Edgar Foster Cups - 21st September 2015

Staffs & Shrops won this six County team event with S&S pairs coming 2nd, 4th and 7th.  Sadly no Stafford pairs represented the County this year. Pairs to play for the County are selected from those that play in the Bearn event.  The Bearn event next takes place at Newcastle on 24th April 2015, direct entry no qualifying rounds.

Sim Pairs - 19th August

Wednesday afternoon players voted to play to the bitter end in the County Sim Pairs despite making it a late finish!  For the full results see the County Website. Six clubs took part in this event, 40 tables in all. The scorer must have burnt the midnight oil to have the results out by the following day as a fair bit of typing/checking involved!  Top Stafford pair, Paul & Linda (as it happens playing NS), were third overall - well done both of you.  The Stafford only results can be seen here but the overall results may show a different order, the quirks of sim pairs!

County AGM - Sunday 6th September

The County AGM took place at 2 p.m. on Sunday 6th September at Wolverhampton Bridge Club.  Stafford was poorly represented but the news is on the County Website, http://staffsandshrops.org.uk/, hopefully there will be a better SBC turn out next year!

No Fear Pairs - 9th July

Three SBC members took part in the No Fear Pairs event at Wolverhampton. 2013 Beginner pupil Sean Clarke and beginner teacher Ann Sleightholme won the No Fear Pairs competition at Wolverhampton, pictured here receiving the prize from County Chairman, Linda Lewis.  Sean is now a regular SBC Wednesday afternoon player.

Kidney Research Sim Pairs - 9th July

Anne Hidderley came top at the Stone heat of this event.  The full results for non-affiliated clubs can be seen on http://www.simpairs.com/default.asp?session=006736 where interestingly John & Cliff coming second at Stone are ranked higher than Anne and her partner.  Quirks of scoring for sim pairs!

A group of 28 (22 of whom were bridge players) enjoyed a bridge weekend just outside Gloucester.  The weather was kind so the day time was largely spent visiting the various local tourist attractions before sitting down to bridge in the evening.

After two very successful trips to Lytham St Annes a change of scene was suggested.  Anne Smith undertook the onerous task of finding a venue that satisfied the necessary criteria, much easier said than done, and came up with an old coaching Inn, part of which dated back to the 13th century, just outside Gloucester.  Sylvia organised the accommodation/booking.  David, having put in a great deal of preparation work, ran the very successful bridge sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.  

Where to go next year - any suggestions?! It is not easy to find somewhere that "ticks all the boxes" so going back to Quedgeley for a second year would save much research.  Have your say - talk to a committee member.

On May 21st 2015 The Little Thatch Inn was featured on the Channel 5 program "The Hotel Inspector".

Click the link for pictures at Quedgeley.

While England may not have done so well in Brazil on the football field they have done brilliantly at the bridge table in the European Championships.  Staffs & Shrops player, Paul Hackett, led the winning seniors team who won the gold medal in their event.  The ladies team won a silver medal and the open team, that included Andrew Robson and Paul's sons Justin and Jason, won a bronze medal.  Wow indeed.

Mixed Championship Pairs  - 11th June 2014.

The Mixed Championship Pairs, 8½ tables, took place at Wolverhampton on 11th June. Sadly only one SBC pair took part this year, last year 6 out of the 16 pairs were from Stafford.

No Fear Teams Event - Thursday June 12th 2014 (10:30 for 11 a.m.)

Following the success of the No Fear Pairs, played 20th February 2014 a similar event for teams of four took place at Wolverhampton on June 12th. A number of past and present Stafford players took part in this. Two 6 board matches were played before the excellent lunch and two further matches played after lunch. The winners were from Wolverhampton but Geoff Thomas & Stan Jarvis with Sally & Gerald Griffin were second and Rose & Ann, Audrey & Pauline were third. Such is the success of these events more are planned soon - watch this space!

Shropshire Congress - 26th (Swiss Pairs) & 27th (Swiss Teams) April 2014

The Congress was held at a new venue this year, The Park Inn in Telford.  The reports were good and the same venue is planned for next year's event. Our one representative at the Congress (can you spot the SBC member in the picture?) reports a MOST interesting squeeze against Martin Jones!!!

