Members of Scunthorpe Bridge Club are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our President, Val Threadgould.  Val was loved and respected widely in the club.  She served as President since 2023 through a period of change, which was not always welcomed, and certainly posed challenges to those entrusted with trying to plot the course ahead for the club.  Firstly there was the serious loss of members through the Covid years and the aftermath of this period. Secondly there was the challenge of adjusting to the change in the membership as we tended to move from having many experienced players towards needing to cater more for less experienced players, who especially enjoyed the social side of meeting to play bridge.  Thirdly the premises are beginning to show their age and there has been the challenge of arranging for essential and cosmetic work to be carried out.  When we moved into the Sunningdale Road premises, we were blessed by having several members who had practical skills and were prepared to give generously of their time.  In the present period, we mainly look to engage trades people on a commercial basis – but even this requires voluntary work in order to obtain the best deal possible for the club.

It was not easy for Val to cope with these challenges, but she did well to keep things going smoothly in her own inimitable style.  She chaired committee meetings (which tended to be very long) in an informal way.  Val explained that she wanted everybody to have their say in the hope that she would learn what the members really wanted.

We especially think of Val’s son, Jonathan, and her close friend, Bill, at this difficult time.  Val was sustained in all her efforts by her simple and sincere belief in Buddhism with its emphasis on peace and harmony.  We all know it is not possible to please all of the people all of the time, but Val  certainly tried.  May she rest in peace.

The funeral will be on Monday, 23^rd. February at 11.20am at the Scunthorpe Crematorium.  Family flowers only, but donations can be made on the day to Greenpeace.  Members are invited to join the family afterwards at The Wortley Hotel, Rowland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1SU.

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