NBC

Dear Bridge Family

NBC Report – 2025

A bridge hand teaches us many things — patience when the cards are bad, humility when the partner is right, and optimism that the next deal will surely be better!

It gives me great pleasure to present the Navnat Bridge Club President’s Report for 2025.

The past year has been another strong and encouraging one for NBC, marked by consistent participation, enjoyable sessions, generous support, and the continued spirit of togetherness that defines our Bridge Family.

In Remembrance and Compassion

As always, we pause to remember and honour those members of our Bridge Family whom we sadly lost during the year. They remain in our thoughts and prayers, and their presence is fondly remembered at the bridge table and beyond. We also extend our best wishes to any members who may be facing health or personal challenges.

Membership and Participation

Our current membership stands at around 120 members, and we are delighted to welcome several new members who have joined us during the year. Their enthusiasm and participation have added further energy to our sessions.

In 2025, we successfully played approximately 55 bridge sessions, including weekday and weekend games. Attendance has remained strong, with many members playing regularly, and we continue to see growing interest in increased weekend bridge play, which we aim to build upon further.

Hospitality and Support

One of the highlights of NBC continues to be the warm hospitality enjoyed at our sessions. Many games were accompanied by hot nastas, and on several occasions, full meals were enjoyed by members.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous donations and sponsorships received throughout the year, which make this possible. In addition, NBC was pleased to make its usual donation of £1,000 to Navnat, supporting the wider charitable work of the organisation.

A very special note of appreciation goes to our much-loved “Kitchen Queens” — Shakuben Sheth, Ushaben Shah, Kirtidaben Shah — and the entire kitchen team, whose dedication, warmth, and delicious food are truly appreciated by everyone. NBC would not be the same without them.

Events and Activities

Our social and special events continue to be a key part of club life, bringing members together beyond regular play. These occasions reinforce the strong bonds within our Bridge Family and add to the enjoyment of membership.

We are also grateful to all members who quietly and consistently assist with setting up, scoring, organising sessions, and ensuring everything runs smoothly — your support never goes unnoticed.

Looking Ahead

The coming months promise to be just as exciting:

• A Card Fun Day on 25 January, kindly sponsored by Ushaben Shah in loving memory of the late Jayantilal Shah. We hope this meaningful and enjoyable event will become an annual NBC tradition.

• Plans for a Bridge Workshop in due course, aimed at learning, development, and confidence-building.

• The eagerly awaited Potters holiday in March, which many members are looking forward to.

• Continued efforts to expand weekend bridge sessions, reflecting member interest and availability.

Appreciation and Thanks

My sincere thanks go to all NBC members for your loyalty, enthusiasm, and friendship — you are the heart of this club.

I would also like to place on record our gratitude to Jaswantbhai Doshi, President of Navnat, the entire Navnat Executive Committee, Trustees, Advisory Board, and all affiliates, for their continued encouragement and support of the Navnat Bridge Club.

Special appreciation goes to the NBC Committee and their spouses for their teamwork, commitment, and behind-the-scenes efforts throughout the year.

In Closing

We are extremely fortunate to have the Navnat Centre as our home — offering excellent facilities, a welcoming environment, and the flexibility to enjoy bridge throughout the year. NBC remains not just a club, but a family brought together by shared enjoyment, mutual respect, and friendship.

My apologies if I have inadvertently missed mentioning anyone or anything. Thank you all for another wonderful year, and I look forward to many more enjoyable hands of bridge together.

With warm regards and best wishes,

Anup Mehta
President
Navnat Bridge Club
2025