ABC is online
on RealBridge
Every Wednesday at 1.30 pm.
The table money is £1.50 for members, £2 for guests. Players will be invoiced in arrears every three months. Guests are asked send us their email address through the 'contact us' facility under 'information' on the left. If you would like to join ABC costing £5 for the year click on the Membership Application button on your left which brings up a simple online form.
To access the sessions click on 'RealBridge Session Link' to the left . Also on the left there are links to the RealBridge Camera Test and Player Guide.
If you are interested in playing but are in need of a partner, contact Jane Scarfe through the Find a Partner facility on the bottom right.
Meanwhile, the Club remains closed until advised that it is safe for our members to reopen.
|
|
|
|
| Eastern Counties Cup |
Well done to ABC members Gary Putman, Peter Cotes, Chris Mallon and Tam Payne on winning the knock out final in the Norfolk Teams Championship. The team qualify to represent the County in the Pachabo Cup in June and we wish them well.
|
|
|
|
| NICKO Team ABC |
The Team, Karen Blacklock, Tam Payne, Peter Cotes and Chris Mallon had a resounding win by 32 IMPS in the first round, but alas in round 2 victory was narrowly snatched from them by a mere 4 IMPS by New Amersham BC. Next year …
|
|
|
|
| ABC Open Pairs Trophy |
Congratulations to ABC members Mike Bolster and Mark Hill in winning the 2020 ABC Open Trophy, which was played online. After Lockdown3 we are hoping to be able to do a socially distanced presentation of the trophy and engraved glasses and get some pictures !
|
|
|
|
| Nawal Fenwick |
 |
We are greatly saddened by the news that much loved ABC member Nawal Fenwick has passed away. As our Chairman Sarah Chamberlin said: "We at ABC shall remember her as a fearless and formidable bridge player. I liked her enormously and appreciated her advice on bidding and play. A woman of courage. She will be missed."
Nawal also had that characteristic of the best bridge players in that she was kind and considerate to those of us who were not in her league and never intimidating. It was a pleasure to be outsmarted by her. And she had such grace and elegance and exquisite taste in clothes.
I can do no better than reproduce the beautiful email tribute sent out by her daughters Treeva and Vyan which they invited us to share with those who knew her:
Subject: Nawal
Dear all,
We wanted to let you know that our amazing mum passed away peacefully at home this morning, surrounded by love.
She was our everything - so much more than a mother to us and a great friend to many. She showed us every day what selfless, unconditional love was.
She was a force to be reckoned with and so full of life. As hard as it is now to bear, we feel so grateful for the wonderfully close relationship we had and for everything she gave and taught us which has set us up for life. We’re especially thankful for all the laughter. So much of it.
She has been so brave throughout. In the end, she made peace with what was ahead - a few days ago she said her goodbyes to us and said she was ready to go. And whilst we will miss her so much, we know that she will always be with us.
We will carry on her fearlessness, fun, curiosity, courage, kindness, strength and, most of all, her love.
Please do not send flowers. Mum will be cremated and we plan to scatter her ashes in Iraq, in North Carolina USA, close to her beloved late brother, and in Norwich - to reflect the places close to her heart. We will hold a memorial service for her in due course when restrictions are lifted and for anyone who wishes to, charity donations can be made at that time.
Thank you to you all on behalf of mum, John, dad and ourselves, for your friendship and support. It is so appreciated. We don’t have everyone’s email addresses so please do forward to anyone who you feel should know.
Mum lived such a full life and we take great comfort knowing she is now at peace. She wouldn’t want anyone to feel sad, so think instead of the lovely times you had with her.
All our love,
Treeva and Vyan x
|
|
|
|
| ABC Online |
Do you see yourself as a pioneer? Bravely going where nobody has bid before? If so your bridge club needs YOU to become a founder member of ABC Online and help keep Norfolk playing for the duration of the current crisis.
This is the plan. ABC is registering as a club with Bridge Club Live, hoping to set up regular times when we can play with our regular partners and, hopefully, get comparative results in a similar way to normal sessions at the Costessey Centre. We have consulted widely round the county and the consensus seems to be that this UK-based platform would be the most suitable for the purpose. It will cost you £6 a month for unlimited bridge (possibly plus VAT) - after your initial payment of £1.20 for the first 30 days . And online is the only place any of us are likely to play at present so cheap table money.
We all need to work together to get through Covid-19 and out the other end. So we are offering a warm welcome to members of all other Norfolk clubs to join ABC Online free of charge until the end of 2020. You just need to let Jan Wells have your name, EBU number, phone number and email address. Email janwells144@gmail.com.
That is in addition to registering with BCL As they put it: "To benefit from the CLUB facilities each club member must be a full member of BCL." The trial month for £1.20 is their incentive to try it out now. This is how it works and three of us have already done it at time of writing this so definitely do-able by bears of average brain. With only moderate difficulty!
