ST GEORGES  - NEWSLETTER – 10 JUNE 2021

10 months after my last newsletter there are the faintest tentative signs that the embargo on bridge clubs meeting in person may be coming to an end.  Harrogate Bridge Club is one of the first clubs in the area to try to meet the criteria necessary for safe conduct.  The protocols for that conduct are attached for those who have not yet seen them.  It is clear that the behaviour as we knew it before the crisis will no longer apply, and procedures will be very different.  HBC have asked to what extent St Georges would wish to be part of this process, playing on Tuesday evening but applying the new protocols.

This is the question that your committee has sought to answer, in the process seeking the views of a number of long-standing members.  It was clear from the responses that each person was being asked to make a very personal decision, specific to themselves, and very dependent on individual circumstances and confidence.  The results, however, were very clear.  There was a large majority saying that it was too soon to be making any commitment for St Georges to restart playing on Tuesdays – partly because of uncertainty about just how the HBC protocols would work, but mainly because of the risks of exposure to Covid-19.  Accordingly, the committee have advised HBC that for the moment St Georges will NOT be restarting bridge at Robert Street.

This decision is not written in stone.  HBC have also been told that we will formally review the situation monthly to monitor how individual feelings are changing – as circumstances alter and confidence hopefully returns.  Of course, all of this could change completely dependent on the latest Government advice.  Let us hope for continued good news.

All best wishes

Duncan