After the turbulence at the beginning of 2025 with regard to the BLC, and our rent being increased from £70 to £95,
I am somewhat relieved to be able to report that, on balance, I think the Club has enjoyed a good year.
The main reason for this is you, the Members.
We had a record turnout for the Club Teams Championship in November, with ten tables — unheard of since the heady days down in Tooting.
And just witness the wonderful spread you all produced for our Christmas party. Week after week, it is a pleasure to sit and play with you all.
Secured Club Dates (Sacrosanct)
There remains the problem of cancellation at short notice, but I am happy to report that we have secured several more dates throughout the year which are sacrosanct. These are:
- January 12
- February 2
- March 16 and 23 (Club Pairs)
- May 18 (Mixed Pairs)
- September 21
- October 12 and 19
- November 23
- December 14
The February and September dates are for Teams Nights, which is something the membership has requested, and the Committee is happy to oblige.
For now, we are retaining the Handicap Pairs evenings in October, but we are more than happy to hear back from you all on this.
As usual in this report, there are many people to thank, and I make no apology for starting with the Committee.
They all do an amazing job and give me incredible support and advice, and I am indebted to each of them.
Then there are all our directors, without whom there would be no Club. Thank you to Annamarie, Sati, Johns H, K and W, Kit, and Toby.
We know that your game suffers a little whenever it is your turn, but we could not do without you.
A special mention must also go to Kit for being so obliging whenever we are booted out, and for ferrying our equipment to the appropriate venue and back.
This brings me to thank John Kemball for providing that venue, and indeed for dealing our boards.
A big thank you as well to all of you who produced our party food in December — marvellous.
Finally, thank you to Charles for setting up and clearing away the room for us every week, with tireless good grace.
Last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to Andy for all his efforts in updating and streamlining our website,
and in getting the Club onto several social media sites, which can only be a good thing in helping to make our name more widely known.
He has done all this with great speed and efficiency, and not least, cheerfulness. We are much better off for all his efforts and very much obliged.
I wish you all a very happy bridge-playing year.