This Award, in memory of Tony Priday, was instituted in 2015 and is usually given to individuals for an outstanding contribution to bridge and enhancing the game in all its aspects. For 2022 however, it was decided to give it to the EBU membership “for supporting the game, the EBU and each other during the COVID pandemic.

A full list of award winners can be seen by clicking here.

A wonderful turn out of 8½ tables for the return of the SSCBA sim pairs following the long break in the competition over lock down.  A total of 19½ tables took part, overall winners were Paul Barnet & Ruth Timmis playing at Eccleshall (from the leading Shelley team 2019/20 - lock down curtailed the competition),  winners at Stafford were SSCBA captain, Paul Cutler and his partner Martin Aherne from Newcastle  - 2nd overall, not far behind Geoff and Anne in second place at Stafford - 3rd overall with Ivor and Pat third at Stafford - 7th overall. See SSCBA full results for the overall results.  Many thanks to David for directing (he was kept very busy!) and Terry for entering the club into the event and then getting the hands dealt meaning that he himself was unable to take part.

Some sixty of Janet Woodward’s family, friends and bridge players attended the celebration of her life that her son Mark had arranged with Beryl, wife of SBC chairman Michael, on Saturday 13th August. A prayer of commendation was made by Michael. A bridge club member and her husband kindly hosted Mark, his wife and family, at their house, as they were visiting from New Zealand. Janet moved to Ascot Road, Stafford in the 1960s with her three children and her mother, starting teaching at various primary schools in Stafford. Transforming the garden and winning local and regional awards for her allotment, became a key interest in Janet’s busy life. Such was Janet’s interest in plants, that, with her gardening friend Sally, she became involved in the recording of plant life in Staffordshire. The results of the survey were published in “The Flora of Staffordshire 2011”,where Janet was a named contributor. At some point Janet took up bridge, never one to do anything half-heartedly she rose to the top and her name appeared on the club trophy board. Many happy memories of Janet's wonderful sense of humour and love of ice cream were recalled.

GOOD NEWS!! The ventilation system in the club room is now fully installed and operational. Fresher air is already being enjoyed and felt. We no longer need to keep windows open during face-to-face sessions in the evening, and we can face the coming winter months without fear of draughts or hypothermia! It would be good if this latest improvement encouraged a few more to return to playing at the club again.

In his Chair's Report, Michael Metcalf commented on the ways in which the covid pandemic had affected the Club. It was not the same Club as it had been before lockdown. Membership had fallen from above 130 to around 90. Since the return to face-to-face bridge, some sessions were struggling to sustain adequate numbers. Currently, the Friday evenings and the Thursday morning teaching sessions were the most buoyant. He thanked the outgoing Committee for their support and hard work in what had been a very challenging time for everyone. Terry Maltby, Club Captain, and Carol Kane, Secretary were thanked for keeping the Club very much alive as an active bridge-playing organisation during lockdown. Steve Lister, Treasurer, was thanked both for his stewardship of our finances, including successful applications for covid-related grants, and also (with Carol) for enabling members to be invoiced by email retrospectively each month and to pay online. Special thanks were conveyed to John Whiteman, House Manager for all the work he had put in during lockdown to oversee the refurbishing of the kitchen, the installing of a ventilation system, and the replacement of overhead lighting, chairs and table covers. Several other members were thanked individually too.

Accounts for the year were presented and accepted; notwithstanding the expenditure on refurbishing, the Club still had ample reserves.

The following persons were elected unopposed for 2022-23: Chair: Michael Metcalf Club Captain and Vice-Chair: Terry Maltby Secretary: Carol Kane Treasurer: Steve Lister Committee Members: Sean Clarke, Janet Drinkwater, John Whiteman.  David Drinkwater would be happy to serve as senior tournament director.

Under any other business, much discussion took place about how to manage small numbers at a session. Some members argued strongly that a three-table session should be run as a teams-of-four event, but others did not wish to see this become a rigid rule. There was much enthusiasm for ensuring that the Shelley competition was re-instated in the Autumn.

After the AGM, some welcome refreshments were provided by David and Janet. This was followed by the regular Tuesday duplicate session, with four tables in play.

EBU Autumn Sim Pairs played on Wednesday 13th October 2021

Four pairs from Stafford took part in the SSCBA club event, one of 12 clubs that entered the EBU Autumn sim pairs 2021 Wednesday session.  Elaine and Pam achieved the best result of the Stafford players.

SSCBA League 2021/22

9 Teams of Four (two teams entirely made up of Stafford players and 3 others include one or more Stafford players) in just one division with 8 matches to be played between now and mid May.  Click here for the fixture list.

SSCBA Championship Pairs, Played Sunday 8th May on RealBridge

Prizes are entry to the Corwen: 1st free entry; 2nd half entry fee; 3rd third entry fee.  No Stafford pairs in the top three.

