Rosalind Marshall
Rosalind Marshall, a long-standing member of the club, died on October the 9th. She played at most of our venues almost exclusively with her husband John, a former club chair.
Rosalind wasn't able to play in recent years due to her illness, lovingly and patiently cared for by John. She was well liked across the membership and always raised a point or two at AGMs. They were a delightful, devoted couple with never a cross word heard at the table, although the occasional exasperated glance might just be observed when dummy was faced! She will be sadly missed by her family, at the club, the WI and croquet club.
I can be contacted for details of her funeral.
Trevor Purches
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 Lyn Alvis
My long time friend and bridge partner, Lyn Alvis, quietly passed away early on Wednesday morning (August 13th) after a long illness. I know that most of you who had the pleasure of playing with and against him will share my sadness, but I know that Lyn would have preferred that you raise a smile and a glass to the good memories you have of times playing at the table, and afterwards talking about the playing.
Lyn was a kind, gentle, affable and courteous person. He carried this over to the bridge table where he delighted as much in the good fortune and play of our opponents as he did in our own. He played and coached both rugby and hockey, and his angelic “butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth” table presence, the bane of opponents trying to work out which hand to finesse into, belied the Welsh steel of getting a good result when the chips were down and his gander was up. He played a 3NT contract as well as anyone in the club in his prime, and I smile now thinking of his trademark throw in, leading a small card from hand to a small card in dummy, and the angst it inevitably caused the defenders.
I will miss his gentle humour and manner, and his delight at good card play by whichever hand. I feel privileged that he taught me to both play, and to play in what he felt was the right spirit of the game, enjoying the game for the game itself and not just for the result. I have passed on our condolences to his beloved wife and daughter, Rosemary and Suzie.
Martyn Tranter, August 2025
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Hugh Gross - a memory
Hugh could outwardly appear to be a grumpy old man but inside there was kindness and an amazing dry sense of humour. He had some serious health problems for many years but he never talked about them or complained.
Hugh started his career working for BT but diversified into opening very successful health food shops - as a sideline he provided the most delicious teas for Berks and Bucks bridge events.
Apart from bridge, Hugh's great passion was football, but his bridge was far more successful than the football clubs he supported - Wycombe Wanderers when they were bottom of division 2 and, more recently, Frome Town.
I will remember Hugh as a very kind and loyal friend.
Elaine Taylor, May 2025
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