Friday Evening Bridge  

Thank you to all who replied to the request for feedback. It was very helpful.

As a result the Committee has debated some changes.

Hosting on a Friday – It seems to have failed because:

Too often no one came needing a partner and the host went home.

A small minority of players weren’t considerate of the host and criticised their play.

There were rare occasions when the host couldn’t make a session, didn’t arrange a replacement and didn’t advertise their absence.

Suggested

Hosts are re-introduced on the clear understanding that they will be “used and not abused”

There will be a rota of Friday hosts on the website along with their e-mail and phone numbers. If you need a partner please contact the relevant host. You will either be directed to another person who is looking for a partner or you will play with the host.

The rota will start on Friday 16^th September.

There have been a number of pairs willing to make a once a month commitment to Friday.  Each pair doing so increases the table numbers by a half table.  It’s a measure of support for the club and warmly welcomed.

Fridays are of value to the club because they are more competitive, this helps with league matches and competitions and is also welcomed by some of our members.  However most of our members play for social reasons. The two are not incompatible if it is remembered that

“we are playing on a Friday night in Crowborough, not in a European tournament”.

The club advertises itself on the website as a friendly and relaxed club.

Friday has a reputation for being the evening when our best players meet and occasionally the interaction can be less than pleasant.  

To go some way to changing this image:

ê Directors will be asked to remind members that “ you should be polite to the director,  

    polite to your opponents, but above all be polite and kind to your partner “

ê Ask our more experienced players, whilst they might be perfectly correct to call the  

    director,  to make sure that they do so without aggression

ê Remind players to avoid overlong analysis of hands. Dealt cards are available on the  

    website for discussion at another time

SIMs are only rarely available on a Friday evening.

We held a team event of four event (The Trevor Cup) at the end of April . Many members commented on how enjoyable it was. As a result, the Committee has decided to hold team events on the 5^th Mondays and Fridays in any month when they occur.

We will also be appointing Team Organisers to try and set up more friendly matches between local clubs, and to recruit for teams in competitions and league matches.  The latter are often held in people’s homes and very friendly. The Team Organiser's names will appear on the website. If you would like to be considered then please contact them. Teams contain a range of abilities, and not all meetings are evening ones!  Leagues come in varying abilities and usually involve 6 matches between September and March, 3 at home and 3 away.

Some  of you may be aware that Tunbridge Wells, who also have problems with numbers, were considering dropping to 2 Fridays a month. We have been involved in discussions  as to whether the two clubs might open their doors to each other's  members. In a recent vote their members have chosen to stay with the status quo, and so we have postponed the discussion until we see whether or not we can increase our numbers ourselves.

CROWBOROUGH BRIDGE CLUB

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 27 JUNE 2015

Chairman: Nick Levine

Committee: Richard Penticost, Adele Holder, Howard Nunan, Caroline Poole,

Richard Bird, Mike Kennedy,

1. Apologies:  Andrew Corbett, Mary Rextrew, Ron and Christine Gibbons, Mervyn Fromm, David Ball

2. Minutes of the AGM 27June 2014 - Agreed

3. Matters arising: A question arose concerning Charity Week. It was confirmed that this went ahead and the takings were donated to Hospice in the Weald.

4. Chairman's Report.   The emphasis was on the successes where issues were solved. Three individuals were given particular praise, Linda Reed, Chris Bailey and Pat Warren for their contribution to the

   smooth running of the club. The club is in "good  health" and the venue is admirable. Finally the aim is for everyone to contribute to the management of club sessions.

   A copy of the chairman's report is available for every member.

5. The Treasurer's Report

    Howard Nunan was thanked for taking over from Richard during his convalescence.

    David Ball was also thanked for his auditing of the accounts.

    The Income is stable. Expenditure for 2013 - 2014 is higher due mainly to the purchase of  the Bridgemate System.

    The Annual Event was given an increased subsidy.

    Dealers are now paid. Scorers and directors do not pay table money.

     £1,400 was paid to charities.

    There will be no increase in subscriptions in 2017 - 2018.

    William Bourne mentioned that to increase numbers on Fridays (and therefore revenue) we should encourage more competitive players. This is partially linked to his later mention   

    concerning the lack of SIMS on Fridays.

    There are no SIMS on Fridays at the time of producing the Calendar for the latter part of 2015.

    Pat Warren suggested an Open Evening to other clubs.

