Lincolnshire took their sit out on the first round in October, but Sunday 8^th November saw three teams of eight players do battle with opponents from Warwickshire, with everyone playing 32 boards.  An intense and enjoyable afternoon for all I think, with many interesting boards.  The opponents were strong though, and, despite much sterling work, our three teams lost their matches.  We look forward to the next game however, which takes place on 13^th December, starting at 1400. 
If anyone is not part of the county squad but would like to join, then please email me via the webmaster.  Additional players always welcome, as more players give more options to rotate the squad and allow for greater participation across the county.

Mark Wardell

Lincolnshire took their sit out on the first round in October, but Sunday 8^th November saw three teams of eight players do battle with opponents from Warwickshire, with everyone playing 32 boards.  An intense and enjoyable afternoon for all I think, with many interesting boards.  The opponents were strong though, and, despite much sterling work, our three teams lost their matches. ..........

The 2020-21 National Inter Club Knock Out (NICKO) is now open for entry. At just £72 per team (cheaper than last year) we are delighted to inform you that the draw will be made with no geographical constraints as the entire Knockout will be held online. The closing date for entries is midday Saturday 21st November, with the first round taking place from 24th November. Please send queries and or entries via the entry form to charlie@ebu.co.uk. This is a great way to play against clubs from across the entire country of all levels and broaden the social horizons of your club players! To get into the competitive mood, why not encourage members at your club to join us for the Autumn Congress. This event will be played on the brand new platform “Realbridge”, the closest you can get to playing face to face bridge in these times.

The 2020-21 National Inter Club Knock Out (NICKO) is now open for entry. At just £72 per team (cheaper than last year) we are delighted to inform you that the draw will be made with no geographical constraints as the entire Knockout will be held online. The closing date for entries is midday Saturday 21st November, with the first round taking place from 24th November. ..........

Dear Club/County Official 
The government has just announced that starting on Monday 14th September, social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England. Although there will be some exceptions to this, none seem to cover the situation of any bridge clubs.
This removes any doubt there may have been in our earlier advice to clubs about whether clubs can run any face-to-face games, and makes clear that this will not be possible until such time as further changes or clarifications to the rules may be announced. If suitable changes do emerge in the future and a club wishes to consider re-opening, it will still be essential to follow our earlier advice about completing a thorough Risk Assessment Form (Word or PDF) and complying with all remaining social distancing rules. The age and health-vulnerability or risk-status of club members will also need to be taken into account when making any such future plans.
We have been making decisions for our own EBU congresses and competitions on a monthly basis, for the forthcoming three-month period. We have cancelled all such events until the end of November and will review December at the end of this month. If we feel able to hold a face-to-face Year End Congress in London, then we will also hold an online congress at the same time for all those who can’t or don’t want to come to the London congress. We will not hold a live Northern Year End Congress.
Kind Regards
Sam Kelly
Communications Officer

Dear Club/County Official 
The government has just announced that starting on Monday 14th September, social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England. Although there will be some exceptions to this, none seem to cover the situation of any bridge clubs.
This removes any doubt there may have been in our earlier advice to clubs about whether clubs can run any face-to-face games, and makes clear that this will not be possible until such time as further changes or clarifications to the rules may be announced. ..........

Notice to all Affiliated Clubs and Members of LCBA

Approximately three weeks ago, I sent an email, on behalf of the Committee of the LCBA, to affiliated club secretaries requesting that they canvass their members regarding the issue of our being unable to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within the prescribed timeframe and format.

Thank you to all those members and the 7 clubs who have made known their opinions and preferences. Of the 7 clubs that responded, 4 were in favour of waiting until a ‘Face to Face’ AGM could be held rather than holding a virtual AGM by video link, with the remaining 3 expressing no strong preference. Consequently, the next AGM will be held on a ‘Face to Face’ basis as soon as practicably possible, in accordance with members’ wishes, taking into consideration any government restrictions and the requirements for the holding of such a meeting, as set out in the constitution and manual of the LCBA.

Currently it is known that at least two key positions, those of Secretary and Competitions Secretary, will fall vacant at the next AGM. All members are invited to consider applying for these, and any other roles on the LCBA Committee. Further details will be published as soon as a date for the next AGM can be confirmed.   

Andrew Howarth

(Interim Secretary to the LCBA on behalf of the Committee of the LCBA.)

Notice to all Affiliated Clubs and Members of LCBA

Approximately three weeks ago, I sent an email, on behalf of the Committee of the LCBA, to affiliated club secretaries requesting that they canvass their members regarding the issue of our being unable to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within the prescribed timeframe and format.

Thank you to all those members and the 7 clubs who have made known their opinions and preferences. Of the 7 clubs that responded, 4 were in favour of waiting until a ‘Face to Face’ AGM could be held rather than holding a virtual AGM by video link, with the remaining 3 expressing no strong preference. ..........