The club continues to run a competitive and enjoyable duplicate bridge evening every Tuesday. The use of duplimated boards was introduced last year and has been received favourably by most of our members. I would like to thank Roger Lennard for his efficient weekly conveying of the boards from the EBU to Berkhamsted.
Our membership numbers are slightly down and the average table numbers are also down by about one table.
Last year we had a surplus of £800, the Committee decided to allocate £400 to the Christmas party this meant that the party was free to all members. The Christmas party was well supported by our members who enjoyed the food, wine and bridge. I would like to thank all the committee members who helped with the catering, setting up tables, bar, organising the bridge etc. Also I would like to thank Fiona who once again did a splendid job making meringues which are an important part of the Berkhamsted Bridge Club Christmas party.
Ian Mitchell has continued to successfully and efficiently run most of the club competitions and Simultaneous pairs. Entries for the Diana Savill and Doubleday Cup were disappointing; they were down on previous years.
The Committee are aware that there is a problem with some of the bridge tables. We have some new bridge tables that we are hoping to use. The only disadvantage is that they are not as strong as our present tables and this means that when they are packed away they will need to be treated with special care.
I would like to thank all the members who arrive early at the bridge club and help by putting out bidding boxes, stationery and signing members in, and those members who regularly help with the clearing up at the end of the evening. Thank you also to the directors for their organisation of the evening’s bridge.
Maggie Moore is retiring from the committee as Membership secretary. Maggie has done an excellent job as membership secretary over the past three years. The committee will miss you but hope you will continue to enjoy your bridge at the club on a Tuesday evening.