It is with regret that we acknowledge the death of Gerald Bailey, aged 87, on Friday 30th June 2023, having finally lost the fight against MDS Syndrome, blood cancer.

Gerald, a Chartered Accountant, enjoyed sports ( golf, squash and football ) to an above average standard. A life-long supporter of Sheffield Wednesday F.C., he played football in the army during his National Service where he was also introduced to Contract Bridge. When some 50+ years later he attended a Bridge Beginners/Refresher course at Worksop Golf Club he was soon ignoring his 'experienced' overseer's advice and proving himself right. A little later Gerald joined Worksop Bridge Club where with his fine partner, Phil Revill, almost immediately became Club Champion in successive years. During his time at Worksop Golf Club Gerald held the positions of Club Captain, Club President and Financial Director.

With the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown in March 2020, Gerald joined the Retford Bridge Club on-line sessions of FunBridge and later RealBridge. Unfortunately his old partner (Phil Revill) could not partner him on-line and thus Gerald was forced to play with lesser lights who frustratingly ensured him much more modest levels of success. Though "Not Suffering Fools Gladly" and earning himself the endearing title of "Mr Grumpy", Gerald will always be remembered as a fine gentleman and sorely missed as a good sporting friend.

It is with much sadness that we report that former club member Alan Fell passed away on 10 May 2023. Alan was a member of the club for over twenty years playing with a number of partners. A message of condolence has been sent via Keith Baines with whom he played regularly.

We are sad to report the death of another of our members in October this year. Ted had been a member and regular attender at Retford BC for many years after joining in the late 1990's.

Although he had not been able to attend very often over the past couple of years or so he formed regular partnerships with Alan Jillott and Mary Cook. He had been introduced to Retford after meeting Alan at Doncaster BC. More recently he was playing regularly at Worksop BC as he found it too difficult to get to Retford.

Although he didn't play in the teams he was a very capable card player and tricky opponent as one was never quite sure what he was up to! He always had a smile for everyone and was a very kind and courteous opponent to play against.

He had a son and two granddaughters and will be missed by everyone.

Chris was an active member of Retford Bridge Club since 2008. Her bridge game developed quickly and she formed a formidable partnership with her husband and played to a high standard with other partners. Chris and Sandy were also successful co-hosts of bridge sessions on major cruises. The Club will be a duller place without her – not only because she was an engaging personality but also because she was an independent, forthright person who was sensitive, kind and supportive. Our hearts and thoughts are with Sandy and the family at this time for their loss.

It is with great sadness that Lindsay informed me that Brian passed away peacefully on Thursday morning. He was a well respected and loved member of our Bridge Club for the past ten years. He was delightful to play with and against, being a true gentleman at and away from the table. He had a kind word for everyone. When I started teaching Bridge ten years ago he was one of my first students. He picked the game up very quickly and was soon attending the duplicates at the bridge club. He played regularly for the third team and occasionally for the second and first team. Away from the bridge table he fostered several children successfully and took great pride on how they responded to his and Lindsay’s care. He was an avid Middlesborough fan and often attended matches.

He will be sorely missed and our condolences go to Lindsay and family.

Sandy Fulton.

We are sorry to inform members of Geoffrey’s death on 9th August. Geoffrey was a longstanding member who joined the Club 30 years ago. He was a sociable player, a gentleman, noted for his sartorial example, who loved his bridge. In the past he contributed to Club Activities e.g. writing reports for the Retford Times, helping at Swiss Teams. We will miss him.

I am sad to report the death of Iris Hardwick in November 2020. She had been a member of the club for many years although she had not played for the past 5 years or so. She was headteacher of Lorne House School for many years and I remembered her well from those days as both my children were pupils there. Her other great interest was Retford Little Theatre and she performed in many plays over the years. I well remember her as a rather formidable Lady Bracknell in the Importance of Being Earnest. 

David tragically died in 2018, and we still miss him and his outstanding contribution to the Retford Bridge Club. A club tends to depend on a relatively small number of volunteers who give their time and ability to ensure the Club functions effectively and to safeguard the interests of members. David was one of these few unsung heroes. 

He was a member for almost 20 years. He was at the forefront of the major technical change at RBC for he formed one of the first dealing and scoring teams with the introduction of computer dealt hands over 10 years ago. He regularly did this up to his death. In addition, for several years he organised the annual Swiss Teams’ Event and then assisted his successor. David was a member of the Committee for a few years. Further he was a regular director of Bridge Sessions at the Club. In addition, for several years he was the C Team captain. If this list is not impressive enough, he also helped the Club in many informal, unseen ways.

After each bridge session we enjoyed his company at the local hostelry and now miss his company. Thanks for everything David.