It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear and lovely friend, Mike Howse, who died peacefully at home on the evening of the 6th October.

Mike joined Kendal Bridge Club in the mid 1980’s and was Chairman in 1993 for several years, playing also at Grange-over-Sands, Windermere, and Arnside. He was a passionate advocate for teaching the beginners’ courses and supporting local clubs and individuals along the way.

After a medical career helping so many in his life, his care continued as a great friend with boundless wit, always giving time, an attentive ear, and a compassionate understanding to everyone he met. He will leave a huge void in many lives.

Our deepest, heartfelt love and sympathies go to Stella and their three sons and families at this sad time.

It is with great sadness that we report the death on Saturday of Michael Cox at an impressive age of 93. He played f2f at Kendal up until the 30th August 2021 (scoring over 71%) and then returned on the 2nd May 2022 when the club celebrated his 90th birthday. He continued to play on Kendal’s BBO sessions until May 2024. Among his many successes are winning the Carson cup with Malcolm Hartley three times, and most recently in 2014. He won the Ellis cup in 2012, with Sally-Ann and Mike Rothwell. Another win in the Westmorland Pairs in 2021 with Gillian Whyte and the Westmorland teams in the same year. He won the Westmorland Pivot teams in 2012, also with Sally-Ann and Mike. He also represented Kendal in the National Inter-club Knockout, reaching the semi-finals in 2014 with Malcolm, Sally-Ann, and Mike. He also played at Lancaster Bridge club for many years.

It is with great sadness that we report that Mike passed away on Sunday 18th May.  Mike was a Life Member of the Club and he and his first wife Jean were regular players here and at Windermere for many years.  Following Jean’s death, Mike moved away but continued to play occasionally in our BBO sessions and also for Westmorland in the Northern Bridge League.  Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Sue, who had also been a member at Windermere, his relatives, and to his many friends.

It is with much sadness that we report the passing of Richard Bird, a member of Kendal and Windermere Bridge Clubs.

Richard had been in hospital and a nursing home but latterly managed to return to his home in Windermere.

Our deepest sympathies go to all his family and friends at this sad time.

In the photo, Richard (left) is with Phil Hoyle displaying the Wraight Cup they won in 2022.

We are very sad to announce that David Harrison died recently.  It is understood that he died peacefully at home, although the cause of death is not yet known.

Dave was a very fine Bridge player — a Grand Master who had a lot of success locally and nationally.  Just a few weeks ago, Dave was in a team which came second in the Northern Easter Festival at Harrogate.  He also won the Cumbria County Pairs this year with Gillian Whyte, and was a member of the Kendal NICKO Team.

Dave was always a generous partner and a gracious opponent, and his quiet charm will be greatly missed.