The County League and Staffs Cup

Geoff and Robin were pipped at the post by 1 VP in the 2013/14 County league and defeated in the final of the Staffs Cup by Paul Hackett's team.

Ladies' & Men's Championship Pairs  - 14th May 2014.

The Ladies' and Men's Championship Pairs took place at Wolverhampton on 14th May. Several Stafford players took part but none were on the podium this year!

Shrewsbury Open Swiss Pairs - Played 2nd March 2014

Stafford member, Cliff Tayer, and long time Stafford treasurer, John Hartley, were winners of this event this year.

Fixture List 2013/14

A list of up coming events of interest can be seen on the County site together with a Calendar of County fixtures. 

Dawes

Click for the results of the Dawes matches.

The students who took up bridge for the first time in October 2013 have reached the end of their 30 week course. The final class was on Monday 16th June and each beginner was paired up with one from the teaching team playing North/South with students from the other student groups sitting East/West. It was a fun social event and it is to be hoped that the new recruits will keep up their bridge at the club and elsewhere and then be back for more lessons in the Autumn.

David, pictured on the left above, has served as both captain and chairman over the the last 8 years. The Club has greatly benefited from his leadership and all his hard work while in post. David has seen the Club through the EBU Play 2 Play scheme, the transfer of the County to Wolverhampton, the introduction of Duplimate and the troublesome remote scorers. More importantly David has worked tirelessly to bring all the sessions together by introducing social events and weekends away, which has engendered an atmosphere of friendliness throughout the Club. This has translated into the increase of table numbers and new members joining the Club.

Congratulations Robin on winning the Andrew Robson Xmas Quiz.  The quiz was published in the December 2013 EBU magazine with results in the February 2014 edition on page 10.

Linda Curtis, the recently elected County Chairman, has been visiting the clubs around the County recently and visited Stafford on 15th January, coming to the normal afternoon session. Linda was promoting County events, particularly the coming No Fear event on 20th February and the County League.

County Headquarters

Since the inception of S&SCBA Stafford Bridge Club has also been the County HQ. After many months of deliberation the County Committee voted unanimously to move the headquarters away from Stafford to Wolverhampton Bridge Club from December 1st 2013.  Wolverhampton "downstairs" has recently been enlarged and now offers more space for events such as the Dawes matches.  Stafford Bridge Club wish all involved every success. Read about the early years.

Linda Curtis was elected Chairman of the Staffordshire & Shropshire Contract Bridge Association at the AGM on 1st September. Linda is presently the Wolverhampton Bridge Club Captain and was Chairman of Newcastle Bridge Club some years ago. Linda regularly represents the County at Dawes matches so is known to many within the County. Geoff Davies, Stafford Bridge Club member and the retiring County Chairman, welcomed Linda and wished her well in her new role. 

Andrew Robson - Thursday 21st November

Andrew Robson, renowned teacher, Times and Sunday Times bridge columnist, held a sell out Bridge Masterclass on Thursday 21st November at Stone. 

Participants were treated to several topics during the afternoon and evening sessions, Four Key Rules, Bidding Big Hands, Jacoby 2NT, Tricky Leads, Elimination and Throw-in.  Despite the large number of tables, 40 at each session, Andrew managed to keep an eye on everyone from his high vantage point and was on hand to give guidance wherever needed.  

Congratulations to Geoff and Robin on two recent successes, both times while playing at Newport Bridge Club.  They came second overall in the EBU Autumn Sim Pairs on Tuesday 10th September.  1000 pairs from 62 clubs took part in this event.  Shortly before this Geoff and Robin had won the County Sim Pairs.  38½ tables competed in this event at clubs spread over the County on 20th August.   A further creditable performance was achieved in the Midland Teams Challenge Bowl where their team, including John Day and Geoff Feltbower, came fourth.

The dinner and 2012/13 prize giving were held at our new venue Walton Village Hall (ST17 0LD).  A record number of members attended.  Photographs were taken by the club photographer and can be seen by clicking the photos link on the left and taking the drop down link to the dinner.

The weekend 5th – 8th April Glendower Hotel Lytham St Anne’s was a great success.