The Stafford Bridge Club   AGM will be held on Tuesday 10th May starting at 6.00pm.  There will be light refreshments, followed by a bridge session.

Nominations / seconding  for the following Committee posts are invited;

• Club Chairman
• Club Captain
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Membership Secretary
• House Manager
• Social Co-ordinatior

In addition the committee is seeking nominations/seconding for general committee members who do not need to undertake specific roles.There will be a form on the notice board in the clubhouse to register the nominations or you can send your nominations to myself & they will be entered on the form in the clubhouse.

A full agenda & list of nominees to date will be sent out a few days before the AGM.

Treasurer, Steve, announces that he has sent donations to ECATs of £778.20 from Stafford members.  A truely amazing amount, so very generous of  club members, thank you all.  Anna, at ECATs, sent this to our treasurer Steve:

Oh my goodness Steve – that is indeed rising to the challenge with such generosity! You will find a way to thank everyone concerned won’t you? That’s such a lot of money and it is so much appreciated. Thank you very much indeed!  X Xxx Xxx

* As at 9 a.m. 18/4/2022

ECATs offers many options for viewing the results, try the links across the top of thier pages as well those on the right hand side.  Note well, one player's name keeps appearing in the SBC best placed column in the table above!!!

Stafford member Richard Woodward came top with his partner Terry Alexander in the 9 high Midland Counties Swiss Pairs event played on 26th March 2022.  Richard and Terry were in the leading Shelley 2019/20 team when Covid struck and the competition was unable to be completed.  Two other Stafford pairs took part, see if you can spot them in the results (as at noon 27/9/22 the results still not posted but hopefully the link will work when they are uploaded if not try https://play.realbridge.online/dh.html?p=220326124152&q=Play9High#0, your EBU number may let you in).

We have taken the necessary actions to enable Club sessions to be carried out with a high level of anti-covid protective measures. These include plastic screens and table covers for all tables, a heavy-duty hand sanitiser, and an inflow and outflow air quality installation.

GOOD NEWS!! The ventilation system in the club room is now fully installed and operational (Oct 2021). Fresher air is already being enjoyed and felt. We no longer need to keep windows open during face-to-face sessions in the evening, and we can face the coming winter months without fear of draughts or hypothermia! It would be good if this latest improvement encouraged a few more to return to playing at the club again.

The  onLine Stafford groups took part in the ECATs Children in Need sim pairs, that is the Friday November 5^th and Monday November 8^th BCL sessions.  Click the links for the results and commentaries etc.

As at 2:30 p.m. 15/11/21, there may be other clubs yet to send results which could change everything.

Sessions at the club itself on Tuesday 9^th Nov, Wed 10^th Nov & lessons on Thursday 11^th November did not take part in the Sim Pairs due to fluctuating numbers. Table money was not charged for these sessions but all members were invited to make a donation to CIN (still not too late to send directly to ECATs). To date, 24/11/21, Stafford members have generously contributed £602 which way exceeds last year's brilliant total of £445, Anna at ECATs is very grateful for all the donations and wishes her thanks to be passed on to members for being so  generous. Wow wow wow Thank you so much Steve xxx were her words after she received the club members donations from Steve. Since the ECATs event started back in 2002 bridge players have contributed over £1m to the Children in Need cause.

Any P2P fee to the EBU for regular club sessions were covered by the club.

Five tables eventually took part with Jane and Richard coming out top at Stafford.  When the results combined on https://www.simpairs.com/default.asp?session=007568 Helena and Ann who were joint second at Stafford with Peter and Sean came higher up the overall rankings, even made the ECATs leader board on Saturday morning such are the quirks of sim pair scoring.  Sadly standby pair did not get a game.  If you took part the commentary on the hands can be read if you click here.

As with the Children in Need event last Autumn on BCL members have to make a positive effort to donate to the charity, in the real world there would be a collection on the night at the club that the treasurer would forward on to ECATs.  You can see how to pay directly here (be sure to fill in the club name box on the form with Stafford Bridge Club) or you can make your donation to SBC and Steve, the club treasurer, will combine the donations and send the total on to ECATs.  The suggested donation is £3 per player but ECATs would welcome more especially as charities are having such a hard time at the moment.  Donations also welcome from members who did not actually play on the night.

19th June - 6 high No Fears Swiss Teams.

6 high regional Swiss teams on RealBridge was played on 19th June with one team from SBC taking part.  These events are proving popular so watch this space for news of the next one.

Shropshire Congress Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2021 on BBO

56 tables took part in the green pointed Swiss pairs on 24th April including two pairs from Stafford, three of the players regular Friday night players both real world and onlne. Onlne bridge has increased the number of participants considerably from the 22 tables back in 2019 the last time the Congress was held. 34 teams took part in the Swiss Teams on Sunday 25th April, an SSCBA team came joint second. Going online also brought in more players for the teams event.

