1.

SWISS TEAMS (From the Secretary's Desk)

In September 12 teams turned up at Stafford for the Second annual County Swiss teams event. This was rather less than we had hoped for but ample to ensure a good battle; which though fought at all tables without quarter was completely free from any rancour. This made for a most enjoyable afternoon and evening. The editor had suggested refreshments at half-time and together with the Secretary was commissioned to produce them with the aid of members from Chasetown. It was widely rumoured that the editor had bought a job lot of Kit-e-Kat cheap and the Secretary had sneaked a hunk of beef from the knackers yard. However, after eyeing the provisions cautiously - especially the ham and it transpired that Geoff had slapped together some excellent rough cast salmon sandwiches and whatever their source the Secretary's efforts were not bad either. These had to be washed down with a variety of liquids as tea was not available (This we hope to remedy) and play resumed with everyone nicely "put on" till they could get home for supper. When the smoke had cleared the County Captain's team like a true thoroughbred had made a long strong run from behind. A team from the South East, whose passes expired at nine, were seen scurrying like Cinderella from the ball and also laden with some of the loot as peace offerings.

I feel confident that all who came enjoyed it and would recommend the event for next year. I think a prize for the best placed team not including a player of master rank in their number would be a good idea.

RESULTS
1st Captain Dash TEAM Mrs. I. Ferguson, Ferguson-Speedman.
2nd Milewski
3rd Jim Riley (Chasetown)

As last year, the event was directed by Dave Marshall in a most smooth and efficient manner I feel sure that this helped in no small way to the overall enjoyment.
JOHN HUDSON

2.

CORONATION CUP (From the Secretary's Desk)

It seems the ability to write is completely lacking in bridge players. The harassed Secretary reports that he had but three written entries and needless to say this led to last minute chaos. On Sunday 5th, we had six counties entered and but six teams from our Shire. Vigerous efforts were made to recruit three more and by Wednesday we had the desirable number of 15 teams in total. Then chaos! The Secretary rang the absent County to discover to his horror that no one there could write either and so rather than not come at all they were coming in force without writing. Mr. Peter Tottenham who hates 16 tables was not pleased; and a team from Alsager kindly stood down. Worse was to follow; another illiterate team assured the Secretary that they had entered verbally (anyone who knows what sort of memory the Secretary has got would have known this was a stupid thing to do anyway). So 16 teams it was, which did not amuse the Tournament Director, Peter Tottenham, making such a difficult movement. Nevertheless, he did us proud. He ran this difficult combination in his usual efficient way and this together with refreshments and pleasant surroundings ensured that the afternoon and evening was thoroughly enjoyable. Warwickshire arrived with the Cup (god bless them) prepared to defend it to the death. Again play proceeded without quarter given or asked for, and again completely without rancour. One pair arrived at the writers table hoped we were not married, a slightly surprising hope as we were both male it took a while for the penny to drop; apparently they had just left a monumental husband and wife "'you know what" (however at the end of the evening there was no evidence of any divorce proceedings). They (both male) then proceeded to miss a stone cold 5 clubs and had to be reminded of their opening remarks this cooled the situation with some mirth and play proceeded. Being my first Coronation, I was too busy to notice much of the play. At half-time some wretched County had far too many V.P.'s to be decent, but for a change it wasn't Warwickshire. From a position of 1 V.P. below par the prospects of money looked bleak for us and other teams were speculating on how much the Secretary had concealed in the buff envelopes marked 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Because of the 16 table situation, 45 boards were necessary and play finished rather late. One gentleman graced the tables in dress suit and bow tie, smoked expensive cigars and very well he looked. This prompted an ageing sage to reflect that the Coronation was not what it used to be. You know we used to dress for it and dine in the interval (and now 30p table money is called exorbitant - how bridge players have slipped). None the less this Coronation was most enjoyable; keenly contested and Nottingham are to be congratulated on winning in a canter.

RESULTS

3.

BEARN

From all reports, the new format of the Bearn has met with a most encouraging start. In my own personal opinion (I stress it is not necessarily a view held by the Management) it is unfortunate that there are still a few dissenters who object to the 10p supplement charged by the County Association. Apparently, the County has been accused in some quarters of adopting a "Big Brother" attitude with the constituent clubs.

It is, however, pleasing to note that most clubs are reporting an increased number of tables on Bearn night - a benefit to club and county alike. We are, after all, in the same business - to arrange enjoyable and competitive bridge at all levels. The new Bearn even appear to be doing just that, and I hope the rank and file will pull together to make this event justify its ranking in the County Calendar which is the premier pairs event.

One final point on the Bearn, a special thanks should be extended to out worthy Secretary who has really done a tremendous job in revitalising this competition.

4.