    Anka Hunt mentioned that in the Winter months numbers fall in the evenings.

6. The following Committee Recommendations on finance were voted on and agreed by the  members.

         a) Annual subscriptions to remain as now

         b) Table money to remain as now

         c) 2014 AGM spending decisions to be renewed as follows: dealers to be  paid, scorers/directors to pay no table money, SIMS subsidised etc.

         d) The committee to be mandated to get the best deal it can for room hire from January 2017

7. Election of Committee

     Nick Levine, Richard Penticost, Adele Holder, and Andrew Corbett continue. Carol Forster, Chris Bailey and Carol Forster were elected to serve on the committee.

8. Development of Junior Bridge

    William Bourne spoke about the National efforts to encourage children and teenagers to  learn bridge. He spoke about what is being done at a national and local level, and asked

    for approval in principle to set up a junior section at Crowborough. This would aim to  attract children of the age of around 10-18 and teach them bridge. The first step is to set

    up a small subcommittee of "grownups" to work out the details. Steven Dennison has  already put himself forward, and he is trying to identify one or two more. 

    A majority of members approved the idea.

9. The cups were distributed.

10. Final Remarks

      Those that would like to opt in or out of playing an active role in the club should speak to  the Chairman.

Crowborough Bridge Club Procedures Manual

For information about how to use the dealing machine, scoring and use of Bridgemates.

You will find the manual at the bottom of the Information Section.

Our thanks go to Chris Bailey for taking the time and effort in producing the Manual.

CROWBOROUGH BRIDGE CLUB

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 27 JUNE 2014

Chairman: Nick Levine

Committee: Howard Nunan, Richard Penticost, Mike Kennedy, Adele Holder, Caroline Poole, Andrew Corbett

Present: 22 members

Apologies: Joy Byford, Marion Newman, Sue Haslam, Mary Rextrew, Chris Rebbitt.

1.   Minutes of the AGM 21June 2013- Agreed

2.   Matters arising: the Chairman observed that hosting on Mondays and Fridays had not yet been discussed by the Committee but will be in the coming year.

3.  Minutes of the EGM 4 October 2013 -Agreed

4.  Matters arising: there were no matters arising

5.  Chairman's report: key points

The Club is in good heart and has a strong base. Friendly, competitive eagerness prevailed.

Membership: 13 members left and 12 joined

There had been 5 more tables per week than anticipated.

He instanced some club members' successes and was pleased that so many members played with different partners, so spreading skills.

He expressed  the Club's deep gratitude to Richard Bird for Bridgemate training, initiation and selfless dedication; and to Adele Holder for her organization  that was the bulwark against chaos. Both were heartily applauded.

He thanked  the Committee for their work over the year and the invaluable contribution made by other members.

6.  Treasurer's Report (Richard Penticost)

Thanks were expressed  to David Ball for auditing the accounts and for not finding them wanting.

From an income of £16,000 there was a profit last year of £88.

Attendance was up overall: Mondays+16%, Tuesdays+ 30% but Fridays- 7%

The dinner  had broken even and was only slightly subsidized

The Club had good supplies of stationery etc.

There would be a rise from £6674-£7794 in the cost of hiring the room as from August.

Richard Bird asked if the sub owed to Score Bridge had been paid. The Treasurer said it probably hadn't but he would check.

7.  Committee proposal regarding subscription and table money.

That we should maintain current rates: This was agreed. Jo Crosland asked whether  perhaps visitor should pay more: This was not agreed.

8.  Committee recommendation for spending:

a)  It was agreed that the Club should cover the additional SIMS costs (est: £250-300 p.a.) for members but visitors would pay the whole cost.

b)  It was agreed that the Bridgemate Scorer pay no table money (est. £350 p.a.)

c)  It was agreed that the Committee be empowered  to pay a person or persons to do the dealing. (est cost c.£450 p.a.). Jo Crosland having

explained how arduous a job it is.

d)  It was agreed that the costs of golf club annual event be pegged to around £20.00 (allowing for inflation?) for bridge and dinner with no charge for bridge only and tea (est cost £200)

e)  It was agreed that the Committee be empowered to increase the Club's contribution to Charity. Hospice in the Weald had strong support with Crowborough Hospital having some support.

Richard Bird suggested that a Charity week be identified for an agreed Charity. This was proposed by Caroline Poole and seconded by Mike Kennedy and received general support.