Bridging Academia, Policy and Practice Online Conference: Monday 28 June – Thursday 1 July 2021 Free international conference for academics, bridge players, teachers & administrators Join Bridge: A MindSport for All (BAMSA) – a global network – and share best practice Case studies from: Australia, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Madeira, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, South Pacific, UK, USA More than 60 presenters and panelists from 20 countries

• ·       Day 1:  Bridge as a Mindsport
• ·       Day 2:  Digital Bridge: Opportunities and Challenges
• ·       Day 3:  Healthy Ageing, Intergenerationality and Gender
• ·       Day 4:  Education, Development and Marketing

For more information or to register for any of the sessions go to: https://bridgemindsport.org/bridging-academia-policy-practice-conference/

Bridge: A MindSport for All (BAMSA) | Prof. Samantha Punch Faculty of Social Sciences, Colin Bell Building, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA  Email:​ bamsa@stir.ac.uk 

Stafford Bridge successfully held its 2021 AGM online via Zoom on 5th May.  The meeting was quorate, with more than the minimum 15 members being “present”.   President Pat Andrews took the chair and opened the meeting.  Michael Metcalf was then re-elected as Club Chair, and took over from Pat.  Apologies were recorded and the Minutes of the previous AGM (2019) were agreed, following some correction of details.   Under Matters Arising, several items were noted as still pending, following the suspension of normal activities during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The Chair’s Annual Report had been circulated in advance of the meeting.   The Chair added to his report by commenting on a range of actions under way to prepare for the re-opening of the Club premises, whenever that might be, on the possibility of hybrid sessions in the future, and on the planned refurbishing of the kitchen.    The Committee had decided that Club competitions which were unfinished at the start of lockdown in March 2020 should be deemed to have ended at that point;  A list of competition winners is attached here.

The accounts had likewise been circulated in advance.   Retiring Treasurer Adrienne Jones was thanked warmly for her services to the Club

 Elections were then held for the posts of Club Captain/Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and five Committee members.    Those nominated matched the roles and number of places available, so no voting was required, and the meeting unanimously approved the election of all those nominated (see separate list.)

 Under AOB, allowed by the Chair, a member asked about applying for a further round of government support for small organisations affected by the lockdown.  This would be explored by the new Committee.

The meeting documents were:  Agenda for 2021 AGM, Minutes for 2019 AGM, Chair's Report, Nominations for the committee, Accounts 2020

Update from your Committee

A meeting of the Bridge Club Committee was held via Zoom on Wednesday 27^th January, at which a number of important decisions were made, as follows.

Plans for re-opening the Club premises cannot yet be made.    The premises will remain closed for several more months, and will only be re-opened when it is deemed safe to do so.

Notwithstanding this, the Committee announces that the next Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 5th May 2021.  This will be held online.   A full Agenda of Reports, Accounts and Elections will take place, for which there will be proper advance notice and instructions. (Note date corrected on 11/03/21)  Click here for the agenda and here for the accounts.

In view of Members continuing to be unable to use the premises, special arrangements will take place covering the Annual Renewal of Membership and payment of an Annual Subscription.    The membership status of existing members, including EBU registration, will be carried forward without any further membership payment for as long as the member is active online only.

Once the Club premises have been re-opened, returning members will be asked to resume paying the annual membership subscription at a reduced rate of £1 per month remaining from the usual membership year (which begins April 1st) plus 50p.    (On a full year this would equal the current rate of £12.50 p.a.)      Anyone not wishing to continue their membership should kindly inform the Secretary.

Members will be pleased to know that the opportunity has been taken during lockdown to redecorate the Club Room and Office, for which Dave Rowley is warmly thanked.    Consideration is also being given to refurbishing the kitchen.    If circumstances are conducive, we may mark the re-opening of the Club premises with a celebratory party or social.

Members are urged to keep safe and well, and also politely to bear in mind that “Best Behaviour at Bridge” applies online, as much as at the physical table! 

Championship Pairs played Sunday 7^th March 2021

4 pairs from Stafford took part in the Championship Pairs plus another member whose partner from another SSCBA club. 18 pairs in total, best placed SCC pair John & Kath with Sean & Peter only just behind. Almost half the SBC players had attended Robin's lessons at one time or another.  This competition was the qualifying event to select players to represent the County at the Corwen Trophy to be held on 5^th & 6^th June 2021.  Chamionship Pairs results can be seen here.

Message from BCL 9:51 a.m. 10/03/21

FIRE DESTROYS OVH DATA CENTRE

"We don't have access to the site. That is why SBG1, SBG3, SBG4 won’t be restarted today," (OVH reported on Wednesday 10th).

