Woolston Brook School

By Mark Cullen. Photographs by Cath Fowler. 20/12/24

The annual Christmas Badminton Tournament was held in the vibrant school hall on Thursday, 19th December 2024. This year's event was bursting with energy and excitement as staff and students alike came together for a morning of spirited competition and light-hearted banter.

As the bells of advent chimed at the start of December, it could be felt that this tournament would be especially competitive. The buzz around the school was palpable, with eager participants bouncing off the walls, literally and figuratively, as teams were formed and rivalries ignited. This year, we saw an impressive turnout with almost all of our staff getting involved alongside our enthusiastic students. The atmosphere was electric, with friends cheering each other on and festive decorations adorning the hall, creating a wonderfully merry ambiance.

In a thrilling staff final match that had everyone on the edge of their seats, our Mathematics lead, John McMullan, went head-to-head with our wonderfully spirited teaching assistant, Teagan Bundy. Fans gathered around the court, with anticipation building as the two entered the arena—each ready to battle it out for the coveted title of staff champion.

The format of the match was excitingly competitive, with each game set to 21 points and the ultimate showdown taking the form of the best of three games. A word of caution, Jeopardy fans: this was no easy feat! The tension mounted with every rally, with everyone holding their breath, eagerly waiting to see whether John's tactical prowess would outsmart Teagan's impressive agility.

As the games unfolded, it quickly became clear that John was in fine form. Channeling the festive spirit in more ways than one, he had turned up with a flamboyant makeover of fake tattoos and a mohawk hairstyle—a nod to his Christmas fancy dress alter-ego, no less! With his kit in place and an air of cheeky confidence, he managed to remain focused on the task at hand while simultaneously entertaining the crowd with his quirky antics. In a bold claim following his victory, John boasted that he had challenged himself by playing predominantly with his left hand. Perhaps this commitment to competitiveness was enhanced by the silly sheer audacity of his appearance!

In the end, John’s skill shone through despite Teagan's great effort, and he clinched victory by winning two games, leaving the hall roaring with applause. It was a fantastic display of sportsmanship, and it felt like Christmas had truly arrived. Teagan, sporting her brilliant smile throughout the game, was the first to congratulate John, showcasing the true spirit of camaraderie that our school embodies.

Beyond the scores and winners, what remained at the heart of the tournament was the sense of community, the laughter shared among colleagues, the supportive claps from the stands, and those precious snippets of joy that remind us of our wonderful school spirit. As we say goodbye to 2024, we look forward to many more events that unite us as a community and further inspire our students and staff alike. Until next year’s tournament, here’s to maintaining the Christmas spirit and the enjoyment of sportsmanship! Happy holidays, everyone!