In the near future, the 1976/77 Bridge season will be in full swing. It seems appropriate, therefore, to start the first bulletin of the season with a resume of the various events in the County calendar.

STAFFORDSHIRE TEAMS-OF-FOUR KNOCKOUT CHAMPIONSHIP (STAFFS CUP)
A knockout teams-of-four contest (with two reserves if necessary). Preliminary rounds at Stafford on Sundays, 7th November and 5th December, with the remaining matches played privately. For those teams who lose in the earlier rounds there is an opportunity to go into a subsidiary competition. Full details will appear on your Club notice board shortly. Closing date: Thursday, 14th October 1976. Entries either to John Hudson or your County rep.

STAFFORDSHIRE LEAGUE TEAMS-OF-FOUR (ERIC JAMIESON CUP)
There are at present three divisions, although new entries will still be accepted by the League Secretary, Geoff Salwey, 24 Hazeldene, Great Haywood, Stafford. The first division is played at Stafford on the third Wednesday of each month, and the remaining divisions on the second Wednesday, commencing in September. Special arrangements, however, apply in September.

STAFFORDSHIRE PAIRS LEAGUE
An exciting new pairs competition to be held at Stafford on the fourth Wednesday of each month. It is hoped that there will be at least two divisions of 18 pairs each. This new competition will give members an ideal opportunity to meet new players from other Clubs. It will also be closely watched by the County Captain, in that this new competition replaces the Trials Selections started last year, from which the leading pairs were selected for the County second team. The competition will run from September to April, and the six best results of each pair will count.

A Sub-Committee of Arthur Bloxham, myself and Tony Mallett has been set up to decide upon the final rules for this competition. Competitors will receive full details on the first night - meanwhile do not delay in entering - either through your Club rep. or by telephoning me. Entries must close on September 20th, to enable the various leagues to be drawn up.

STAFFORDSHIRE PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP (BEARN TROPHY)
The qualifying heats for this competition are run at the individual Clubs, with the number of pairs going forward to the semi-final being calculated on a pro-rata basis. This year's semi-final will be limited to 28 pairs (2 by 7-table Howells). See your Club notice board for full details of this year's Bearn competition.

NEWCASTLE COUNTY PAIRS COMPETITION
This popular competition is held at Newcastle, on the second Friday of each month, commencing in September, and finishing in April. It is a pairs competition with an excellent prize for the best of the qualifiers, who go forward to a one--session final - again for good prizes. Simultaneously, an inter-Club competition is played, having regard to the best results of certain nominated pairs. Even if you find you can't enter sufficient evenings to qualify for the final, simply turn up on the occasional might for an enjoyable game of bridge, under the excellent tournament direction of our good President, Freddie Dumbleton.

INTER-CLUB TEAMS OF EIGHT LEAGUE
A new competition to be played on the same day as the County's Dawes matches, giving players not selected for the County an opportunity to represent their Clubs. The matches will be played on the same basis as Dawes matches - 4 sets of 8-board matches with aggregate scoring converted to Victory Points.

STAFFORDSHIRE MIXED PAIRS (DAVIES CUP)
A qualifying heat to be played at Stafford on Wednesday, 30th March 1977, with a 7-table Howell final on Sunday, 17th April 1977.

STAFFORDSHIRE MEN'S PAIRS (Bruce Mugs)
A qualifying heat at Stafford on Wednesday, 2nd March 1977 with a 7-table Howell final on Sunday, 20th March 1977.

STAFFORDSHIRE LADIES PAIRS (Hallett-Bailey Cup)
A one session final at Stafford on Sunday, 20th March 1977.

STAFFORDSHIRE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP (Littleford Trophy)
Qualifying rounds at Clubs, with the final at Stafford on Sunday, 20th February 1977.

STAFFORDSHIRE FLITCH
A one-session event for married couples, to be played at Stafford on Sunday, 28th November 1976.

CORONATION CUP
A multiple tearis event to be played at Wolverhampton on Sunday, 17th October 1976. Seven of the fifteen teams are invited from neighbouring counties, so there are exactly eight from our own County. The eight Staffordshire teams will be chosen from a qualifying event to be held at Stafford on Sunday, 26th September 1976, with the leading eight teams being given the first option of entry to the Coronation Cup.

COUNTY SWISS TEAMS COMPETITION
A one session event to be held at Stafford on Sunday, 23rd January 1976.

In previous years, it is possible that publicity for County events has not been entirely satisfactory. This year, therefore, it is proposed that the County itself will draw up details of each event for distribution on your Club notice board. This will give details of the competition, time, venue, table-money, closing date etc., Meanwhile, if you have any queries, hound your County rep. To summarise, I have set out below calendar of events, together with some of the more popular E.B.U. events.