BCL system finally fully restored on Friday 2nd April 2021

Interesting news about a member, which other members would be pleased to know about

SBC member Clare appeared on "Sky Landscape Artist of the Year" on Sky Arts and Channel 11 Freeview at 8 pm on Wednesday 10^th February! Clare reports "it was a great experience especially in the context of the last year".  If you missed the episode another chance to see it on Monday 15th February at 10 a.m. but check TV guide.

Over 40 members of the Club are now playing bridge online with Bridge Club Live in a "room" dedicated to our Club.  In these sessions it is almost like playing at the Club for real.   On Monday 4th January there were 8 tables in play, comprising 32 of us, in a 22 board movement.    It has taken a great deal of dedication and hard work to set it all up and reach this commendable position.   Three people in particular have borne the brunt of this hard work: our Team Captain Terry, our Club Secretary Carol and our Web Manager Ann.  The Club's warm thanks have been, and continue to be, heartily extended to them.

Some time before Christmas, the Committee received a suggestion that the Club's thanks might be expressed in a more tangible way.   The original thought was to invite donations towards some gift or other.    This idea was dropped, partly because of the sheer logistical problems of setting such a process up, and because in any case it would have been almost impossible to organise such a process without the recipients catching wind of it, or even having to be directly involved.   Instead, I and the remaining Committee members secretly agreed, with the Treasurer's ready consent, to use Club funds to purchase a £30 M & S gift voucher for each of the three.    This was done, and the three consequently received an unexpected but we believe a much-appreciated extra Christmas present.

Michael Metcalf
Club Chairman

The first Stafford virtual club session got off to a flying start, 24 boards played in a little less than 3 hours without a hitch (not that has reached the webmaster's flapping ears anyway). Click results to see, slightly different from the usual format but quite recognisable. Well done organisers and participants, a very enjoyable afternoon.  If you didn't give it a try at the opening session, why not join in next Monday?   Winners of the first session were Carol and Rose with 63.19% a length or two ahead of Terry and Garry with 54.86%, very well done.  To cope with the numbers who played a Howell movement was played with 4 three board rounds followed by 3 four board rounds to make up the 24 boards over 7 rounds.

Stafford Bridge Club has booked a regular weekly session with BCL for our club every Monday afternoon.  You must be seated with your partner and have completed SSD not later than start time (best to arrive as the doors open to be sure of getting a game, see note about half tables below.  Each club session will now be a 22 hand session of duplicate bridge, originally 24 boards. There may be a short period while the server determines the movement dependent on the number of players, to date the delay has been less than a minute. You will be moved automatically.at the end of each round when your next opponents also ready. 

Slow play will hold up rotations of the tables. BCL will not halt/cut a game so we need to exercise our own self-discipline. Please note the time you start a round. Each hand should average 7-8 minutes so if you are running over the time for the round please  think about agreeing to pass out the last hand (it is what the director would ask you to do at the club) and remember other people will be waiting to move.

It is important that you do not leave a table or move yourself. Just wait.

There are no half tables and so if an odd number of pairs wish to play the last pair to enter the competition will not be able to play.  We have initially decided not to have a stand-by pair as any pair excluded from the SBC Duplicate competition can always readily get a game in the daily DIDO tournament.

The club will of course operate a find a partner scheme for this event so everyone can play  By going to the "clubs" list in BCL (from drop down list under Members on the BCL home page) and selecting Stafford Bridge Club you can see detailed information or view the press release for general information. The normal "find a partner" Bridgewebs feature will be available in the members only area.

Make sure that your alias appears on the list of SBC members on the BCL list such that the system finds you when you take your seat at the start of the session. Webmaster suspects your real name should appear in your profile for your results to appear on the club website and the EBU but that may not actually be the case. 

Spectacular success for Stafford players 29/07/20, Ann and Tony won the No Fears and Jane and Simon won NS at the evening session. .  22/7/20 Wednesday afternoon players, Sean and Graham came first, Ann and Tony second. 

Following the success of the Wednesday evening session a 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon No Fears session was started.  The afternoon session finished on August 5th as it did not get sufficinet tables but if may restart in October.  Those that took part reported that they enjoyed it - just that there were not enough of them.  SBC member Graham was the winner in the final week of the No Fears, August 5th.

A long-term and active member of Stafford Bridge Club, Derek Skinner will be moving to Cheshire in mid-August.   Derek has been a stalwart of the mid-week evening sessions of the Club since joining in 1966.    He formed a lasting partnership with John Eaves, who had joined a year later, and has also partnered many others, serving regularly as a very welcome standby.   He embodies much of the Club’s history, having experienced the many migrations of the Club before it settled in its present premises at the Showground.    An experienced and able bridge player, Derek is a model of modest and courteous behaviour at the bridge table.    He will be greatly missed at the Club.     We wish Derek and his wife Rita well for the future, and trust he will find good opportunities for more bridge in his new home.

and the message from Derek 10th August.

