About Us
Our History
This page is dedicated to our history, focusing on those people who have greatly contributed over the years. For details of winners/county players please see the relevant pages.
1974: Somerset Boundaries Changed
In 1974 the County of Somerset had its boundary changed in the North from being River Avon, to an imaginary line between Weston-Super Mare and Burnham on Sea. The County of Avon was created, which included the three largest populations within old Somerset - Bristol, Bath and Weston.
Badminton wise, the County changed its name to Avon and Somerset and stayed as a major force within English Badminton. However, the base was Bristol and the players in the South of the new Somerset County found themselves marginalised and poorly represented at County Level.
1987: Separation from Avon
Due to the poor representation of players in the South of the County, in 1987 a group led by Mike Sertin, decided to create a separate County Badminton Association (SCBA), thereby splitting from Avon.
Players from Somerset that were representing the old county set up had the choice of continuing to play for Avon or changing to the new Somerset.
Players having to make that decision included Andy Bee, Pete Rowland, Martin Baxter and Launa Dufty.
2007: SCBA and SBBA Merged
The Somerset Schools Badminton Association (SSBA) was a separate entity until 2007 when the two committees agreed to become one. The SCBA and SSBA became the Somerset Badminton Association - responsible for all badminton within the county.