ALTRINCHAM BRIDGE CLUB NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 MARCH 2008
AGM
At the AGM on October
22nd. 2007 The Chairman Peter Dawson decided that after many years service to
the club that he would not put his name forward as a Committee member. The
meeting approved his election to be a Life Member and the club made a small
gift in appreciation of the huge contribution he has made to ensure the club’s
success.
I was asked by a number of members to be the new Chairman, but I was at first
reluctant to do so as I have a number of other commitments which made it
impossible to give the time that Peter had put into the office. I eventually
agreed to do so on the understanding that my commitment would be limited.
One of the more onerous tasks was the production of the newsletter and in an
attempt to avoid this the committee decided to publish their minutes on the
notice board and on the web site so that members were fully advised.
However despite this I have still had a substantial request for a newsletter so
instead of every six months I intend to issue one every twelve months.
THE CLUB
In March 2008 membership totaled 277 and the committee decided to limit the
membership to that sum. A waiting list will be formed to take up any future resignations.
Attendance is fairly steady as follows:
Monday average 15/16 tables
Tuesday average 14/15 tables
Wednesday average 3/4 tables
Thursday average 14/15 tables
Although the room can take 17 tables this number is uncomfortable and is difficult
to direct. If the club wished to substantially increase its membership then
alternative premises would have to be found.
Although Mondays & Thursdays are always popular Tuesdays have this
year substantially increased in popularity as a result of the efforts of Mike
Trenholme & Mieke Sykes.
Wednesday nights have still to get off the ground and the committee have at
present decided to continue with this as long as there is someone to run it. In
an effort to increase the numbers the committee have agreed to waive the table
money until future notice and visitors will pay £2.50.
COMPETITIONS
We have had a great deal of success this year in a number of competitions due
to the increase in the general standard.
Manchester Congress On January 6th. The team headed by Jim & Jenny Morris
did well to get into the final set out of 200 pairs including 15
internationals.
Simultaneous Pairs On January 9th. 2008 Ian Kane partnered by Ken Hassell
came first in the entire country.
Gazette Cup On 17th. February 2008run by the MCBA was held at our premises. We
entered two teams of eight who came third & fifth and it was won by
Bramhall.
The Bramhall Salver We were invited to enter a team of eight and we came
second to Marple which included a great performance from Anna Drysdale
& Anne Edwards.
EBU/MCBA Swiss Pairs This new green pointed event was run at our club on
Saturday 8th. March 2008. We had 25 tables in the big room and this was won by
Raymond Semp & Gary Hyat. Ian Kane & Ken Hassell were fifth.
Chester Congress at Deva This was won by Jim & Jenny Morris.
The Lytham Rose Bowl was won by Ian Kane & David Olliver.
Altrincham combined scores for 2007 Monday & Thursday nights was won by Ian
Kane with 59.49 %. Ken Hassell was second with 59.33 %
David Olliver and Jim Morris were third & fourth .
Tuesday nights was won by Rosemary Moorehead & Margaret
Gilman
with 60.76 % each.
DIARY
Diary dates are posted on the notice board and on the Web site. I do not
propose to circulate these to all members. The main ones are as follows:
March 19th. Wed. Commemorative Cup at the
club.
April
9th.Wed
BGB Sim Pairs heat.
July 20th. Sunday MCBA Green Point
Teams Comp.
July 28th. Monday Sim pairs heat
EMAIL
It would be a great help if we knew the email address of all members who are on
line. Could you please send an email with your address on to Norman Killey at nmkilley@tesco.net.
DIRECTORS
The club is very short of directors. I would like to have more people volunteer
for this so that the load can be better spread.
I would be quite happy to give one to one instruction on any aspect.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays if you were not happy with the complexities of the
rules I would still like someone to act just in the capacity of getting the
movement right.
DIRECTORS GRIPES
Don’t move before requested to do so.
Don’t finger the bidding cards before you bid.
Anouncing is now strict law. We are very bad at it! There is an easy to
remember synopsis on the notice board, read & try and remember.
East & West are still ‘hogging’ the bridgemates. Just confirm that the
score is correct and leave North to display the results and do all the pressing
of ‘OK’
Above all if you think that there is a transgression at your table call the
director straight away. It is very difficult for the director to make a correct
decision after you have all had a go at correcting it yourselves.
EBU MEMBERSHIP
The EBU will not make a decision on this matter until after April. When they do
we will not be making any decision without consulting all the members.
CHAIRMAN’S GRIPES
Please keep the side bar in the kitchen where the drinks are being prepared
clean & tidy. All dirty cups should be placed on the central table and all
waste paper & used tea bags should be put in the waste bin.
TRIVIA
Do you know whether your partner’s fourth suit forcing call is forcing for one
round or forcing to game?
With apologies to all those from the Emerald Isle.
There was a bridge player from Killkenny
Who didn’t know his ‘Dodds’ from ‘McKenney’
The wrong signal was made
When he wanted a spade
So the contract then made one too many.
All the best for
2008 Lindsey Barnes (Chairman)