9.   Election of Officers and Committee.

Howard Nunan took the chair to propose that Nick Levine be elected

Chairman: This was agreed and Nick Levine was duly re-elected.

Richard Pentecost proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was applauded wholeheartedly.

Adele Holder was willing to stand as Secretary having been proposed and second: Agreed

Richard Penticost was willing to be re-elected as Treasurer having being proposed and seconded. Agreed

Andrew Corbett, Caroline Poole and Mike Kennedy were proposed and seconded: Agreed

Howard Nunan would continue as a Committee member

Richard Bird to be co-opted on to the Committee: Agreed

10. Any other business

a)  Late finishing on Mondays and Wednesdays. This was agreed to be an issue of general concern. The Committee did not want an earlier start and the EBU said that a hand could not be curtailed once bidding had started. The room was available untilll pm. After lengthy discussion, five proposals were supported and the Chairman and Committee would take them forward:

• Directors to indicate when 16 mins was up after which a third hand should not be started.

• After 20 minutes the Director should say 'move when you can'.

• If a pair is repeatedly playing too slowly, sanctions should be imposed by the Director.

• The possibility of using a 'pinger' to indicate when 7 minutes has passed would be followed up.

• All players must be present by 7.20 (or their presence guaranteed?) in order that bridgemates can be set up and bridge can begin promptly at 7.30.

William Bourne pointed out that it was unfair if players were penalized because of the slow play of others and expressed a keen wish that this should be avoided.

The Chairman said that these proposals need not apply on Thursdays as

Linda Reed is doing a fine job in keeping things moving.

b)  It was agreed that calling the director is always seen as normal and that a calm and dispassionate ruling is in everyone's interests.

Richard Bird pointed out that discussion should not take place among those at a table as compromising information  might be unwittingly revealed.

c)  The Chairman said that three  jobs needed covering:

•  Members were encouraged to train as Directors. See Adele if you are interested. The Club would pay the cost of training.

• Carol Forster does a great job with refreshment supplies but support for her would be welcome.

• A Membership Secretary (not an onerous task) is required as

Pat Warren is retiring from the role.

d)  Nigel Osler asked what plans there are for future expenditure, specifically of predicted excess funds. The Chairman pointed out the extra expenditure agreed for next year at this meeting and that there were known unknowns such as the number of tables, which fluctuated. He said the Committee would like to see how next year pans out financially before making any decision about any unspent income. N.O. was asked to raise the issue again next year having acknowledged that it was up to the Committee to decide.

e)  Richard Bird said that the EBU and ScoreBridge had an issue about team scoring, which ScoreBridge couldn't facilitate. He proposed we do nothing pro tern and this was agreed.

Evening Session Start Time

Thank you to the many members who gave their views on whether they would favour a 7.15pm start.

Out of 65 members who were able to be contacted:

32 voted yes and 33 did not say yes

32 responders favoured a  7.15pm start

20 responders were against a  7.15 pm start

13 responders were happy with either time and

 6 of these expressed concern for those who work.

In light of the above, the committee has decided that it would not be appropriate to change to on earlier start time

Members are asked to arrive at 7.15 with 7.25 being the very latest so that movement decisions can be made in good time for a prompt 7.30 start.

The Committee also considered the related matter of LATE FINISHING.

Most of the recent evening sessions have ended by 10.30pm, perhaps because of the greater awareness, perhaps because we are collectively more capable with bridge mates or perhaps directors are aiming to call movement after 20 minutes for 3 boards. We are aware that members do not like to be nagged, though the observation "you should be on your third board now" does seem to be helpful.

A. Holder

on behalf of the committee

CROWBOROUGH BRIDGE CLUB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA. Friday 27th June, 2014

Apologies for absence.

Minutes of the AGM on 21^st June 2013. Matters Arising.
Minutes of the EGM on a" October 2013. Matters Arising

Chairman's Report.

Treasurer's Report.

Committee proposal regarding Subscription and Table Money

Committee recommendations for spending:

1. That SIMS evenings have standard table money, with the additional SIMS
   costs met from club funds. Estimated cost £250 - £300 p.a.
2. That the bridgemate-scorer person pay no table money. Estimated cost
   £350 p.a.
3. That the Committee be empowered to pay someone/people to do the
   dealing. Notional cost around £450 p.a.
4. That for the golf-club annual event the cost be pegged to close to £20 for
   bridge and dinner with no charge for bridge-only or tea. Estimated cost
   £200.
5. That the Committee be empowered to increase the Club's contribution to
   charity, perhaps through an additional evening's table money, or other.