Hi Carol, Rita and I wish to thank you, and all the Bridge Club members, for the gift and their kind remarks in the card. We have not yet got a moving date, but, my guess is that we should be in Middlewich at the start of Sept.

As you know, I have had  many happy hours playing bridge and in several locations. When I started, Stafford Bridge Club was based in Sheridan Hall on the Sandon Road. I have also played at 4 locations on the Showground (as a result of the fire).I would like to thank all my partners for their support and acceptance that I did make the occasional mistake. Also, I wish to thank those opponents for their support after I had upset a partner. I have missed not playing bridge during this terrible virus situation, and I hope a solution is soon found.

Thank you and all the members, best wishes for the future,

Derek and Rita Skinner

A magnificent new trophy has been bought and engraved with money most generously donated by Pauline Goggin's family.

Pauline in 1999 but where was Pauline on holiday in this picture?  The background holds a clue or two.  Many thanks to Amanda for the picture.

Move "mouse" over thumbnail to change

Paul officially retired from SBC  teaching on a regular basis on March 6th 2020 after 7 years. Paul qualified as an EBED teacher in 2013 when Doug retired from giving the SBC lessons. Paul's retirement was marked with a presentation from the class, almost all of whom were able to make the lesson that day.  Some wonderful cakes were produced by one of his pupils, all in all a very sociable occasion with weak two's, Stayman and Transfers thrown into the mix.  Terry is now promoted from Teaching Assistant to Teacher in Charge of the improver's class.  With Terry already booked in for an even longer cruise than his 2020 trip for early 2021 it is hoped that Paul keeps up his EBED teaching membership and may come out of retirement while Terry is cruising in 2021.  It would give Paul much pleasure to meet his pupils at the bridge table at any club session, Paul and Linda are regular players particularly on Monday & Wednesday afternoons and Friday evenings with the occasional Tuesday and Thursday evening too.  Paul and Linda have had two recent successes, the 2020 January SSCBA sim pairs  coming top out of 78 pairs and the February 2020 SBC Teams of four, the pupils have been very lucky to have such a talented player as their teacher.

Friday players have been thinking of Kate and Jerry who left for Australia a couple or so years ago.  Kate and Jerry were the backbone of the session before they left and their friendliness and enthusiasim is one of the key reasons the Friday session survived at all about 10 years ago.  News from them is:

All people on holiday in the area of Kiama have been advised to return home immediately. There was a grid lock on the motorway yesterday of 200 kilometres. You have to carry water and food in case you get stuck.

Today is Sat (4.1.2020) and all local events have been cancelled due to the expected temperature of 48 degrees!  This is a very strange country but we still love it.

We would be in the pool cooling off if the surface temperature was not so hot, you burn! You can’t even drink cold water from the tap as it is disgustingly warm. Thank goodness we invested in a fridge that dispenses cold water and ice.

We do hope all the bridge players are well and a Very Happy New Year to you all.

The festive season was marked with several events, Robin's lesson group started the ball rolling on December 12th, then the Friday night session on December 13th, the afternoon players on December 16th and finally the main club party on December 19th.

The main club party on Thursday 19th December was very successful and many thanks are due to those who prepared the food, largely a new team this year led by Carol, John for laying on the drinks and Ivor for organising a fun movement where everyone had 18 different partners. Missing was the club photographer, we wish him well and hope to see him back at the bridge table very soon. Sadly only one picture taken by stand in photographer to cover all the events! 

The Committee are pleased to announce that Ivor Clarke has been invited to become an Honorary Life Member of the Club, in recognition of his 25 years as a Director and many other services to the Club, and that Ivor has accepted the Club's invitation.

Robin offered sincere thanks to Terry for all his help with the Thursday Lessons in the last year. Also, many thanks for the super food and wine/drinks brought by the pupils.  When the results are viewed you will see an "information" tab at the top  right hand end (ranking, scorecards, matrix, travellers, hands, information), click to get Robin's commentary on the hands. Please take time to read the commentary to get the most from taking part in the event, Robin has gone to great lengths to produce the commentary.  This "information" feature for an event results listing is a first time tried by the webmaster - should it be used more often?

EBED sim pairs.

The AGM took place on Tuesday 14th May followed by EBED sim pairs (click for the local results).   30 clubs with 460 pairs took part in the event, the positions of the top two pairs at Stafford were reversed in the overall results such is sometimes the way of things in sim pairs events.  Indeed the pair who were ninth at Stafford were the third placed Stafford pair in the overall results.  Thanks are due to Terry for organising and directing the event.

Annual Dinner and Prize Giving - Sunday 12th May.

