 Congratulations to all the members who entered competitions that were organized by the Eastern Region, and especially to the winners. We hope you enjoyed all of the games, and that you will all continue to enter competitions in the coming year. Many thanks to the Bridge clubs who hosted the events, the organisers, and especially to Fidelma Martin who ran the Massey Bros League, well done to all involved. Thanks once again to Dun Laoghaire Bridge Club and Greystones Bridge Centre for the use of their premises for our meetings and events.
Congratulations to John Noonan, who became Grand Master during the year.
There were many activities happening during the year, to promote new members. The season kicked off on 31st August with Eastern Region hosting a bridge promotion event in Stillorgan Shopping centre. This was very well supported by committee and friends. Leaflets were distributed giving details of local clubs and lessons available. We set up 2 tables and gave demonstrations of Mini Bridge to interested passers-by. There was also a game of bridge going on most of the day. Pens, packs of cards and sweets were distributed. There was particular interest in lessons. The event was very well attended by locals promoting their own clubs and seemed to be a worthwhile effort for the region. Bernie Rowntree and myself attended the Bridge stand at the over 50 Exhibition in the RDS on the 14th March - over 100 people completed forms who were interested in learning bridge and these were all followed up by the CBAI. A number of club visits were undertaken, by Brendan Martin (CDO) and the President, with a view to how the Region can assist in their development - improver classes were the main request. Club visits will recommence after the summer.
Four very successful TD training courses were organised for the end of last season and during the Autumn with a total of 45 attendees. One Bridgemate training course was held with 17 attendees. Joe Dempsey facilitated them and designed and presented excellent courses. Following feedback from the CDO, a training seminar was organised in February. Hilary McDonagh facilitated the event which was attended by 80 members, and another seminar is planned for the coming Autumn. The ER committee were very pro-active all year in arranging visits to clubs, TD training courses, Bridgemate training, and a seminar for the club playing members.
The region was delighted to welcome a new club in the region - Rathdown Bridge Club, which opened in Greystones Bridge Centre - bringing the number of affiliated clubs to 63 in the region.
I would like to thank the Committee for all their support during the year. Special thanks to Maura Kavanagh our Vice President, and to Fidelma Martin for her energy and organisation in running the Massey Bros League. I would like to welcome Patrick Russell from Apollo Bridge Club, who is the incoming Vice President for the coming year, and to welcome Finola McDonald who has volunteered to manage our website. Thanks also to the ER Committee, Brendan Martin, Marie Callanan, Gary Dowling and Grainne Dunne. Also thanks to John Noonan and John Royds who acted as tournament directors for all of the regional competitions.
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