There is a new community centre just opened up in North Vancouver and they want to focus on competitve** play. John Braithwaite Community Centre 145 West 1st Ave. (near Seabus Terminal, approx Lonsdale & 1st) North Vancouver, BC Organizer: Ivan 604-936-2407 Centre: 604-982-8300 Cost: $4.80 (Bring Your Own Birds -BYOB) Times: Wed 8:15pm-10:15pm : Competitive Play / Feathers** Mon 7pm-9pm : Beginners / Plastic No. Courts: 4 Floor: Synthetic / Rubber Ceiling: 32ft (estimate) Parking: pay parking otherwise free on the streets after 6pm Comments: Yesterday was the second week in which the centre was open for badminton thus there will be lots of court time until people hear more about the facility. In the gym. there is adequate space between the courts and at the ends to allow players to sit or stand without interferring with the games in progress. Additionally, the gym can be split in half using a soft partition (which has no sound-proofing). The walls consist of a wood coloured panelling for the first 10ft, and then the rest of the walls including the ceiling is painted "white" (I know, it will be hard with feather shuttles) Some of the badminton court lines are shared with the green volleyball lines so players must observe which lines are in-play. ** The organizer want to develop a competitve play on Wed, and at the current procedure, players are to bring their own feather birds. If you don't have any feathers, you must chip-in/buy from the other players. The process of BYOB (feathers) is subject to change as the program further develops. Have fun checking it out, Cheers!
Ahhh drat ... the one night I have a company dinner, there: 1. WWC, wwcbro & friend night out at VRC 2. New competitive facility in North Van ... Will check out #2 next week. -dave
I strongly suggest you bring a team! The first week, 3 players (which included 2 beginners which Ivan allowed for the short term). Yesterday was 2.5 competitve players (I was the 0.5, my elbow was bothering me). There was an elderly man by the name of "Chong", who apparently was a ranking champion of China in his younger days, also came by to checkout the facility, and he told me he used to coach "Eric" a few years back. Next time you're there, you just might meet Master Chong ! Cheers!
Interesting since it's accessable by Skytrain/Seabus network. It's within walking distance from the Londale Quay Market? I might keep it in mind as I have yet to check out the North Van scene.
I've yet to check that area out myself. We should go check it out sometime! I've never ridden in the seabus either.
Because of my elbow, I primarily watched the other 2 players do some drills while Chong & I talked. Apparently, he lives near that part of town thus making the new facility an ideal place to play...he still plays twice a week. Cheers!
Geezuz, you've been playing for over 15 years?! That certainly explains the skills yourself and Mr.15Love possess!
Could always organize a mini BF session... Everybody meet/park near a skytrain station at 6:15pm, grab a train at 6:30pm (it's after rush-hour thus you pay only the one zone fair). Transfer to the Seabus and then to the Quay. Have dinner at a local restaurant at or near the Quay, then baddy afterwards! Things to check: -the frequency of the Seabus after the rush-hour to minimize the travel time. -restaurant reservations might be needed! -Ivan should be advised (if the group is large) so that maybe he will guarantee your spots! (just tell him I sent you!) Cheers!
Currently, I can't commit to organizing it, but I can start the process to see if there are any interest! Are there any Players interested in checking out the new John Braithwaite CC? with a nite out with dinner & baddy? (Skytrain optional) Which date(s) would you prefer? Oct 6th or 13th? Post your replies here! Cheers! (If you know any restaurants in that area you would recommend, please post)
Timeless, Just say the word, man! I am up for it if you are. How about next Wednesday night? Come up to my place and chill after school, then we'll head out to the Royal Oak skytrain station (I live nearby). I think it takes 30 mins to get to D/T via Skytrain from my place. Wood_22_Chuck, if you read this you're more than welcome to join us. You know where I live. We can all check that place out together!
Hey, I'm in! Thats my neck of the woods! Grew up in the North Shore. Would be willing to drive and pick people up on the way!
I can only be there at 9pm, but I will certainly go. I actually heard about this new facility from Tony who plays at Renfrew. Good reviews on the gym. 6th and 13th are ok with me but after 9pm
So it looks like... Oct 6th and/or 13th Cappy75 Wood_22_Chuck 15Love BTC2004 (after 9pm) Timeless (maybe) BMS (maybe) ...but what about dinner??!!! :crying: I guess Timeless is the determining factor...the lowest common denominator! Hope this is not too much pressure on Timeless to determine our fate on the BADMINTON EXPRESS! It's a one-way train to baddy heaven! Which ever date Timeless can make it, I presume everybody is OK with it!? Cheers!
Ohhhh the pressure! :crying: Actually I'm more into the dinner than I am the badminton hahaha so definitely count me in for that. I hope the rest of you are into that as well so I don't end up eating alone! Unfortunately, my Wednesday schedule is tight so I really need to know the timing of things for that evening before confirming whether I can make it. So, BMS, could you please lay out how it would work out from say Metrotown/Joyce Sky Train Station? example: Meet @ Metro/Joyce Sky Train Station 6:30PM Dinner @ where ever 7:00PM Baddy @ 8PM Bubble Tea 10:30PM etc If I could know the timing of that evening, I don't think it would matter which Wednesday we go, just whether which parts of the evening I can attend. Saying that, should we wait until the 13th to possibly get more BFer's out, or keep the group small and go for a first trial on the 6th? Also, I don't know how busy it is there so would it be important to have even 4somes attending to ensure that no one sits out? I don't think it would be fair for anyone to sit out considering the $5 entrance plus the sky train ticket. w0000 w00000t! All aboard the BF badminton express!