This is, of course, the first bulletin since the Annual General meeting May, and there now follows the first report of your officers for the 1976/77 season.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Firstly, I would like to express our appreciation to the outgoing President, Derek Davies, during whose year of office the County Bridge association established its firmest footing for many years. I sincerely hope that at the end of my year of Office, I shall be able to say that the good work has been consolidated, and that the County Association has gone from strength to strength. However, notwithstanding any efforts of your Committee, it is the rank and file who have the final say on judgement day. I trust therefore that all members will make every effort to enter the County competitions during the 1976/77 season. And above all, enjoy your bridge.

On a more personal note, I was very saddened by the sudden death of Dr. Milewski, his passing is a great loss to bridge at both County and club level. It is sad that "Bish" did not see the fruition of Newcastle Bridge Club's move to new premises. We are now playing at 35-37 High Street, near Lloyds Bank. Anyone is welcome to come along for an evenings bridge (Monday and Thursday in comfortable and spacious: surroundings). And don't forget the County's Pairs league at Newcastle on the second Friday each month, commencing in September.

FREDDIE DUMBLETON

CAPTAIN'S REPORT

At the start of a new season, you may consider it rather nostalgic to reflect on our successes last year. However, the County's achievements last year in the Tollemache and the Midlands National Pairs Qualifying Heat were truly tremendous. And our start in the 1976 Dawes competition, the best for many years, was climaxed by our superb double victory over Warwickshire with the first and second teams winning by 11-1 and 10-2 VP's respectively. It is a long time, if ever, since the old enemy suffered such a heavy defeat at our hands.

I hope that we can continue the good work during the coming season, both, "on and off" the field. I look for forward to your continued support, and trust that you will enter as many of the County's, competitions as possible. I would particularly draw your attention to the new County Pairs League to be held at Stafford on the fourth Wednesday each month, from September to April inclusive. In accordance with the resolution of the County Committee I shall use the results of this competition as a strong guide for selection to the County Second Team.

HUGO P. DASH

SECRETARY'S REPORT

The AGM was a disaster; I apologise to all that came, and at once accept 60% of the blame, the other 40% must lie with those who came. Almost without exception no-one had read the Agenda and the full explanatory notes on the propositions which were to be put to the meeting (so laboriously compiled by Geoff Davies and myself).

All the proposals had the backing of the management committee; and were supposed to be put quickly to an informed assembly who had taken the trouble to (a) debate and discuss them and (b) ask about any point they did not understand (c) form a definite opinion on how they were going to vote. For instant approval - complete rejection- or reference back for details to be ironed out. It was no part of the plan that a 52 man committee like discussion should be entered upon on each proposition, including an explanation of nearly every point proposed; Ah well! - when you are green you're GREEN. The program as now been drawn up - not quite as Geoff and I would have wanted. We are still convinced from our researches that Wednesday night is still the only night that members from all clubs could play away from their clubs without damage to their club programs. Sorry if Wednesday night your baby sitter goes to karate classes or is the night the Stafford froth blowers association hold their weekly booze up; as far as we can see you are still a small minority. However, this year as last, we will fall over backwards to try and conform to the wishes of the AGM.

I'm sorry the accounts do not reflect the, true improvement that took place in our financial fortunes; the archaic way the accounts have always been done makes it virtually impossible to assess from them the true success or disaster of any one year. I can assure you however that last year we actually lost £75 or more and that this year we made a true profit of approximately £100. This must be consolation to all who worked so hard last year.

This year I shall again take decisions and do things off my own bat; no way will I do this job unless I am allowed to do this, so if you do not like it - when that item 'Election of Officers' turns up, make sure that you have some one to take my place; that really is what elections are for. Unlike the current trend with politicians I do not crave for office for the sake of power; I crave for office because I believe in the ideas I want to try out. If you think my ideas are wrong - I want out - and let someone with ideas that suit you have a go.

Since writing this letter a project on which I have been working ever since I took office seems to have come good. Namely to find a central headquarters for the S.C.B.A. in or near Stafford - (the capital of the County and nearly the geographical centre of the County). I have obtained a suite of rooms in the Members Pavilion on the Staffordshire Show Ground. I have also realised the start of another ambition - to convince Clubs, that the County and the affiliated clubs must work closely together for the benefit of the game of bridge within the County; and that closer cooperation can only be good for both Clubs end County. The S.C.B.A. and Stafford B.C. are going to work closely together to make the best use of rooms and equipment. To get such co-operation from an affiliated club is a real thrill for me. It has posed one problem: on which nights should the County use the rooms? By mutual agreement it has been decided that Wednesdays and Sundays shall be reserved absolutely for the County the rest for Stafford B.C. The Management Committee have therefore decided to rescind the resolution passed at the AGM. to play the teams of four League event on Thursday nights and to play on Wednesday nights. The resolution to do this was passed in committee nem. con. May I here and now inform all members that the management committee has the right to do this in accordance with the articles of the Constitution; what it has not got is the power to rescind a motion - proposed and seconded in writing and lodged with the Secretary seven days before the published date of the AGM which then receives a majority vote at the AGM.

To conclude may I ask all County members to support the County by playing in as many County events as possible: let's get away to good start by having at least 15 teams entered for the Coronation Cup multiple teams of 4 qualifying event to take place in September.