• Friday evening 5 1/2 tables: 1st Janet & David; 2nd Beryl & Michael; 3rd Sandra & Ernie
• Saturday morning 2 tables team#1 Pat John Leila & Olive; team#2 Bryan Janet Eileen & Maureen
• Saturday evening 5 tables: 1st Leila & Olive; 2nd Sandra & Ernie; 3rd Beryl & Michael
• Sunday morning: 3 table multiple teams
• 1st session; 1st Bryan, Anthea, Sylvia & John; 2nd Pat, John, Maureen & Eileen; 3rd Leila, Olive, Beryl & Diane
• 2nd session; 1st Pat, John, Maureen & Eileen; 2nd Bryan, Anthea, Sylvia & John; 3rd Leila, Olive, Beryl & Diane
• Sunday evening: 5 tables multiple teams: 1st Anne, Linda Janet, Mike & David; 2nd Leila, Olive, Beryl & Diane; 3rd Sandra, Ernie, Bryan & Michael

Click the link for more photos.

The County AGM took place at SBC on 2nd September. Judy Mitchell is shown here accepting the prestigious Dimmie Fleming award at the meeting from the Chairman, Geoff Davies, on behalf of the EBU.
The present committee agreed to remain in office. Afterwards bridge was played for the Phoenix Trophy and yet again Geoff Davies was on winning form, this time partnered by Paul Cutler.

Shropshire Congress
The Congress is taking place at The Grays Hotel, Telford on 20th and 21st April 2013. Countact Judy Mitchell if you would like to enter.

Do you take The Times?  A member draws our attention to the letters pages of 14th and 15th May 2012 and the meaning of the abbreviation LOL as used by David Cameron.  The letter writers were also a bridge players where LOL has another meaning, see "The Brass Cup" report towards the end of a 82-83 County Bulletin!

The County is looking for someone willing to represent the County on the newly-formed Regional Club Committee.  This not a very arduous task, the committee meets only twice a year.  If you can help contact Geoff Davies.

Click for the results of the Dawes matches.

Many congratulations to Geoff Davies and Robin Adey who were in the winning team of the Midland Teams Challenge Bowl on July 7th. Sorry no pictures.  Three of the other team representing Staffs and Shrops in the event were playing against us in the recent match against Stone

The Summer County Simultaneous Pairs Competition (with a prize) took place on Thursday 23rd August. Stafford was included along with Newcastle, Wolverhampton and Tettenhall, 54 pairs in all.  Congratulations again to Geoff and Robin, yet another victory!! Mike and Ivor were not far behind in fourth place

The Mixed/Flitch pairs took place on June 15th.  The Flitch pairs were won by David and Janet with best non-masters Michael Metcalf and Ann Stevenson.

The Ladies' Pairs and Men's pairs events took place on Wednesday May 9th. Congratulations to Geoff and Robin for winning the men's pairs.  Best Stafford result in the Ladies pairs were Shirley and Deirdre who came third.

If you are interested in joining the training sessions for either club TD or to assist with scoring then please enter your name on the lists on the club's notice board. One scoring session has been held but any others who who like scoring training please contact Ann to fix a date for the next session, preferably at 6 p.m. on a Friday.  (Archived 23rd September 2012)

10 pairs represented S.B.C. against a similar number from Stone on Friday 22nd June. It was a most enjoyable evening with Stone coming out the winners by a small margin. The ladies, led by Sylvia, Janet, Pam and Pat laid on a wonderful spread that was much appreciated by all.

Stone Friendly Match

These are the 10 pairs who will represent S.B.C. against Stone on Friday 22nd. June

1. Janet & David Drinkwater
2. Pam Ewan & Mike Sherriff
3. Sylvia Ullmer & Ann Stevenson
4. Ivor & Liz Clarke
5. Rachael & Alan Ashmore
6. Beryl & Michael Metcalf
7. Sam Holden & Sylvia Hilton
8. Pat & Norman Martin
9. John & Joyce Taylor
10. Barrie Woodward & Philip Pym

There are 2 reserve pairs Pauline Goggin & Ghayur Zaidi and Mike Wood & Bill Inns

Since Friday night players have opted to join in the event rather than play independently the normal Friday night bridge session will not be running.

