WITH temperatures in the 70ºs, sunglasses and a homemade sunhat are required to play bridge outdoors - in March!

The photograph of Penny Morland, Ginny Collins, Lisa Miniprio and David Cossart tells the story of the first Stansfield Bridge Brunch as unseasonally hot weather greeted the 50 players who took part at the Queen's Head on Wednesday.

The warmth meant most players enjoyed lunch in the garden at the Hawkedon venue. Players came from far and wide but Suffolk county player Chris Chambers deserves special mention for having cycled the whole way from Ipswich. Dennis Carter and Peter Warren, the runaway winners, put their success down to the excellent beer on offer. £5 from each player's entry fee has gone to St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds (see letter below).

Click on 'Bridge Brunch' under 'Results' in the right hand column to see the detailed scores. Meanwhile, below you can see more photographs from the day.

STANSFIELD bridge club, formed in 2007 and situated in the heart of Suffolk countryside between Clare and Bury St Edmunds, is not only the county's jolliest and fastest growing bridge club - but also one of the most progressive with a state-of-the-art scoring system, computer generated hands and lively website.

   With a membership of 110 players (at the latest count - April 2012), the club meets every Thursday evening (7 for 7.15pm) in the village hall. The emphasis is very much on having a fun evening out and there is a half-time  break when players enjoy delicious nibbles prepared by members, and a refreshment. A host system is in place so visitors and inexperienced players are always welcome to play either duplicate or rubber bridge. Bridgepad scoring means duplicate players get the result on the night and, in addition, computer generated boards are available every week with the hands uploaded on to this website. (Click on 'Results' in right column)

Half price nights for club members and £10 towards cost of 'nibbles'

STANSFIELD bridge club members will enjoy a half-price night - £1 instead of £2 table money - once a month in future but the charge for visitors is going up from £2 to £3.

   With the average numbers of players on a Thursday night have trebled since the club started four years ago there are far more hungry mouths at the half-time interval, so members who prepare 'nibbles' will receive £10 to cover costs in addition to paying no table money and having a free 'refreshment.'

   The buoyant state of the club's finances has also enabled the club to order six new tables to replace some of the wobbly ones - and a second set of boards.

   Players were divided into two sections on Thursday with each section playing an identical set of boards. Two sections has a number of advantages - including giving a chance for less experienced players to have a taste of gentle duplicate - and was well received by those taking part.

JOAN and Keith won their section and when the scores were merged they finished miles ahead!

To see all the results, scroll down this page and click on the date under 'Results' in the right hand column.

CASHING unspported Aces at the beginning is usually a poor defensive strategy. They will usually only catch low cards...not kings and queens.

If you are looking for a partner, want to leave a message for another club member - or perhaps discuss a tricky hand played at the bridge club or at home - please click here.