge experience at the All England next year.
Wishing Abby and Sue all the very best in the running of this event.
Pam, your form has been received.
Hi Abby
I cannot found the EOI form from web site — Can you send me a copy of the form?
Regards
Wing Tsui
Hi Abby
Sorry – I found the form now
Senior Nationals to those that have volunteered I will try and acknowledge your application on the weekend.
Also need some additional LJs for Saturday evening if you could spare the time I would certainly appreciate it.
Thanks
Mike
i could help if you require me on Saturday
Thanks Horace
That would be good, just to keep the records straight can you please apply through the website
Thanks Wing, I have received your form.
I could help at the Under 19’s on Nov 27 Abby! I haven’t anything written down for that date so am OK! Sue M
I could do 23 oct middx gold
Dear Craig,
Please complete the Registration Form -> https://bljae.org/2022-middlesex-senior-gold
Thanks
H
Kate,
Kate,
If you are desperately short then I can help on the 16th and 17th , but sorry it ismy anniversary on the 18th
Pauline Martindale
My email to you keeps getting bounced back, guess it’s your spam filter.
Can you email please mmikegspear@aol.co.uk for the nationals
Than
Mike
Sure I will be available and expresses my interest.
Hello Abby been hospitalised since the 3 October so I don’t think I will be available for the rest of the year. I have a 6-8 weeks recovery period after my discharge today.
Completed
I cannot find the survey, the link above just gives the information about the survey
Pauline its in the second paragraph ‘simple survey’ is highlighted this is the link.
Thanks Kate.
All, please click on “simple survey” which is 6 lines down from the title heading. It is really important that we all fill in this survey in order to help Badminton England with their EDI Policy.
Thanks
Done mine
Done!
Well I must be going mad, I cannot find the link either in the message above or the page saying what the Survey is about
Done ✅
Completed
This is a really generous bequest by John and reflects his tremendous commitment over so many years to Badminton, BA of E, and in particular our Association of Line Judges. Thank you, John and I am sure the money will be used wisely in his name.
I agree it was his idea, built and executed by him. just to start could we not have some title of this web site with his name and acknowledgement. Surely we could start by having something permanent to him.
Better late than never to respond but as usual great newsletter. Birmingham did look wonderful snd I said to myself while watching that I hoped it was better organised than Glasgow which Horace touched on in his report. I was in the player info area amid reams of unnecessary paperwork that no team ever collected, the food was awful and i never saw any live badminton. That said. GLASGOW made the hassle well worth it, i met some great folk and thanks to Davina we had a lovely place to stay!!
I’ll be in vietna. sorry
Hi Craig
Thanks Vietnam sounds good
I have already confirmed for Saturday , can you please confirm
Horace
Yes I have you on the list, I have sent a confirmation email to everyone
Very sorry, Mike – in New York!!
Thanks Paul,
MK or NY 🤔
Mike
Could you please pass on my condolences , as Doug was a great friend of mine, he is quite local to me and have known him for a very long time.
By best wishes go to his family , his whit and companionship will be greatly missed.
I’ve known Doug for almost 30 years, having seen him each year at the All England in Birmingham and a few other events. Doug never had a bad word to say and it was a pleasure to know him.
Hi, so sorry to hear this sad news, could you please send condolences to his wife and family.
I also knew Doug and he had been to Scotland a few times, also at the AE too.
Such sad news, he will be sorely missed.
Very sad news. Please pass on my condolences to Doug’s family. I have known Doug for many years through the AE,Scottish and other events and shared some good times, he was very good company.
Sad news indeed. Doug was a true gentleman and a very kind soul. I knew him through the AE over many years. Please send my condolences to his family .
Such sad news, known Doug since the days of Wembley. He was a true gentleman, and a cheerful since of humour. Please pass on our condolences (from the Volunteers team @ the AE.)
Lovely man, always friendly and smiling. Condolences to his family
very sad news he was good gentlemen and very friendly always have time to talk sadly missed him condolences 🙏 to his family 👪
Very sad news indeed, a real gentlemen with a unique sense of humour, and I spent many a time discussing technology and various line judge rules an behavior. I hope he RIP and my deepest condolences to his family.
I remember meeting Doug at my first ever tournament abroad in Basel, Switzerland where we shared a room. He was a regular visitor there and I think it was one of his favourite tournaments. In addition to the badminton. He was a lovely soft spoken gentleman. I too send my condolences to his widow and family. RIP Doug.