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Worcestershire Contract Bridge Association
Teaching
Teaching within Worcestershire

The following lists shows teachers who are currently offering lessons in Worcestershire. Most teachers work from the English Bridge Union course which is based on a Beginners year of two terms followed by an Improvers year of two terms, after which players should be able to play duplicate bridge at a club or play socially to a good standard.

There are also further lessons available for players who want to develop their game beyond the EBU syllabus, and other teachers not listed below sometimes also offer lessons.

If you would like to discuss learning bridge, or if you are unsure what level of tuition is right for you, please get in touch with the County's Training Coordinator, Mike Theelke, at wcbatraining@sky.com or on 01684 897757.

Teachers offering Beginners Classes

Worcester area Helen Cameron 01905 864168
Malvern area Joyce Skelton 07584 299153
Malvern area Mike Lane 01684 564334
Evesham area Liz Boyes 01386 861758
Bewdley/Stourport area Richard Greenwood 01299 402513
Bromsgrove area Eugene Elijah 01527 871255
Kidderminster area Carol Timmis 01384 873446

Teachers offering Improvers Classes

Worcester/Droitwich area Cliff Little 01905 748380
Malvern area Joyce Skelton 07584 299153
Evesham area Liz Boyes 01386 861758
Bromsgrove area Ian Lewis 01384 395962
Kidderminster area Carol Timmis 01384 873446

Teachers offering classes for Intermediate / Experienced players

Malvern Mike Theelke 01684 897757
Arrow Ian Thompson 01789 762447
Training/Teaching Initiative throughout Worcestershire

The WCBA Committee decided last year that it should put in place a bridge teaching and training initiative aimed at the average club player to help them improve their game and help make their participation more enjoyable. This initiative has become even more relevant with the unfortunate loss of John Cattanach who, more than anyone, has helped new players develop. As a result, Ian Thompson, with the help of Mike Theelke, has put together a series of one-day and half-day seminars which have been offered to the clubs within the County. A number of these have already been successfully run at various club premises and more are in the pipeline.

The seminars consist of a discussion on a particular topic followed by the bidding and playing of set hands which give the players the opportunity to practice what they have learnt. Following a sandwich lunch, a session of supervised play is usually carried out with Ian and Mike on hand to assist.

Topics developed include:

  • Planning the defence
  • Part score competitive bidding
  • Planning the play of the hand
  • Use of the double

If any club wishes to consider running such a seminar then please contact Ian Thompson on 01789 762447 or by e-mail to ian.arrowbridge@tiscali.co.uk The website Bridge at Arrow website will also provide additional information.