Click for the 2011/12 final league match results Division 1 and Division 2.   Congratulations to Geoff Davies and his team for coming top of Division 1.

The Ladies' Pairs and Men's pairs events took place on Wednesday May 9th. Congratulations to Geoff and Robin for winning the men's pairs.  Best Stafford result in the Ladies pairs were Shirley and Deirdre who came third.

The County winners of The Garden Cities Trophy qualifying event were Shrewsbury. Our team was D & J Drinkwater, Beryl & Michael, Paul & Linda, David A & Margaret.

Some of our members competed in the Shropshire Congress at Shrewsbury, 21st, 22nd April. Best result from Club members was in the Swiss Teams event with David D, Janet, Mike & David A.

The Bearn Final, a green pointed event, was played at Stafford on Sunday April 1st event run in two sections, a Howell movement followed by a Mitchell movement.  Best placed Stafford players were Dave Rowley & Peter Collier were top of the Mitchell section and 7th overall.

The County is looking for someone willing to represent the County on the newly-formed Regional Club Committee.  This not a very arduous task, the committee meets only twice a year.  If you can help contact Geoff Davies.

Click for the results of the Dawes matches.  In the November match vs Leics our club captain was part of the winning Markham team.

Monthly inter-club sims December 2011 results.
Monthly inter-club sims January 2012 results.  Winners, Mike Sherriff & David Alderson.
Monthly inter-club sims February 2012 results.
Monthly inter-club sims March 2012 results. Second Shirley & Joan, third Geoff & Robin
Monthly inter-club sims April 2012 results. Second Pam Allen and Rachael

An EGM was held prior to the President's Cup on Sunday March 4th at 2:00 p.m.  The motion that "The management of the Club shall be entrusted to the President, Chairman, Club Captain, Secretary, Treasurer, House Manager and Social Events Organiser" was carried unanimously.

2011/12 EBU Master Point Promotions (Magazines and websites)

4 Star Master (25,000 MPs)

• R Ashmore (website)

Master (5,000 MPs)

• S Elphick (website)

County Master (2,500 MPs)

• J Woodward (website)

District Master (1000 MPs)

• P Allen (website)
• A Ashmore (website)
• A Clarke (website)
• P Green (website)
• G Zaidi (website)

Area Master (500 MPs)

• J Brew (website)
• T Brew (website)
• J McCann (website)
• P Martin (website)
• O Morgan (website)
• S Palmer (website)
• J Round (website)
• A Sleightholme (website)
• B Webb (website)

Club Master (200 MPs)

A Dean (website)
R Farmer
• G Gould (website)
• F Greaves (website)
• R Jennings
• P Pymm (website)
• C Raven (website)
• L Richards (website)
• C Rowley (website)
• D Rowley
• A Smith (website)
• A Whiteman (website)
• J Whiteman (website)
• B Woodward (website)

Local Master (100 MPs)

• M Aherne (website)
• T Aherne (website)
• V Chapman
• B Cooke
• A Devoy
• S Hilton (website)
• G Hodgkinson
• H Jones (website)
• M Lock (website)
• J Palmer (website)

For 2010 and earlier entries see website, we have recently promoted 9 star premier, 6 star premier and 4 star premier masters on the committee!

Hopefully most members were able to make it to one or more of the most enjoyable club Christmas events.  The picture above was taken at the Tuesday Evening party by the club photographer, alias Captain David.

Over the period up to January 2nd bridge sessions at the club are:

Normal bridge: on  20th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th December and January 3rd onwards. 

No bridge: 19th, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 30th December and January 2nd.

Weather forecast for January better than last year?!

David wishes you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Doug's lessons restarted on October 4th and it is not too late to join.  Classes are at 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons. Many of last year's pupils are now playing regularly with the club and going from strength to strength.

If you, or anyone you know, are interested please contact Doug, on 01785 824225, who will be happy to give you further information regarding the course.

Full members should be receiving their magazine every two months and have received their membership cards (with the June 2010 Magazine) and diary (with the August 2010 magazine).

Your EBU membership number and password for logging on to the EBU website are shown in the letter attached to your June 2010 magazine.  It is advisable to change your password promptly to one that you find memorable!  Log on to https://www.ebu.co.uk/members/ type your EBU number (without the leading zeros) and password in the appropriate boxes.  The "change password" button is at the bottom of the "my details" page, the page shown when you have logged in.

