TWYFORD BRIDGE CLUB CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2023-2024

We played Face-to Face bridge only for most of this financial Bridge year. On-line was suspended in June when numbers dropped below viability.

I would like to thank all the committee, directors and dealers for their hard work in keeping things going, particularly John for dealing with the bank and chasing payments and John and Jen for help with set up and scoring. A director rota has started again this year to spread the load. But set up is still a problem we need all directors to know how to set up bridgemate movements accurately and to score.

I would also like to mention Ed Turner who took on dealing and then sorted out the problems so that currently the new software seems to be working well and Ian, John and Ken are dealing. We need more people to take a turn with dealing we had six dealers before Covid and now just 3. Please volunteer. Training will be given!

We now have only 70 listed members. Face to Face play has survived.

The room was mostly warm enough this year. Thanks to everyone for remembering to wear warm things! Just to remind you, increased energy costs mean we now pay £120 per evening. We need 10 1/2 Tables to cover rent and refreshments and other expenses. We averaged 9 tables from May 1st 2023 to April 30th 2024. We do not plan to increase Membership or table money for members this year as we have sufficient bank reserves. However, new players will receive one free night after which they join or pay £5 per session. All guests to pay £5 table money for ease of cash collections,

The Host system is working well. Many thanks to Mali for taking on this organisational task which enables more people to play when regular partners are unavailable. However it is becoming increasingly difficult to fill the calendar as more players are unable to drive at night. Those members previously exempt, like directors, may have to take a turn in future if the system is to continue. If it ceases table numbers will drop further.

We are not planning a Christmas Party in December this year but we will do a trophy presentation sometime in September or October for this year's Pairs Winners. If anyone would like to take on the organisation of a party please let us know. Trophy engraving is now expensive and increasingly unavailable. If anyone knows of a reasonably priced engraving service which can cope with our pairs trophy plate please let us know.

Finally I want to thank you all for playing at the Twyford Bridge Club and for contributing to a very pleasant and friendly atmosphere in which to play bridge.

Lesley and Ian Haigh 2024