As someone who works part-time in a school, I was a little frustrated to see a local supermarket, advertising the 'back to school,' range, this before the school's had broken up. It hardly seems that any time has passed before the bridge season has ended and we are talking about the next.

The first event is our County AGM, to be held online (Zoom) at 5pm on Sunday 16th August. Please let Judy know if you can attend, she will provide the appropriate paperwork and the zoom log on details.

The Summer SIMS is scheduled for Wednesday, 19th August. Start times will be dependent on the local heat, and please check out the clubs participating; Eccleshall, Newcastle and Wrekin. The arrangements should be that for these events; the visitors' fees are waived for any (paid-up) members of the county.

With reluctance we have had to cancel the Wednesday evening county game on BBO, this due to small table numbers, and the event became cost ineffective - having to pay for directors and hosting charges. James has done some research on what other games are available, especially with our hosting clubs.

Paul, is looking for teams to participate in the leagues again this year. It is hoped we can improve on the numbers of teams from last season. There are two leagues, and the idea is that the second division is geared more for the causal game, whilst the first for the more competitive players. No doubt, Paul is also on the lookout for players wanting to represent the county in the county matches.

Looking much further afield, the provisional dates for the County Pairs Championship (Bearn Trophies) is Sunday, 18th April 27, the County Teams Championship on the 9th May and the Mixed Pairs on the 6th June.

There are advertised on the county website a whole plethora of EBU events, and I am also aware of the National Handicap Pairs taking place on Sunday 6th September. Local clubs can host heats of this, and I believe there will be opportunity to play online. This event will be ranked against the NGS grade of all those taking part. As always check the county website for further details.

Happy bridging all

Tony