By default, if you are a new EBU member, the club will be able to read and change your details.  Should you wish to change either of these default settings then click the "my club membership" tab where there are two buttons to set the "read" and "change" options.  You may also change the amount of detail shown, eg email and phone number, on the "my details" tab. To view your Master Points click the "Master Points" tab.  Master points are updated monthly under P2P.

Finally logout when you have finished, button at the bottom of "my details" section.

On Tuesday 15th November the club took part in the ECATs Children in Need sim pairs. How pleasing to see so many players representing all the club sessions together with visitors from Chasetown .  The club raised the fantastic sum of £196 for Children in Need collected from table money and donations, 50% more than last year.  Click for the National Results, our local winners were Geoff and Robin with 2nd Rachael and Pam closely followed by Olive and Malcolm in 3rd place. 

Thank you for your support.

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Staffordshire & Shropshire Contract Bridge Association will be held at Stafford Bridge Club, at approximately 7.15pm on Sunday, 9^th October 2011 following the Dawes Matches vs Worcestershire, to which you are invited.

The purpose of the Meeting is to ratify the proceedings of the A.G.M. held on 4^th September 2011 as there was not a quorum (less than 15 members present).

Matters which have to be voted on are the County Subscriptions for 2011/12 and the re election of County Officers . The chairman is particularly keen to attract new members to the Committee, either as Club representatives or Committee members. If you know of anyone who might be interested in serving on the County Committee, please let John Withers know who will forward their details on to the Chairman

Stone use Bridgemates for scoring. Some of our members have requested that we consider purchasing these.  It has been decided that, for the time being, not to purchase these devices for our club as the cost involved  is too great with respect to the use they would get.  There is an alternative device, a Bridgepad.

Andrew Robson is holding a masterclass on Friday 30th September at Holmcroft Youth and Community Centre.  This event is being organised by the County 

• 2 - 5 p.m. Signaling in Defence,  cost £10 (Sold Out)
• 7 - 10 p.m. Competitive Bidding Tactics, cost £10 (A very few tickets still available, contact Kath Adams 01785 748941)

A fish and chip supper is also available between the two sessions at a cost of £6

Now that we have reached the "silly season" Rod asks "How would you bid this hand?"  Please email your suggestions to Rod at rodewan1@ntlworld.com.  West has passed and you and your partner are North/South.

Rod reports he has had some responses to this question but he is not awarding a prize just yet,  he asks for you to keep on trying!

A more complete report to follow.  For the moment - a new club secretary, Anne Smith and a new Treasurer, Michael Seavers, have been elected.  Many thanks were extended to Pauline Goggin and Paul Laughlin who have stepped down after giving sterling service to the club.

Unfortunately, due to lack of support, the Bryan Baker Trophy event has been cancelled for this Sunday and a new date to be advised later.

Subscriptions were due during April.  After many years since the last increase the charge went up to £12.50 on April 1st for 2011/12.  

Shirley collected subscriptions during April.  If you have not already paid and you wish to do so please give your subscription to Shirley, Paul or David as soon as possible, late payment usually incurs a penalty fee! If you pay by cheque please make it out to "Stafford Bridge Club". 

Pauline and the regular Stafford Friday night bridge players welcomed Doug's pupils together with Geoff's pupils and other friends on April 15th.  It was an enjoyable evening, several of the regular lady players provided refreshments which were appreciated.  Geoff was able to be there for part of the evening to give encouragement to his charges but sadly Doug was not well enough to attend.  We wish Doug a speady recovery. 

 Hopefully the new players enjoyed the relaxed atomosphere of Friday evenings and will be back soon.

Charity bridge drive at Ingestre on March 7th, therefore no bridge at the showground that day.

The club raised an excellent total of £124.50 for the Children in Need appeal at the Simultaneous pairs held on Tuesday 15th November. My thanks to all who supported this event

David

There will be no bridge at the club on the following Mondays:

18th October,   25th October,   1st November and   15th November.

 as a number of the regular players will be attending charity games at local golf clubs.