Election of Officers and Committee.

Any Other Business.

1. Late finishing, Mondays and Fridays. The Committee favours a tougher
   position on 20-21 minutes for 3 boards with Directors insisting that
   tables not past bidding the third board be 'made' to enter 'passed out'

The Committee hopes that calling of a director will always be seen as
'normal' and not personal. If someone feels significantly disadvantaged
by, say, misleading information or a long hesitation, then a calm and
dispassionate ruling is in everyone's interests.

Sadly Lynn died under anaesthetic during an operation.

Lyn was always a very friendly and very competent bridge player. 

She will be sadly missed by all her friends.

The funeral will be held on 21st February, for more details please contact Pat Warren.

Sunday 9th March 2014 at Crowborough Golf Club

Members are invited to come and enjoy a relaxed and friendly game of duplicate bridge where there will be a small prize for the winners, and to stay for a dinner at which we can be joined by non-playing guests of the members.

Bridge will start at 2.00pm for 2.30pm and you may play with any member or non-member of your choice.  The standard of play is not so important. The emphasis is on having fun, the timing will not be strict. We will not worry too much about the noise level.  In fact there may be some extra noise from the golfers in the bar.  There will be no table money to pay and we will break for a few minutes midway for tea and coffee. If you haven't got a partner and wish to come, we will do our best to find one.

Bridge should finish at approximately 6.00-6.30pm and we anticipate going into dinner at 7.30pm.  This will allow time for anyone who wishes to pop home for any reason or to collect their dinner guest.  The bridge game will be scored during this time.

Dinner will comprise three courses with a carvery as the main course.  The charge for this will be £24.00. per person including wine (2 bottles per table of 10) and afternoon coffee/tea. The Bridge Club will pay for wine as above at dinner.  Any other wine or drinks will be at your own expense. The bar will be open at all times.

The club would be delighted if you wish to invite a non-playing guest (such as a spouse or partner) to dinner so that they can meet all your friends at the club.

If you need transport to the event this can be arranged.  Please let Howard or Adele know.

If you would like to come then please return the following slip to Howard NO LATER THAN - FRIDAY February 28TH with your remittance.

There is a form to fill out, these are available at the bridge club.

Monday February 3rd for six weeks

Sheila Ball Bowl competition begins.

This is an individual competition - best 4 results with different partners over 6 consecutive Monday dates. Running for 6 consecutive Mondays, finishing Monday 10th March. If you play with the same partner on more than one of the dates, then only your best result will count.  If you play with more than 4 different partners over the period, then only your 4 best results count.

Open to club members partnered with club members.

May

Friday 30th May

Trevor Cup

Crowborough Bridge Club's premier annual teams of four competition.

Geordie died peacefully at Tunbridge Wells Hospital on Sunday 3rd November 2013, aged 85 years.

Donations, if wished, to Kings College Hospital Charity c/o Tester and Jones Funeral Services, London Road, Crowborough 01892 611811.

Geordie was always a jovial, sociable, optimistic person, particularly optimistic at the bridge table!!

Geordie was intending to return to the bridge club.

He will be sadly missed by the members who knew him.

CUP WINNERS YEAR 2011-2012

Congratulations to the members who were presented with trophies at our AGM on 18th June.  They were:

• Monday Master Points      -  Adele Holder                       
  
• Friday Master Points        -  Magnus Berger                              
• Thursday Master Points    -  Kathleen Pawson

• Sheila Ball Bowl               -   Nigel Osler
• Dixon Cup                        -   Sylvia Hall
• Greenhill Cup Ladies        -   Adele Holder and Sylvia Hall
• Greenhill Cup Men           -   Richard Bird & Chris Bailey
• Trevor Cup                       -   Magnus Berger, Barry Joyce
•                                               Richard Bird & Chris Bailey
• Read Cup                          -   Mervyn Fromm & Lesley Campbell
• Beal Cup                           -   Trevor Bird
• Ussher Cup                       -   Margaret Carruthers
• Most Improved Player      -   Oonagh Hughes             

On October the 20th 2012 we have a friendly match against Cross in Hand played at home     We shall look forward to regaining the plate this year.