The dinner and prize giving took place at the Chase Golf Club as last year.  Janet presented the prizes and David acted as club photographer.  If anyone would like a full size copy of one of the pictures please contact David meanwhile the full set of pictures can be seen by clicking here.  If viewed on a tablet rather than a computer best to enlarge the screen view itself rather than "touching" the individual thumbnails.

Following the recent club TD training course at the club the results have finally come through, 11th February, (assessment done on January 12th) 2019 and it is good news we now have 5 new directors.  Please give them a warm welcome.

Stone Match - Friday 26th April 2019

2 teams of 8 together with a team of 4 from the lessons took part in this most enjoyable friendly match laid on by Stone bridge club. The scoring and movement along the lines of the County Dawes events, new to most of those taking part, thanks to Kath, John and Nigel everything went very smoothly (Stafford players had the easy option sitting still throughout).  Each pair in each team were to play 6 boards against each pair in the opposing team and score up against both opposite numbers.  Sadly the final 6 boards had to be abandonned as time ran out.  Honours about even, one Stafford team won and one lost with the group from the lessons being won by the Stone team. Perfectly timed to coincide with the motor bike event in Stafford.  Matches against Stone were a regular event until about three years ago when a mutually convenient date could not be found.  Stafford has a lot to live up to in 2020, a wonderful "light supper" was laid on by Stone.  Many thanks to Kath and Stone members for their hospitalilty and organisation.

Away Weekend 12th - 15th April 2019

A good time was had by all at Crabwall Manor Hotel near Chester.  Very comfortable hotel (with interesting layout), great organisation for the bridge sessions (what a lot of work David puts in), many thanks to Pat and John for the initial effort in finding the hotel, and so much to see in the surrounding area.  Click here for the pictures.

In recognition of Sheila's long service to the club she and Jim were given tickets for The Last Tango. On behalf of the club we wish them an enjoyable weekend in London. David produced a wonderful card, with the help of his computer and camera, to mark the occasion.

All bridge sessions are now running following a show of hands for the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day sessions to go ahead. Lessons restart on Thursday 3rd January.

Christmas events

A number of festive events were held at the club, in particular the club Christmas party on Tuesday 18th December where Janet and her helpers, Pat A, Pat M, Pam and Adrienne, provided an excellent meal. David organised a teams event with Ivor & Liz and Ann & John coming first, Garry & Terry, Mike & Robin second and Alan & Rachael and Sandra & Ernie third.  Picture shows the club party in full swing with players from all sessions present. Other parties have been the Wednesday afternoon party on the 12th, Thursday morning lessons on the 13th and the Friday evening party (picture shows the winning team) on the 14th. The Wednesday players produced a great spread for the occasion and wished Malcolm bon voyage to his new home in Yorkshire. Robin's lesson group on the 13th were a full 5 tables, played a movement with specially selected hands to reflect the lessons covered over the term, pupils laid on some lovely "eats" and a good time was had by all. On the 14th David organised a fun teams event with 9 teams for experienced masters, regular Friday players and new players moving up from the classes to a club session for the first time.

I sent £361.52 to ECats for Children in Need – with love from Stafford Bridge Club . This is the reply: “And our love to you Adrienne – that’s a marvellous amount isn’t it ! Wow Thank you very much – you will thank your members for turning up and support all so brilliantly won’t you? They are just amazing – give them all a metaphorical hug from us! With warmest best wishes Anna & Mark The ECatsBridge Team” Adrienne Jones (Treasurer)

The late Geoff Thomas made the club a generous donation in his will.  This has been used to purchase a trophy for the winners of the 65 club competition and Adrienne has had the cup engraved with the names of the past winners.

Geoff played primarily at Wolverhampton but also at Stafford on Wednesday afternoons, with Peter Tallon, Audrey Clarke, Sylvia Hilton, Polly Green and Peggie McCombie.  Geoff also played in the SSCBA league and came occasionally to the Stafford American Suppers.

Pat’s presentation for her 80^th birthday celebration.  Wednesday afternoon players enjoyed a very merry afternoon helped by Pat’s generous hospitality of cake and sherry.

The director wanted to get to grips with scoring a teams event on the tablets - did not go according to plan but was quite enjoyed none the less. More scoring practice needed!  Players popped out at odd intervals to see if the eclipse was visible, would you believe that clouds obscured it from start to finish!

Two weeks earlier Friday night players said goodbye to Gordon, a very popular member, who has moved away after several years as a regular Friday player.

The Dinner and Prize Giving 2018 was held on 6th April 2018 at The Chase Golf Club.  A very successful event attended by many club members. Michael hosted the dinner for the first time as Chairman.  David and his camera were there of course and you can click here for the pictures. Anne Smith kindly presented the prizes.  Presentations were made to President Ivor and to David Alderson, David is moving away and leaving the club after 50 years!

