Dear members

Quiche night was held last Wednesday evening. It was, as always, a very enjoyable night with dinner, wine and bridge. Come along next month on Wednesday 2nd April and support the club.  Thank you to Christopher, Ruth, Judy and Bronwen for organising these nights.

The HiLo is on Thursday 20th March. We need more Hi players, over 30MP, so please put your name on the list if you can play that day. These events are very important for the club as it encourages our newer players to come and play and helps them move on to other sessions. The draw will be out soon so check with whom you are playing on the day and be at the club from 12.30pm to meet and greet your partner

Margaret Cole, who has been a member for many years, has relocated to Broulee to be closer to family. She thanked the club, directors and committee members for their efforts and enjoyed being part of the Kiama Bridge Club. We send her our best wishes in her new home.

To avoid having to run the dishwasher twice each session (which will save time and be more cost effective) it has been suggested for players to bring their own refillable drink bottle or cup.

Due to many queries and complaints from members the Committee suggests the following;

If you are playing a different system to that of the majority of members who play 5 card majors, as a matter of courtesy, please tell your opponents at the table before play. eg "We play Accol or we may open with less than 12 points and explain your preempt opening bids.

Please play in the "spirit of the game" as it is very confusing to our newer players and is not appreciated by the majority of members who for years have been playing Standard American in the club for years.

If you are going to play a very different system to the generally accepted club's system please ensure you and your partner have a system card on the table explaining your opening bids and responses.

Clarification of Dummy's rights

1. Dummy may answer declarer's question as to where the lead is, but once declarer has played a card (or called for one from dummy), dummy must remain silent, even if the lead is from the wrong side.

2. Dummy may, however, stop declarer from leading from the wrong side, if it is evident that declarer is about to do so ie before the card is actually played.

Happy bridging and treat your partner kindly!!

Regards

Ann Blue

Dear Members

Welcome back to bridge. It's a new year and it's February already!

From all reports the Christmas Party was a great night. The entertainment was most enjoyable and the food was amazing and beautifully presented. Many thanks to the members who brought dishes and a huge thank you to the hardworking team of Judy, Bronwen, Rhonni, Dawn and Anita and all the people who helped set up and cleaned and tidied up at the end of the night. 

Defibrillator and Fire Extinguisher and fire blanket

We will be holding a demonstration of the defibrillator and a short video of how to use the fire extinguisher and fire blanket before each session.

Hopefully we never have to use them but we all should know how in the case of an emergency. Thank you

to Helen and Richard for organising this. We will put the dates on the website once they are confirmed.

Starting Time

We ask all players to be seated at the table at least 15 minutes prior to the starting time of each session.

This allows the Director to organise the movement for the session. If there are late comers or there appears a half table, a new movement has to be selected and sometimes the bridge mates have to be reset. 

Membership

Membership renewal is now OVERDUE. If you haven't paid your subscription, please do so as soon as possible. Envelopes are near the suggestion box. Fees are $50 for members and $20 for those whose home club is not Kiama. You can pay by EFT. Details on how to pay are on the website.

Hi/Lo Event

The next Hi/Lo will be held on Thursday 10 March. Information will be on the noticeboard early next month.

NSW Bridge Association

The NSW Bridge Association has a monthly newsletter printed at the end of each month. For those who may be interested you can subscribe to the newsletter on their website.

Happy Bridging for 2025

Ann Blue

Over 65% Session

This Wednesday 11th December is the Over 65% session starting at 9.30am. There is a list of qualifiers on the noticeboard. There will be no spare so please arrange a partner to play with as some people have qualified with different partners. The normal Wednesday session will not be played.

Christmas Hamper

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Homestead of Hope Charity. Helen Stirling kindly delivered all the goods to them. They were gratefully received and overwhelmed by the members' generous donations.

Spares Roster

Thank you to the members who have volunteered to be a spare for Wednesday and Thursday sessions next year. There is a roster on the front noticeboard. If you can't make it on your allocated day please arrange a swap with another spare. Contact numbers are on the roster.

Christmas Party

There is a list on the noticeboard to put your name on and if you are bringing a guest. If you are bringing a dessert or pre dinner nibbles please be specific as to what you are bringing. This helps the Committee with catering for the night.

The party will start after the Thursday session has finished with drinks and nibbles outside the AFL club.

Trophies will be presented at 5pm followed by dinner at 6pm. Entertainment with Aria Stone from 7 to 8.30pm.

Library

The library will be available next year. If you have any suggestions for bridge books you would like to be in the library, please let the Committee know.

Xmas Decorations

The clubhouse has been beautifully decorated for the Christmas season thanks to Carol Marriott and her helpers, Johanna, Ivan Boulton, Phil Andersen and Ian Blue. We are lucky to have such helpful members. Thank you very much.

Annual Fees

Both the ABF and NSW Bridge Associations have increased their fees quite substantially and consequently the club has to increase the annual subscriptions to cover the costs.

The membership fee for 2025 will be $50.00

Payment is not due until February 2025 so please wait until next year to pay.

Table fees will remain at $5.00

The last bridge session will be Thursday 19th December 2024. 

The first session for 2025 will be Thursday 2nd January 2025.

As this is the last newsletter for the year the Committee wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Enjoy the break with family and friends.