NEWCASTLE PAIRS (From the Secretary's Desk) Concurrent with the New Inter-Club.Pairs League

There is still widespread doubts as to how this dual competition works. The last results admirably tabulated by the tournament director Mr. Freddie, Dumbleton must surely go a long way to explain the format. Each affilliated club nominate TWO PAIRS to represent them each month (THEY DO NOT HAVE TO NOMINATE THE SAME PAIRS EVERYTIME) One pair sit N/S and the other E/W - They score points for their club according to their position relative to the OTHER CLUB NOMINATED PAIRS. So that if six clubs have entered and your nominated N/S pair finish above all the other 5 nominated pairs N/S, your club gets 6 points. In addition to scoring points for their clubs; they also score points for themselves (on the low count system) in the Newcastle County Pairs event which is taking place at the same time in the usual way. ANY PAIR WHO WISH TO PLAY IN THE NEWCASTLE COUNTY PAIRS EVENT CAN DO SO - THE MORE THE MERRIER. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ENTER - JUST TURN UP TO PLAY. THE MORE THE MERRIER - YOU NEED 4 RESULTS TO QUALIFY.

NIGHTLY PRIZE MONEY £1.00 top, 50p second. Table money 30p. The rest goes first to pay expenses and the residue to a pool out of which the County Pair Series Prizes are paid - clubs have responded magnificently, especially Southern clubs for whom it is a "long days' night". It has brought into the County Pairs competition a sprinkling of more illustrious County Pairs and their presence has greatly enhanced the enjoyment of the event. It has the makings of a good dual competition and I hope more County members will come along and play.

JOHN HUDSON (County Secretary)

5.

COUNTY LEAGUE

Under the expert control of Geoff Salwey this competition goes from strength to strength. We now boast three divisions and 24 teams - a sure sign that people want to play in competitive bridge. Two sets of fixtures have now been completed and if you haven't seen the latest league tables on your club notice board, hound your County representative.

Before moving on to the darker side of the County competitions, a small anecdote - a true story - so I'm told - which I believe is worth telling, but doesn't have any particular place to go in the Bulletin. So here goes. In the recent E.B.U. sponsored National Schools Competition, the competitors were obviously well versed in the ethics of the game. The good ladies of (Deleted, may be libellous) High School were playing a Club/Diamond system, which bemused their opposition, who became quite content for the good ladies to alert if any conventional bids were made. On the first hand, North opened a club knock, knock, yes please, followed by "Oh, that is equivalent to a strong no trump". Thank you, and all proceeded well. Two hands later, and North dealt and opened one club knock, knock, Having already heard the explanation, the opposition chose not to enquire further, until the end of the hand when East (a little disconsolate that he had passed the "strong no trump" with his 15 count) found he and his partner, 10 points, had missed a vulnerable game. He looked at North's hand, and found it only contained a miserable 12 points. "But I thought you said one club was the equivalent of a strong no trump". "Oh no, this is a club, one club is the weak no trump". Director!! I am not aware of the finer implications of the a diamond, one diamond opening.

6.

COUNTY KNOCK-OUT-TEAM OF FOUR

This is the premier event in the County's calendar, and over recent years, the number of entries has been abysmal. In an effort to revitalise the competition the Secretary went to considerable effort to give the competition a new format, and what an excellent idea it was. And yet we have a disappointing entry of 14 teams, whilst there are 24 teams in the County League. Although an improvement on last year's entry of six teams, it is to be hoped that next year will see a much improved entry.

7.

INDIVIDUAL, FLITCH, MIXED MENS PAIRS

A reminder is given below on the various dates of these competitions:-

8.

NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

I apologise in advance for any omissions under this heading. I can only report what I've been told about. Will County representatives etc. please ensure in future that they keep me informed of any notable achievements (or otherwise!) in Congress events or National competitions.

GOLD CUP - The Ballham-Mrs. Dash; Ferguson-Speedman combination have now won their first three matches. A long way to go yet, but keep it up. I regret to inform that to the best of my knowledge all other Staffordshire teams have fallen by the wayside. Phil Topley and Graham Link, with their Warwickshire counterparts, are also still going strong.

CROCKFORDS - Only two Staffordshire teams appeared in the recent qualifying heats at Droitwich, and I'm delighted to report that both won through - Messrs. Bloxham, Beech, Davies and Downs, and Messrs. Trounce, Salwey, Day and Feltbower.

BIRMINGHAM POST AND MAIL - Staffordshire achieved something of a notable double. In the Pairs event, Messrs. Bevan and Hughes finished, runners-up and Messrs. Bloxham, Beech, Davies and Downs lost the teams event on a split tie.

MATLOCK CONGRESS - Mrs. Dash and Arthur Ballham finished runners-up in the final of the Championship Pairs.

ISLE OF MAN - Mr. & Mrs. Ian Ferguson were amongst the front runners in the final of the Championship Pairs. Mr. Perry and Mr. Dash spent more greens than they won - both at bridge and in the casino.