The Chelmsford Badminton Federation was formed in 1953 and the first clubs in the league were Barclays Bank, Willingale Farmers, Galleywood, Runwell Hospital, The Technical College Writtle and Hoffmans. The following year they were joined by Old Maldonians, Maldon 21, Witham and Phoenix. Of these original clubs, Old Maldonians is the only one still in the league.
The league reached its peak in the 1970s when there were 52 clubs competing with a total of 85 teams. There were 11 mixed divisions, 8 ladies and 6 mens. Virtually all matches were played in single court village halls each of which had its own character and many a match lasted until after midnight. Marconis, Hoffmans and Crittalls all had more that one court.
As the original clubs became smaller, some have since merged to form larger clubs and make use of the multi court sports halls now available. Today there are 13 clubs competing with a total of 68 teams. There are 3 mixed 6 divisions, 1 mixed 4, 3 ladies 4, 3 men’s 6 and 3 men’s 4.
President
Ron Pharaoh