The event was very well attended and a most enjoyable evening won by Rachael and Alan with Beryl and Michael coming second.  A number of players that we do not see so often came along and hopefully we shall see more of them in the future. Your ed (E) was particularly pleased to make 1 spade with 16 points, A 10 x x in spades, partner 3 pts and  x x spades when N held Q J x x x x spades!

Unfortunately our American Supper scheduled for 28th August has to be cancelled since Scope horse festival have banned vehicular access from Friday 27th. Apologies

30/7/2010 Results for this session now scored, apologies for the delay.  Please note that only 28 boards are printed from the Duplimate, due to the original making of the boards

Please note

30th July - 4th August: Passes to be issued to all members before hand wherever possible othewise collect at security gate

Ivor was duly elected as President of the club at the AGM on May 16th.  He is seen here collecting the individual trophy from Leila at the annual dinner.  Pam has stepped into Ivor's vice captain's shoes and three new members were welcomed on to the committee, Paul Laughlin (treasurer), Shirley Elphick and John Whiteman.

No winners, John, Paul, Jeannie and Audrey (not George and Ringo) fooled you all!   

Have you any better ideas for this spot? 

Meanwhile a little puzzle, ABC is an equilateral triangle containing a point P within it. PA measures 5cm, PB measures 12 cm and PC measures 13 cm.  What is the length of a side of the triangle?  First correct answer gets a mention here.

The County Show takes place during the first week in June and the club is inaccessible from May 31st until (and including) June 3rd.  Alternative arrangements have been made for bridge on the 2nd and 3rd.

Monday May 31st         No Bridge

Tuesday June 1st          No Bridge

Wednesday June 2nd     Bridge at Hopton Village Hall, 1:15 pm for 1:30 pm

Thursday June 3rd        Bridge at Hopton Village Hall, 7:00 pm for 7:15 pm

Friday June 4th            Normal Bridge Session at the Showground

NOTE: Match vs Stone Postponed until later in year

Hopton Village Hall is very close to the showground, OS grid reference SJ 9484 2611, post code for your Sat Nav ST18 0AW

1. Which member when choosing a new car has to first check that her Maypole will fit inside the car?

2. Which member recently accompanied a competitor who came 4th in their class at an international event?

3. Because of Eyjafjallajökul which member swapped his usual small white ball for a larger red one and pulled a hamstring as a result?  Should have gone to the American supper instead!

4. Also as a result of Eyjafjallajökul which member moved mountains to get back from the Middle East in time for the £10 subs deadline?

5. What is your EBU membership number?

Email your answers to webmaster@staffordbridgeclub.co.uk First 5 out of 5 correct answers will be mentioned in despatches, well on the website anyway!  (Best so far is 4 out of 5)! 

The meeting will commence at 2:00 pm in the clubroom on

 Sunday 16^th May 2010

Prior to the start of proceedings for the AGM it will be necessary to elect a new President.

-

The AGM will be followed by light refreshments.

Do you want a hung parliament?  Ensure your views are heard and registered (nuclear reactor, bike shed, tea trolley of Parkinson cf SBC P2P, chairs, biscuits), see that your session (constituency)  is represented on the committee.

If you have paid your 2010 subs and not yet received your AGM agenda please ask for the agenda when you are next at the club.

Would you like the results of the games you just played emailed to you as we update the website with the results?  Just send us your email address and we will update the records so that this happens automatically.

We are soon going to be able to send your master points direct to the EBU as well and so will require your EBU number in order to do this for you.

The latter will help us all to be GREENER

and save our planet's resources!  No wasted printing of slips (some of which are not even wanted) and a lot of 'personal' time saved for the committee member who has to do this tedius job!

So please help us, help you and our planet! by sending in your email and EBU number and if you are happy, your telephone number so that we can update all our player database records.

Many thanks.

