Bookham Afternoon Bridge Club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019.  We normally play duplicate bridge on Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Old Barn Hall.  The Club is an affiliated member of the EBU. 

Sadly we must keep the club closed for the foreseeable future, until such time as the authorities decide that it is safe to resume face-to-face bridge.  Meanwhile we have set up arrangements for members to meet and play bridge online. 

We sincerely hope that as many members as possible will take part in our online sessions, keep in touch with friends and help safeguard the future of the club.

Geraldine’s visa has finally come through and so, sadly, we will be saying farewell (but hopefully not goodbye) as she leaves to join her family in America.

Geraldine served the club as Secretary for ten years and is remembered by Coral Wabe, a former Chairman, as "an excellent Secretary – efficient, good humoured and loyal and a good friend".

While many remember Geraldine in that role, some of her other talents may not be so well known. She is a gifted artist who uses a variety of media in creating some beautiful paintings. After qualifying at the Liverpool College of Art one of her early students was John Lennon and Geraldine has some amusing stories to tell in that regard; she regrets not keeping some of his 'scribbles'!  Another of her skills is jewellery-making and many club members wear lovely jewellery which she designed and made.

Geraldine is an excellent bridge player and has been a very loyal supporter of our online club. She will be much missed. We hope we may continue to see her playing online (even if it does mean a very early rising for her!)

We wish you safe travel to America, Geraldine, and a very happy future there with lots of good bridge. Do please keep in touch.

Geraldine's reply:
Thank you for your good wishes.
While I am looking forward to the next stage in my life I will miss my participation in all the activities at Bookham Bridge Club.
I joined the club, my first, after lessons with Sue Jackson.  In those days, some 17 years ago, you had to be played in before being allowed to join. My "examiners" were Keith Lawrence and Jean Tring. I can remember their faces when I thought it was OK to refer to notes during bidding!
Although it has taken over three years for me to be able to join my daughters and grandchildren in America, mainly due to Trump and Covid, it has given me an extra three years with friends at the club.
I will especially miss my long time partners Ray and Anne who have been patient and forgiving during our many games together.  I regret that Covid has prevented a last face to face afternoon at the club but look forward to some future BBO sessions.
To quote Ray, I am off to the land of 5 card Majors, strong NT and alligators!
Best wishes to you all.

Geraldine

Thank you to all those members who kindly took the time to complete our recent survey. In total we heard from 139 individuals whose views were considered by your Committee at their recent meeting. I was delighted that there was a strong desire to resume face to face bridge. However, the appetite for when that should be was almost equally split between those wishing to resume as soon as possible and those who would only consider attending at some time in the future.

To try to meet the needs of as many members as possible the decision was taken that when face to face bridge at Bookham does resume that initially and for a limited period it will be only once per week with an online game being held on the other day. Sessions at the Barn Hall will likely be held on first, third and fifth Thursdays plus on second and fourth Mondays.

Until government and EBU advice, restrictions and regulations are published for the “post June 21 norm” then it will not be possible to announce what changes will be introduced into the playing environment at the Barn Hall. Your Committee will be considering those and will be meeting again in late June.  We should then be able share with you and to be fully transparent about any changes which must be introduced.

To allow time for any necessary changes to be acted upon, implemented and shared with members it is anticipated that the earliest possible date for face to face bridge to return to the Barn Hall would likely be late July.

Neil Higgins

A new era started on 1 June 2020 with the successful launch of BABC Online.  We play on Bridge Base Online (BBO) using an arrangement set up by the EBU.  More than 180 members and guests have now played in our online sessions.  

• The online sessions are open to members, Waiting List visitors and invited guests.   
• We play on Mondays and Thursdays, starting at 1 pm.  You must register by 12.50 pm.
• On Mondays we play 20 boards, allowing an average of 8 minutes per board.  On Thursdays we play 24 boards, allowing an average of 7 minutes per board with a tea break in the middle of the session.  
• Entry fee (Table money) is 3 Bridge Base Dollars (BB$) (Approx. £2.50)
• BBO has a Partnership Desk which can be used to find a partner at the start of a session.  The club has a Partner Message Board which members can use to find a partner for future dates.

If you are not familiar with Bridge Base Online (BBO) and would like to play in a friendly game before joining the club sessions, please contact Neil Higgins who will arrange a practice session with some coaching.