The booking for 2019 has already been made for the same venue on 12th May 2019!

Away Weekend 13th - 16th April 2018

26 attended the away weekend at the Samlesbury Hotel in Preston and were joined by a local for the evenings.  Aside from the most enjoyable bridge sessions players took advantage of visiting many local attractions, some just walking distance from the hotel.  Click here for photos.  David has already investigated going back to the same area next year, maybe even to the same hotel. 

Shrewsbury Open Swiss Pairs  - Sunday 4th March

Another very enjoyable blue pointed event at Radbrook Community Centre, SY3 6DZ with a superb afternoon tea.  For pictures and results click here.

Championship Pairs (Previously known as the Bearn) - Sunday 18th March.

This event at Wolverhampton, previously known as the Bearn, was badly affected by the weather, snow and ice mid-March would you believe! The winners are eligible to play in the national competition, The Corwen Trophy on 2nd and 3rd June, and well placed pairs to play in the Edgar Foster cups in September.  Two SBC members took part despite the weather.

No Fear Pairs

9 Stafford players, 8 from Robin's lessons, took part in the No Fear Pairs on Thursday 22nd February with Ann and Rose winning EW.

Andrew Robson - Thursday November 23rd

• Afternoon session  Suit establishment in trump contract, take out double, showing your share.  
• Evening  session    After INT opener, bidding big hands, cheat seat.  

Many Stafford players attended the two sell out events with an interval between for a wonderful meal at Kath's house.  It is hoped that Andrew will be back in the area in 2019.

County AGM  -  Sunday 3rd September

No one came forward to replace Linda Curtis as County Chairman at the AGM but Pamela Booth-Jones has since been nominated.  Jane Sheehan will be joining the committee as Treasurer and Jeff Jones will continue to take over from Judy Mitchell as competitions secretary.  The rest of the committee remain as before.  A number of topics were discussed and left for the committee to debate.

Adrienne completed the EBU TD Assessment at Eccleshall recently, she reports that she heard (24/11/17) that she has passed the Assessment and she is now an Authorised Tournament Director.  Congratulations Adrienne.

We are indebted to David Drinkwater for taking the Duplimate machine to Oxford for repair on 10.10.17.  It would help the machine if old, sticky packs of cards could be replaced with new.  If, on the last round of a session, you could leave hands from packs that are getting sticky face up in the boards then those cards can be replaced next time that set of boards is dealt. Rule 1 - Never touch the cards with sticky hands!

At last week’s meeting of the Club Committee, the following decisions and rulings were made:

• In future, when the field for a duplicate session contains at least seven complete tables, there will always be two winning pairs who will receive vouchers for a free session.    If the movement is a Mitchell, the vouchers will go to the top-placed pair EW and the top-placed pair NS.    If the movement is a Howell, the vouchers will go to the first and second placed pairs.
• Players participating in a duplicate session are requested NOT to move any side tables or chairs in the bridge room.    The layout of the room has been deliberately planned to ease the movement of players between rounds, especially those with less mobility, and to minimise health and safety risks.  At each bridge table there should be two, and only two, side tables, diagonally placed, with armless chairs EW and chairs with arms NS.

The Summer Cup teams competition will take place on a (Thursday) evening in September if and when the players present make up an exact odd number of complete tables.  This will be an ad hoc decision.   Teams of four will be formed after the decision has been made.

Michael Metcalf
Chairman

Most members will know that John Whiteman is the house manager dealing with a wide variety of tasks.  While John still in overall charge a couple of new committee recruits have taken on some of his responsibilities.  Terry Maltby is now to look after the heaters and lights.  Steve Lister is to repair/dispose/replace any faulty chairs and look after trophies & honours boards.  If you have any concerns regarding heaters, lights or chairs please approach Terry or Steve.

A busy week at the club, first the dinner and then the well attended AGM. Michael Metcalf was welcomed in as the new club chairman and Adrienne Jones as the treasurer. Pat Andrews and Michael Seavers have retired from the committee, the club is very indepted to them both for their many years service on the committee, with Terry Maltby and Steven Lister joining the ranks. Other changes, David Drinkwater is now social events organiser, Robin Adey the club captain but Mike Sherriff stays on the committee. Penny Daggett was co-opted to take on the secretarial role for the time being. A debating point was bringing the start time of the Tuesday and Thursday sessions forward 15 minutes, 6:45 for 7 p.m. start time. Watch this space to see when the new committee sets a date for a trial of this arrangement, if you have strong views either way please contact the committee.