JOHN HUDSON

TREASURER'S REPORT

I am pleased to report that the County's finances are in a healthy state, despite the apparent gloom of the AGM Balance Sheet. Our actual profit on the 1975-76 bridge season was approximately £100, compared to a deficit of £75 in the previous year. It is hoped that in future, following the resolution at the last AGM the annual accounts will show more accurately the profit or loss for each bridge season. However, in these inflationary times there is no room for complacency. I therefore endorse the comments of my fellow committee members and exhort you to support fully the County competitions during 1976-77 session.

In conclusion, I apologise for sounding so mercenary. However, if you've not paid your 1976-77 sub yet, please approach your County rep as soon as possible. Think of the interest we're losing.

DAVE MARSHALL

The sudden death of Dr. Milewski was a terrible shock to us all. Dr. Milewski will be sadly missed, at both Club and County level, and we publish the following tribute from Mrs. Lorna Sumburg of Newcastle Bridge, Club:

The world of Staffordshire Bridge will be deeply shocked by the sudden death of Dr. "Bish" Milewski. He will be remembered with great respect and affection by all who had the privilege of meeting him, either as partner or opponent. Perhaps the greatest tribute one can pay him, is to say that his approach to the game was that of a student of Bridge as a science, rather than his desire to win, and this characteristic also showed in his professional career and his many and varied other interests, particularly music and philately. His efforts to further the establishment of a more permanent home for the Newcastle Club will be a lasting memorial to one of the kindest and gentlest lovers of the game.

Having inwardly digested that lot, I endeavour to anticipate the comments of some of our members, who will now be muttering something along the lines "Why have the committee chosen Wednesday night for the new County Pairs League and switched the successful County League from Thursday to a Wednesday?" Some may see this decision as rather undemocratic, bearing in mind the vote at the AGM - albeit very close - in favour of Thursday nights. One argument not to be forgotten is that at the Mrs. Lorna Sumberg from Newcastle Bridge Club spoke in favour of a Wednesday night, not for her own personal reasons, but on behalf of the many County members at Newcastle who by tradition have played club bridge on a Thursday night for many years. I personally have spoken in favour of a set night for County events, if only for the simple reason it is easier to remember the third and fourth Wednesday. Research also shows that that night is the least likely to disrupt the traditional nights of our constituent clubs.

In the end, your Committee had no choice. At the beginning of September, Stafford B. C. moves to new premises at the County Showground, Weston Road Stafford. To make this a viable proposition Stafford bridge Club is proposing to play bridge not only every Monday but also every Thursday. Quite simply, therefore, the County could not have the facilities of Stafford Bridge Club on a Thursday night, and so Wednesday night it had to be. I am confident that in the long term the County will derive great benefit from a set Wednesday night for County events. I am also sure that you will be pleasantly surprised at the much improved playing conditions. Meanwhile, as far as the County League is concerned, if you are unable to play on a Wednesday Stafford Bridge Club's premises will be available on any Thursday night - or other night, by prior arrangement.

During the Summer recess, I am afraid that members have not seen fit to send any bridge hands of particular interest. I close this bulletin, therefore, with a contribution from Alan Monckton, one of our successful Tollemache team.

Dear Geoff,

I don't know if you want anything for a future County Bulletin - when I was editor I always did! If so, perhaps the following might suit you for publication:

Our County successes last season were the best for many years, but there are several glaring faults which ought to be put right if we are to maintain our place at the 'top table'. I sadly have little time to play bridge, so nearly all my bridge is played in events of national standing; my view of Staffs. players is, therefore, more detached than for many who play in the County.

1. There is a serious gap below the first team. The standard of the second team means that their members are likely to weaken the first, if and when they are promoted. This is not a gap necessarily of ability, but of lack of bridge education.
2. Players in all teams are apparently incapable of playing a cohesive system (whatever it may be). They learn a lot of gadgets and probably play them well, but they cannot analyse the gaps in their system, and do not appear to seek advice on this from those who can. They seem to regard it as an insult to their playing ability.
3. Team events call for a distinct type of approach; too many players bid the same as at matchpoints, and although they say they understand the difference their results belie this.
4. Numerous cases occurred this season of players who defended normal contracts so badly that they made, when they shouldn't. In a number of such cases, the cause was the same - careless thought. And the reason for that is that the player is in the habit of certain types of lead or play and can't change.
   Tuition is the only way of spotting this in each player, and then the cure is simple.

Standards of play are rising each year; if we can only swim with the tide we shall win events; but if we stay the same we shall join the lowly once more.

Yours sincerely

Alan Monckton

It is certainly food for thought, as we approach the 1976/77 season, and I hope it may form the basis of some useful contributions for the next bulletin, to be published around November. Are the better players more aloof? Are the not so good too sensitive of constructive criticism? Should the County not hold tuition classes for established players? Drop me a line to let me know your views - it can even be "anonymous".

Editor: G.C. Davies, 270 Sandon Road, Stafford. Telephone: Home Stafford 3869 Work Stafford 3121 (Ext. 6930)