We aim not only to provide members and guests with a friendly and welcoming time playing bridge but also to foster friendships away from the cards. With this in mind, the first social event of the year took place with an enjoyable lunch for members and friends at Stowmarket Golf Club.

A reminder that our Wednesday sessions now take place at Old Newton Village Hall (IP14 4ED) 6.45 for 7, and Fridays remain at St Mary’s Hall, Stowmarket (IP14 1PD) 2.00 for 2.15.

We are always looking to welcome new members of all abilities and those wishing to learn. For further information, please see our website or contact Andy Billinge, who is running the teaching programme, 07815101513 /a.billinge@btinternet.com

The Christmas Party was enjoyed by all and included a new competition played with random, mostly mixed, partnerships playing for the Christmas Trophy - won by Dorothy & Sekhar.

And Amanda presented Andy with something tasty in thanks for the work he has put in this year.

The Club Qualifying Heat for the Suffolk Championship Pairs was held on February 13 as part of our normal Club Pairs.

Championship Pairs 2025-6

The format for this year’s competition is as follows:-

Heats to be held in clubs during January/February 2026 - the heats should be F2F. There will be an online open heat for anyone who has missed their club heat, hosted by Abbeygate Bridge club on Monday 23 February 2026. 

All players who achieve 50% or more in a club heat will be eligible to take part in the Championship Pairs final at Elmswell on Sunday 19 April  2026.  

Players may only attempt qualification once - players will be asked if they wish to attempt qualification before play starts.

Any out-of-county players who achieve more than 50% in a heat will not be eligible to play in the final since the top three pairs in the final will be invited to represent Suffolk in the Corwen Trophy, which will take place F2F in Nottingham, on 30/31 May 2026. 

NGS 2-9 players can attempt qualification in the main competition as well as playing in the 9 High qualifier on 29 March 2026. If successful in both they can choose which final to play in.  The 9 High final will be online on 30 May 2026

We all make mistakes.

It is not unusual to accidentally give the wrong explanation of a bid or make a bid which isn't in line with your partnership agreement.

If you're not sure what partner's bid means NEVER say "I'm taking it as ..." That's giving partner Unauthorised Information (UI).

Click HERE to see a full explanation of what you should and shouldn't do in these situations.

Trophies were presented at the annual Presentation Party, including the Susan Aldous Memorial Trophy won this year by Jim & Shirley. 

A donation of £60 was made to EACH, the East Anglia Children's Hospice, who responded with the following message:

Let me say just how incredibly grateful we are that you have chosen to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), having donated £60 from Bridge Club event . Your generosity will enable us to continue to support families across East Anglia to access vital care and support when they need us the most. Our short break care gives families like Pat’s some much needed respite, allowing them the chance to rest and recharge for a few hours, knowing their child is being well cared for.

“Callum enjoys going to the hospice for an overnight stay. We think of them as a fun sleepover – something he doesn’t get the chance to do with family and friends.’’ Pat – Callum’s mum

We honestly cannot thank you enough for your kindness.