Championship Pairs Events

The Ladies' and Men's Championship Pairs events, played at Wolverhampton on 15th May 2017, were combined into a single movement and the results were:

Staffs Cup, League Division 1 and 2

Geoff Davies plays in David Beavon's team in division 1 of the SSCBA Leaugue, they came top in 2016/17 ahead of Paul Hackett's team.  Many congratulations Geoff. The team Geoff playes in has therefore qualified to represent SSCBA in the Midland Counties Challenge Bowl event that takes place in Wolverhampton this year.  In the Staffs Cup with Paul Hackett's team defeated the Beavon team in the final.  David A and Mike S regular players in the 4th placed division 1 team with a part Friday/Thursday players group 3rd in division 2

AGM - Held on Sunday 4th September at Wolverhampton 2016

Three Stafford members were present at the SSCBA AGM to hear the report that SSCBA was in a healthy financial position with increased membership. Some popular events had been held during the year, particularly the No Fear and Sim Pairs. Two divisions were running in the league, more teams had been hoped for to create a third division. John Withers has stepped down from the committee as membership secretary, Terry May has taken this role on, Pamela Booth-Jones has taken on John’s EBU shareholder role. The AGM was followed by the Pheonix Trophy competiton with a tie for first place that brought the rule book out and much head scratching to determine the winner, eventually Jane Stirton and Celia Day were declared the winners although their overall score tied with Dominic Wilson and Jeffrey Jones. A rather surprised Stafford player came third!!!

Edgar Foster Cups - Sunday 18th September 2016 at Derby 

Laurence Haynes & Keith Shuttleworth (Shrewsbury) were the overall winners with Celia Day & David Clarke (Wolverhampton) the runners up.  With the third pair in the team, Marion Jordan & Kevin Sullivan (Newcastle) coming 9th, the team event was easily won by Staffs and Shrops retaining their 2015 title.  This is an event where teams of 8 are entered from Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Hereford, Staffs & Shrops, Warwickshire & Worcestershire.  The fourth Staffs and Shrops pair contained a Stafford player who greatly enjoyed the once in a lifetime experience but in no way contributed to the team win!

League and Staffs Cup teams

New teams were invited to play in the County League during the coming season, September until April, at Wolverhampton.  It had been hoped to have a third division this coming season so that players of all standards could take part; in the end two new teams came forward to replace the two teams that had withdrawn so the situation is as last year, 7 teams in the first division and 6 in the second.

A new event was organised in 2016 for the Midlands Region for "improvers" with less than 5 or 6 years bridge playing experience.  Six Stafford members, five of whom attend Robin's lessons, took part either at Derby or Solihull.  Best placed Stafford pair were Sandy and Frank Townsend playing at Spondon (Derby), sadly not amongst the prize winners though.  Pictured above are the winners, Steve Smith & Jason Webb, receiving their trophies from Dan Evetts of the EBU with Linda Curtis SSCBA chairman. Click here for the hand commentary. Jason's mother, Tracy, a one time member of Stafford Bridge Club.

The club "away weekend" on 8th - 10th April 2016 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel near Grantham attracted a group of 29,  25 of whom were bridge players. More pictures on the club notice board. The results of the sessions were:
Friday  pairs 6 tables 1st Rachael & Alan, 2nd Beryl & Michael,
Saturday six teams, 1st Anne & Peter Collier, Mike & Janet, 2nd Pat & John Andrews, Ernie & Sandra
Sunday pairs 1st Adrienne & Harry, 2nd= Pat & John, Beryl & Michael

Congratulations to those achieving promotions in the master point rankings during 2015, particularly Mike, Ivor and Pat A who reached, or passed, the giddy heights of 40,000+ master points and 10+ green points.

Success for Stafford member Geoff Davies and the rest of his team Paul Cutler, Rod Ewan and Roger Keane for their success in the Winter Teams at Wolverhampton.

The newly structured Bearn took place at Newcastle on Sunday 24th April, 4 Stafford players took part, Geoff playing with Paul Cutler came second behind Keith Shuttleworth and Laurence Haynes.  The Ladies'  and Men's Championship Pairs both had to be cancelled.  The Mixed/Flitch Championship Pairs are to be held on Thursday 9th June,  at Wolverhampton. 

County League

Congratulations to Stafford Bridge Club members for their successes in this year's County League.
Geoff Davies, partnering Paul Cutler, with teammates David Beavon and Roger Keane, won the First Division. Third place went to the team of new Stafford members,Kath Adams and Graham Link and Anne and John Seymour. Joint winners of the Second Division, now promoted to the First Division, were David Alderson and Mike Sherriff, playing with teammates Judy Mitchell and James Vickers.  New teams are invited to join next year, time to be getting a team together.
 

A new regional event for improvers is taking place on July 3rd aimed at those who have been playing bridge for less than 5 years.

The Shropshire Congress took place 16th (Swiss Pairs) & 17th April (Swiss Teams) at the Park Inn, Telford.  Numbers were up a little this year and Stafford was represented thanks to some of the new Stafford members.

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.

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 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

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.

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.