President’s Message, May 29, 2023

The Club held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 24, 2023. In attendance were the 2 incoming directors and 7 other members. A summary of the reports by Committee Members is as follows

Financial

Marvyn reported that the past year (fiscal year end is March) has seen a slow steady return to pre pandemic attendance levels. The Club had monthly operating losses from April to October and operating surpluses from November to March. He is optimistic that the Club is headed in the right direction and credited the recent surpluses to increased table fees, Maureen’s commitment to attract new members, Dwight’s willingness to share his bridge expertise with more seasoned players, Birte’s relentless pursuit to collect membership fees, the rent reduction, and the generous donations from members. The Club is in a strong financial position, and he is optimistic about the future.

Bridge Development

Maureen reported that since 2017 she has taught 266 students and that 60 of these students are presently members of the Club. Her Adopt A Student program on Tuesdays has been successful, averaging between 10 to 15 tables.

Member at Large

Sandy reported on the Club’s efforts to ensure the safety of its members during a time when Covid numbers varied greatly week to week. In March 2023, the Covid risk declined, and mask and vaccine mandates were removed.

Website Coordinator

Anne Heffernan, the web site administrator, reported that she has been maintaining and updating the PBC Club’s website since 2014. In 2018, the Club began using Bridge Webs, a program, developed specifically for bridge clubs. Anne Martens is the back up administrator at the present time. However, our web site administrators are happy to spend time with anyone who is interested in learning how to use the bridgewebs program to update the PBC web site.

New Directors

Jocelyne Roy and Darrell Rowe were installed as new directors replacing Inge Buchardt (social coordinator) and Dan Selby (house coordinator). The Board would like to thank both Inge and Dan for their commitment and dedication to our Club. Welcome Jocelyne and Darrell.

Members

It was encouraging to see attending members engage in a worthwhile discussion that included ideas for increasing our finances and for attracting new students and players to the Club.

Bill Fox, President of the PBC Club

I am happy to report that the Club is operating efficiently.

Financial

Profit for the first 6 months of the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2023, was $4,874 as compared to a loss of $11,208 as of September 30, 2022. There has been a significant improvement in table fees, $35,559 as of September 30, 2023, as compared to $18,718 as of September 30, 2022. Another reason for the improvement was a 1-year reduction in monthly rent payments which ended on October 31, 2023.

Game Directors

Dwight, Jo-Ann, Debby, Andrew, and Lyn have been doing a great job. Welcome back to Anne Martens who will be directing most Fridays.

Dwight’s Thursday Evening Lessons

Students have responded to Dwight’s well-prepared lessons with real enthusiasm and the support from members has been wonderful. Events like this are so important to the well-being of the Club.

Game Attendance

As previously mentioned, game attendances are up. The Monday game averages 7 tables in the Open section and 4 tables in the Under 50 pairs. The Tuesday games have been a great success, averaging 13 tables, thanks to the hard work of Maureen. Wednesday and Friday games have been steady, averaging 8 tables. The Thursday game has not yet rebounded to its pre covid numbers. You are reminded that on Thursday only 1 of the players must have less than 750 points. Consider a Thursday game with a mentor.

Covid

The Covid Risk Index is published each Wednesday on the Peterborough Health Unit website. A chart showing the most recent level is posted on the front door of the Club along with guidance for masking. Masks at the Club remain optional. However the Peterborough Health Unit strongly recommends wearing a mask in social gatherings.

Christmas Party

Tickets to our Christmas Party, which will be held at the Club on December 9, have been selling very quickly. The room at the Club will only allow for 17 tables so numbers are limited. Thank you to Jocelyne and her committee for organizing this popular event.

Sectional Tournament

After more than 5 years our Club plans to host a Sectional Tournament on September 21-22, 2024, at the lawn bowling club on McDonnel Street. Phil and Lyn have worked hard to arrange the date and location. Phil will oversee running the tournament.                           

Bill Fox, President of the PBC

Hello Members 

Since my last President’s Message on November 5,2023, I am happy to report much positive news. We have a hard-working executive, and it has strived to operate the Club in a sound fiscal manner, to increase membership, and to promote a feeling that the Club is a place where its members can look forward to a friendly, competitive bridge game. Day-to-day operations have been running smoothly thanks to the excellent work of our Club Manager,  Anne Martens. 

Attendance 

Attendance in the winter months has been steady and should improve when the snowbirds return. There are many new members, most of whom play on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Most new members are graduates of Maureen Nichol’s Beginner Bridge lessons and her Play and Learn sessions. 

Financial 

During the first 10 months of the current year (as of January 31, 2024) the Club had an operating surplus of $9,681.00. This compares with an operating deficit of $9,430.00 as of January 31, 2023.The Club has a healthy cash reserve, most of which is invested in GIC’s. 

The Board does not expect to, nor does it want to continue to generate operating surpluses. This is unlikely because rent payments are now higher and recently the Board increased the fee paid to game directors and salaries to employees. This was long overdue. 

Our Treasurer, Marvyn Hall, recently prepared a Break-Even Analysis report and determined that going forward an average of 9 tables at each game is required for the Club to generate enough yearly income to pay its yearly expenses. We don’t presently average 9 tables per game but in time I expect we will. 

Night Games 

Historically the Club held popular night games, mainly to accommodate working members and members who preferred to play in the evening. Post covid, the night game continued but eventually was put on hold because of low attendance. Recently some members have inquired about reinstating the night game and The Board is open to giving it a try. A sign-up sheet will be put on the bulletin board. Those members wishing to play in a night game are asked to sign up and indicate their preferred night and preferred starting time. Working members and non-regular playing members can contact Donna Wales at 705-927-4031 or email at Cameron.Wales@sympatico.ca. The next Board meeting is on March 27, 2024, at which time the Board will decide on the fate of the night game. 

Evening Play and Learn 

Last fall Dwight Goden conducted a series of lessons for beginners, in the hope that the Club could attract younger working members and revive the night game. The Board is also considering hosting an evening Play and Learn session for those students who may not be able to attend the current daytime classes. An email will be sent to Maureen and Dwight’s students letting them know of these plans. 

Swiss Team Game 

This is another Club game that was historically popular. Our Club is hosting a Sectional Tournament on September 22 to 24 and a Stratified Swiss Team game will be played on the last day. It is important that we have a good turnout for this game. Many of our new members have never played in a Swiss Team game and don’t know how it works. 

The Board has decided to reinstate the Swiss Team game and plans are underway to hold a game in May, likely on a Saturday afternoon, and monthly thereafter. There will be a 30 minute lesson on Swiss Team strategy prior to the start of the May game. Swiss Team games are fun, and I hope our members support them. 

Annual General Meeting (AGM) New Directors 

I want to remind members that our AGM will be held in May. This gives members an opportunity to express their views and ask questions. 

New directors are elected at the AGM. This year there are 5 director positions open. Some present directors may run for re-election but presently there are 2 directors not running for re-election. A nominating committee consisting of Sandy Campbell, Lyn Stevens, and Darrell Rowe is looking for members wishing to serve on the Board. If interested, please speak to one of the committee members.  

Bill Fox, President of the PBC.