You go to the BridgeClubLive website, sign up and pay your £1.20 for the highest grade membership Then, on the CLUBS page (which then becomes visible from the home page of BCL if you click the Members tab at the top of the screen and then Clubs), you will see all the clubs which have signed up. Click on ABC and you will see your other club members who have joined BCL - listed, as they put it, by ALIAS. By which they mean something like the identity they gave me which is JaneS45931. That will enable you to play on BCL any other time you like with anybody you choose. Our hope is that we will also be able to set up an ABC Online bridge room at specified times notified by club email but that is a work in progress. In the meantime we will be able to take part in any competition or game with our regular Norfolk partners.
I played 10 boards in the Social room yesterday - if I'd played 12 I'd have got onto the leaderboard which I now know - and received an email telling me I'd played boards 42-51 in the Social Bridge Event and got 52%. You can chat by text as you play and the partner and opponent were friendly and pleasant. When my partner Omarj excused himself briefly I discovered that the opponents were locked down in Portugal and Italy respectively. I would have enquired further but Omarj returned and wanted to restart play!
Now you've read all that you are ready to register with BCL which you do by clicking here to go to their website. It is a bit complicated - well, I found it so - but achievable with a bit of persistence.
Lastly, you'll have to bear with us. Taking a bridge club online is a new thing for us and we will all be learning as we go along. Our club secretary Robert Piller is leading on this project and his email is robert.piller@btopenworld.com. Do get in touch with him with any further questions - and especially if you can share your experience of playing bridge on-line as he would appreciate all the advice he can get!
|
|
|
|
| ABC Online already topping the leaderboard! |
 |
Val Bobbins and Jane Edwards have achieved the distinction of being the first ABC Online members to top the Bridge Club Live leaderboard as you can see from the screen grab above. (Lexham is Val and Jane is JaneE21462). Congratulations to them for showing the locals what's what!
Their victory is even sweeter as there have been some issues with BCL regular players moaning about the site running slow with the massive influx of new players due to the national lockdown. The site managers have worked day and night to increase bandwidth and improve the infrastructure and it is now working well again. So don't be put off if you tried and had problems.
Playing bridge online - or indeed signing up to do so - is a steep learning curve for all of us but it's worth the effort. Particularly since many of us look like being confined to barracks for half a year.
One tip I would pass on to new arrivals is always to make sure you click on Leave the table before disappearing. Otherwise you stop the other three finding a fourth and carrying on by accidentally blocking your seat. I have tried hard but cannot find a way for anyone else to sign the missing player out and it can be frustrating. If anyone has cracked the problem please click here to let me know. I will share the good news.
And I'd be interested in any other ABC Online news, anecdotes, experience or tips to share in this new column. You know how to reach me.
|
|
|
|
| Sad news |
We have just heard from her husband John that longstanding ABC member Mariea Kerr has passed away peacefully at home. You may recall that we haven't seen her recently because she and John always spent the worst winter months abroad.
It will be a private funeral with no flowers and no donations but I know we will all remember her with great affection. She was a lovely person, a delightful bridge partner and will be much missed.
|
|
|
|
| Blue Pointed Swiss Teams Winners |
 Here are the brilliant winners of the ABC blue-pointed Swiss Teams 2020 with 87 Victory Points. They are, left to right, Imogen La Chapelle, Adrian La Chapelle, John Dennis and Matt Milson - with his arm round NCBA county President Sue Hutchings who presented their awards.
And full credit too to the runners up Stuart Langridge, Bryan Renouf, Bogdan Drobny and Maureen Kimbley with 79 Victory Points.
Congratulations to them all.
|
|
|
|
| Chris Cunnington |
We are sad to report that Chris Cunnington, a long-standing, enthusiastic and loyal member of ABC, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness. The committee would like to send our deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife and family.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sad news |
We are sorry to let you know that our friend and longstanding ABC member Roger Amey passed away at home on Saturday 28 September with his family around him. Roger, who has been unwell for some time, will be greatly missed.
There will be a memorial service in a few weeks.
|
|
|
|
| Beginners' bridge classes for 2020 |
ABC is hosting Norwich Bridge School beginners' bridge lessons. See below for details:
|
|
|
|
|
| Wendy Gee and the Big C |
 |
Our annual Wendy Gee Teams event in aid this year of the Big C had an excellent 11 table turnout which meant lots of money for Norfolk's own cancer charity.
Congratulations to the crack winning team of John and Penny Stroud, Maria Budd and Adrian La Chapelle who swept to victory with a lead of 11 IMPS.
Wendy was a much-loved ABC member whose life was cut much too short by cancer. Now her husband Ron is carrying on her dedication to bridge by learning to play himself - although he would be the first to admit that it will be a long time before he achieves her standard!
|
|
|
|
| President Sue |
 Boosting attendances at bridge clubs county-wide is the declared mission of Norfolk's new NCBA president Sue Hutchings. And, as you can see from the photo, she's enjoying every minute of it.