Website Address

If you experience any problems with the URL, www.staffordbridgeclub.co.uk, over the next few days please report them to Ann.  In case of difficulty you can reach the bridgewebs site directly:

 www.bridgewebs.com/stafford/home.html

Your Committee 2009/2020 (Click on menu for more details)
President        Arthur Bloxham
Captain           David Drinkwater
Vice-Captain  Ivor Clarke
Secretary        Pauline Goggin
Treasurer        Ann Sleightholme

Committee Members
Pat Andrews 01785 663933
Mike Sherriff  01889 882296
Pam Ewan    01785 661507
Rose Jessop 01785 859071

I was interviewing a new Cleaning come Friday lady and I asked why she had left her last employment.  She replied "Well Sir, the wages were good but it was the most ridiculous place I ever worked, I really wasn’t sure what type of people I was working amongst.

They played a game called Bridge, and the last night I was there, a lot of them were there.  As I was about to take the Refreshments in, I heard a man say "Lay down and let’s see what you’ve got.

Another Man said `I’ve got strength but not much length`, then another Man said to a lady `Take your hand off my trick`. I pretty near dropped dead as a Lady answered `You forced me, you jumped me twice, and then you didn’t have the strength for one good raise!’.

Another lady was talking about protecting her Honour, and another two Ladies were saying`Now it’s my turn to play with your Husband, while you play with mine’.

Well, enough was enough, so I got my Hat and Coat, and just as I was leaving, I hope to die if I didn’t hear another man say.....

‘Well I guess we can go Home now, that was our last Rubber’.

(Apologies to all who have heard it many……….many times before)

Unknown source.

 at Brocton Village Hall

On

Saturday 15th May 2010

at 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm

• Parking limited, please share cars if possible
• Remember no bar so please bring your own drinks
• Shelley Results will be announced

Doug's lessons continue on Tuesdays as normal but Friday lessons are stopping during the summer.  Any pupils who wish to join the normal Friday 7:15pm session are very welcome, to participate fully, to watch or to have their own separate table.

It was agreed at the committee meeting on the 12th September 2009 that the club would not be buying new chairs at present. The comments made by all the club members were taken into account when they had tried out the various ones offered.

The committee will debate the matter again after the present chairs have been  re-examined and any requiring repair are assessed for the viability of doing so and in deed, if they are repairable.

To those bridge boffs(!) - I have only received one answer so far!  I don't know if it correct?  Let me have your answers please........then I will know what it is!
 
The four bridge players sitting round the table each had an ACE of a different suit in their hand on the deal in question! From the clues given below, can you fully identify the player in each of the four seats, and work out which ACE each holds?!! NB. North and South play as partners against East and West!!
 
CLUES
 
1 Richard's Ace was the same colour as the one held by Ruff, who was in the North seat.
 
2 Martina's partner was holding the Ace of Hearts.
 
3 The woman sitting West, whose surname is not Tenace, had the Ace of Spades.
 
4 Paul Hand was partnering Esther
 
5 The Ace of Clubs was not held by the player sitting South
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST NAMES: ESTHER; MARTINA; PAUL; RICHARD.
SURNAMES:  HAND; RUFF; TENACE; TRICK.
 
ACES:--  CLUBS. DIAMONDS. HEARTS. SPADES
  
NORTH---first name-----------------------------
WEST-- first name------------                                                                  EAST-- first name--------------------
SOUTH--first name--------------------

PLEASE LET ME HAVE THE ANSWER! 
I HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO DO IT!

Tuesday 17^th March – Computer problems

They do listen !

Table  Money : Effective 1^stJune table money to be £2.50 members and £3.50 for non-members, which now includes free tea, coffee and squash. Also a discount scheme for members playing four or five times in any one week. If a member plays four times in a week total payment will be £9.00 and for five times total paid will be £10.00 (ie the  4^thsession will be only £1.50 and the 5^thsession would be free).

The 'Shelley' - the handicap Teams of Four competition is under consideration and it is hoped that it can be re-scheduled. This is an enjoyable competition for teams, from our Club and others within the County League. The more teams we have the better it is.  Each team has a handicap which always makes the final result very close and it's not always the "Big Boys (or Gals!)" who win.

Anyone who would like to become a team member, or who is already in a formed team,
 PLEASE forward your details.
If you have any suggestions for the days suitable for the competition to take place, perhaps on a Sunday? let us know. 
The committee is here for the benefit of the members and we would like your suggestions for this or any other competition and even on whether you would like another playing day, evening or afternoon? for Chicago or Rubber bridge perhaps.