The Town Council wishes to congratulate local Biggleswade resident, Mrs. Janice Buckle, on being awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates Mrs. Buckle’s dedicated service to the Biggleswade Junior Badminton Club and the wider Bedfordshire community. In addition to this honour, Mrs. Buckle was also awarded ‘The English Badminton Award’ in 2023.
Mrs. Buckle founded the Junior Badminton Club in September 1982, initially hosting 25 members across four courts every Saturday afternoon at the Biggleswade Recreation Centre (now Stratton Sports Hall). As demand for the club increased, a waiting list was created, and an additional class was introduced to cater to both beginner and intermediate players. The club consistently hosted 50 to 60 members each week, ranging in age from 8 to 18 years old.
After the Club became affiliated with Badminton England and the Bedfordshire Badminton Association, members gained the opportunity to participate in County and national tournaments. The Club also competed against other junior clubs, with some members going on to play for County Junior Teams. In 2000, Mrs. Buckle played a key role in establishing a mixed team tournament for under-14s and under-18s in Biggleswade, an annual event that drew teams from across the county.
Over its 40-year history, the Biggleswade Junior Badminton Club welcomed hundreds of children and young people eager to learn badminton, with some attending for up to a decade.
Although the Biggleswade Junior Badminton Club closed in 2022, it left a lasting positive impact on the community. Mrs. Buckle acknowledged the efforts of all the volunteers who helped run the club over the years, with special thanks to Sue Akerman, who volunteered alongside her for 25 years.
The Town Council once again congratulates Mrs. Buckle on her achievements and extends its gratitude for her invaluable contributions to local junior badminton.