History Behind FOBC

In the Beginning: As the 'Covid-19 lockdown' began, Elsie Hay (username on BBO; LCAofFOBC) was in the middle of a Teaching Program for beginners down at the local club. Not wishing to allow her students to fall back on everything they had learned up until then, she set about giving them tasks which they could do alone, or in pairs for, those who had that opportunity. This soon progressed to also include some bridge quizzes, although Elsie, not satisfied with this, believed that unless her students could carry on practicing by playing bridge, felt all her efforts would be in vain. Therefore as she was already a frequent user of BBO and already trialing Zoom In's, thought that this was just the perfect technology to utilise for bridge students. 

Then two to three weeks into the lockdown Elsie contacted Clive Wood (username on BBO; clivewood - yes not very imaginative) as she was aware, that he had in the past, ran an assisted/supervised play session at the Bolton Bridge Club and was now doing something similar at another local club. Elsie told Clive ''I have a dream'' - sure I have heard that quote somewhere before, and before long they had 15 FOBC members all signed up and ready to go. Shortly afterwards (approx two weeks later) this number had more than doubled to over 40 members. On 1st June 2020, FOBC was officially launched with an ever increasing list players registering with the club on a trial basis, Therefore it was decided to reward them all by offering them an all inclusive 'Special Founder Member Joining Fee' for their first 12 months membership. With almost 100 members deciding to take up this option, FOBC was now launched and up and running.

Due to their continued success, FOBC now offers a ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL for any interested players, who may then go on to join the club via a 1off all inclusive fee (see information page on FOBC website for further information).  This all inclusive fee includes; FREE weekly, beginner, intermediate and advanced seminars & lessons; FREE to enter team & pairs league events; FREE assisted/supervised play sessions; FREE mentoring from our club experts; plus quizzes, powerpoints, live recorded presentations and  much more, all available free of charge. 

Yes, 'The Dream' has since become a reality.

If you are interested in joining FOBC or want to learn more about the club, why not contact either Clive, Trevor or Des who will be more than happy to help. 

The FOBC strategy:-

The Mission: Then is to become a friendly organised online bridge club promoting and encouragingthe game of bridge for all players, regardless of their age, ability, experience and location or whereabouts. Using the Bridge Base Online (BBO) site, the club hopes to become the leading online bridge club attracting and accommodating all like-minded players of any skill l.

The Aim: Is to have FOBC operating just like our normal everyday live F2F bridge clubs, which can be enjoyed by all of its members, in a warm, peaceful and friendly environment. We also want to make this experience available to all members wherever and whenever they choose. Whether this be from the comfort of your own home; whilst on holiday; and at any time of the day or night, 24/7 & 365 days of the year. WHATEVER - WHENEVER - WHEREVER - HOWEVER.

The Plan: Since the coronavirus pandemic, and judging by the interest and responses received, we believe that the idea is a worthwhile proposition and will be successful. Plus, with all of the comments received. OUR MEMBERS THINK SO TOO. So as we continue to evolve and grow, we shall always ensure our overall mission and concept of being a friendly organised club remains as the most important factor.

FOBC have already created a community spirit amongst its existing members and will further replicate everything that is pleasant and nice about bridge and being part of a club. At the same time, the club will avoid everything that is understood as ‘not so good’ by ensuring it never enters FOBC in the first place. ‘A Bridge Too Far’ – NO – The FOBC approach will always be anything is possible everything is achievable.

The Vision: The original idea was floated via email and sent to over 100 players who, in the past, had attended lessons & assisted/supervised play sessions at various 'live clubs' associated with Clive & Elsie  They are still associated and run/organise events at these clubs still to this day. So the FOBC idea is to compliment live face to face play with something more accessible and convenient and to suit all members personal circumstances. So our vision will always be reiterated as our original aim WHOEVER - WHATEVER - WHENEVER - WHEREVER - HOWEVER.

We also want it to be fully understood that, FOBC is NOT and NEVER will be an attempt to 'compete or steal' members from live or indeed other online/virtual clubs that already exist. Neither will they ever wish to do so. Why do we need to do that? The success to-date already speaks for itself, and for FOBC the attempt will always be to 'compliment bridge' by the online technology which is now part of our everyday lives.

How do the current members help: By simply being friendly and polite at all times and always have consideration for others. And by ‘spreading the word’. It is the clubs membership & personal endorsements that have become the foundation for our development, growth and success to-date. Long may this continue into the future.