John Perry and Marianne Lewin had a successful outing in the latest Somerset Blue Pointed Swiss Pairs event, on 13 September. They came third, just one VP behind the pair in second place, and winning 5 of out their 6 matches. John is keen to encourage other Frome members to take part in Somerset CBA events whenever possible. He says: It would mean members are testing themselves in a wider bridge world than Frome BC, whilst also supporting Somerset CBA who have been very generous and supportive of us in the past. Somerset run 9-High events as well as their usual offering.

To visit the Somerset website click on Somerset County Corner in LH column of our Home Page. In addition, Wiltshire CBA run open events which may be of interest to members:  www.bridgewebs.com/wcba

The first round of the Somerset County League season got underway on Friday 4 September, with three Frome teams competing: Ray Nicholson’s Frome Butterflies are in the First Division and David Clayton’s Frome Fruit Bats and John Perry’s Frome Tricksters in the Second Division. The opening match in the Second Division saw a clash between the two Frome teams. John Perry writes: ‘The first half, 12 boards, was close with the Clayton team slightly ahead at the break. In the second half, the Clayton team pulled away from the Perry team to record a 15-5 victory. The Perry team were left to lick our wounds after we failed to bid and make two 4 Spade contracts. Our opponents bid and made one of these as 6 Spades, and the other as 4 Spades. Back to the drawing board for the Perry Team!

In the First Division the Butterflies got off to their usual rocky start, with a 17-3 loss, writes Ray Nicholson. The normal pairings in half the team could not be used due to team members being away or ill, but a valiant effort was put up against a team (Clevedon) who were almost faultless. As someone once said, the only way is up, (if we don't implode).'

Onwards and upwards to all concerned!

Thursday morning competitive play now starts promptly at 9.15am. This session is aimed at introducing members to bridge without assistance, and to play within a reasonable timeframe. Unfriendly or unduly aggressive playing will not be permitted. Informal, untimed, assisted play will continue as normal in the other rooms at Wesley Hall, starting at 9.30am.  On Tuesday evenings, the Beginners lessons start at 6.45pm prompt, ending at 8.45pm;  the Improvers group has a 6.30pm arrival time for a 6.40pm lesson, followed by assisted play from 7-9pm. Everyone welcome.

Thanks to all of you who supported the All About Bridge event in Frome Library on Saturday 5 September, either by attending on the day or with your excellent Reasons to Play Bridge suggestions. John Perry, event organiser, said he was delighted with the response of the public to the event: 'Our aim was to recruit people for our Beginners' class in October. More than 10 people showed interest so it was a very successful day. I would like to thank all the club members who generously gave their time to support the event.'

Some 71 Frome members turned out for the AGM on Thursday 21 May, with John Perry standing down as Club Secretary after many years; Jessica Slater was elected onto the Committee as the new Secretary. The Chairman Ray Nicholson reported that membership had risen from just over 100 to 160 in the past year. The Club Pairs Championship winners for 2025-26 were David Clayton & Richard King; Bill Blakie and Diane Price were announced as Frome Bridge Club Members of the Year, and thanked for their tireless help. The AGM Minutes can now be viewed under AGM Minutes in LH column; likewise the Annual Accounts and updated Club Constitution.