"I think they picked me because they thought I wouldn't be worried about standing up and talking," said Sue. "And I wouldn't need a megaphone!" (We couldn't possibly comment).
She's loving going round all the Norfolk clubs, affiliated or not, spreading the word and catching up with people she hasn't bumped into for a while. "And I particularly want to encourage more players who are new to club bridge."
Sue stressed how lucky we are in this area to have so many bridge teachers and sessions for learners, plus lots of county events at local clubs open to all EBU members.
Click here to view the Play Bridge in Norfolk section of the NCBA website for all the ways to get involved.
|
|
|
|
| Make it to Worcester for Bridgefest 2020 |
 Remember you've heard how much fun ABC Away had on this year's weekend in Newbury? And how you are determined not to miss out next year?
Well Uber Party Planner Val Bobbins has just arranged our 2020 Bridgefest with Bridge Overseas. We will be staying at the Whitehouse Hotel, Worcester for three nights from 17 April 2020.
The cost is £254 per person for a double or twin room or £324 for single occupancy. These prices include a £15 group discount.
The hotel is right in the middle of the Cathedral city of Worcester, so all its delights are within walking distance. These apparently include Worcester Cathedral, the Tudor House, Worcester Porcelain Museum and Worcester Museum and Art Gallery. Not to mention good retail therapy, always an essential element of ABC Away. Click here to take a look at their website.
Not only that, you probably think you know other ABC members but get them away on holiday and you may be surprised!
I'm happy to do a FAPS for anyone who might like to go but needs a partner. Just let me know. Plus get in touch with Val. These holidays book up extremely quickly so act now to avoid disappointment.
|
|
|
|
| By Royal Command |
 Congratulations to ABC member David Hitcham whom the Queen has honoured with the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Aylsham Show and Holt Rugby Club.
David himself is typically self-deprecating about the recognition: "I am delighted, honoured and humbled," he said. "I know that there are so many other people out there who do just as much."
Apologies that the only photo I could lay my hands on in the club annals is this rather old one of him facing the camera at the bridge table. A testament, perhaps, to a man who says little but does a lot.
|
|
|
|
| What happens in Newbury Stays in Newbury |
 Team ABC Away took on all comers at our annual jaunt which took place this year at the Doubletree by Hilton in Newbury North.
To say we covered ourselves in bridge glory would be a slight exaggeration, but Val Bobbins and John Copson managed a second place and Peter and Jan Pennington-Smith a third. The gossip won the trophy - but what happens on tour stays on tour. Val is already planning our 2020 extravaganza so you'll have to go if you want to know ...
Our star performance was reserved for the retail therapy when all ABC female followers of fashion swerved the Saturday seminar and headed into Newbury in a six-seater taxi. Word swiftly swept round the retail emporia that Norfolk was in town and Norfolk was spending and we were welcomed everywhere with wild enthusiasm.
If everyone looks jolly in the photo it might be because one particular hotel barman got a trifle confused and seemed to think that wine is served in glasses holding at least half a pint. Surprisingly no-one sought to disabuse him. (I confess by the time on Sunday night when I took that photo I was on the decaff tea instead but I'm a shocking lightweight).
Huge thanks as ever to Val for organising the bunfight and looking forward to next year.
|
|
|
|
| ABC reigns supreme in Committee Cup |
 We are in celebratory mode after our A team scooped the NCBA's Committee Cup - triumphing against Norfolk's finest!
As Neil renamed the teams, here is a reminder of the victorious players:
A Team :
- Karen Blacklock and Bhadrinath Bindumadhava (Bhadri)
- Margaret Motch and Alan Hourd
- Val Bobbins and Dave Macro
- Masume Knevitt and Peter Walters
Congratulations to our A Team!
Our B team came second - but sadly that was second from bottom, despite putting up a good fight in the second half. Next year ...
But thanks are still due to the B team (below) for taking part, further raising ABC's profile and helping to make it such an enjoyable day.
B Team :
- Susan Falgate and Jane Scarfe
- Louise Ball and Sue Smith
- David Earl and Paul Gilbertson
- Myself and Carol Lippert
(And thank you to Barbara who took the photo and sorted out all the team names, so I hardly had to write any of this at all - Jane).
|
|
|
|
| Play Bridge in Norfolk - or PBIN for short |
There's now one website where you can find all you need to know about playing bridge in Norfolk.
It's got info on everything from teaching in schools, U3A, fast track learning, individual tuition and clubs from easy starters to county level. Plus links to the EBU, NCBA and EBED and the low-down on the county's affiliated and non-affiliated clubs.
So, if you've just moved to Norfolk and are interested in learning bridge from scratch or improving or awakening your skills, you know where to go. PBIN's primary aim is to get more people playing in clubs - but their secondary objective is just encouraging more people to learn and play wherever! Tea and cake in the kitchen anyone?
Click here to find out all about it.
|
|
|
|