We run three Friendly events each year. These events are aimed at attracting an entry from less experienced players, and we try to ensure that these events take place, as their name suggests, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. (Without suggesting in any way that our other events are "unfriendly".) More experienced players are also welcome, and are particularly encouraged to enter with a less experienced partner as a way of introducing the latter to a competition environment. (We do, however, discourage entries from pairs where both players have considerable experience.) The events are open to all (EBU/BBCBA members and non-members), and this year all three events will be held at SBBC. To encourage the friendly atmosphere, we will again this year be providing a plated tea at each event - and the higher entry fee - £12 instead of £7.50 per player - covers the cost of this. We do not provide this plated tea at any other events, and we would like to make sure that this is a feature which players at the friendly events actually want. With a 1:30 p.m. start and playing 28/30 boards, the event finishes at around 6 p.m. The tea interval will be at about 3:30 p.m., and this may not be a time that many players want a generous plate of sandwiches and cakes. Would a later start fit better with the plated tea concept? Or would most players prefer to bring their own snacks - as they do at other events? We want to get these events right, and would appreciate receiving your views on the above and any other comments regarding these events. Whether or not you have played in these events in the past, or are contemplating doing so, we would appreciate you taking the time to complete the questionnaire below and submitting it online (simply click on the "Send Email" button at the bottom). Your replies and views will be held in strict confidence. Entering your name would be helpful to us - but it's entirely optional. If you enter your email address you will automatically get a copy of your submission - but this is also optional. Nigel Thompson Chairman BBCBA
John Pendered Friendly Events Organiser ------------------------------------------------------ |