Members and Friends of Berwick Bridge Club

On September 1st we will commence what I believe to be our 45th season since the Berwick Bridge Club first started an organised winter programme in 1972. Several current members, David Elder, Brian Thomas, Rita McCreath, Jim Lindsay, Ken Forrest, and Alan French still play regularly and several cups which you will compete for were presented by founder members no longer with us.

I will not be available to welcome you all to the new season as I have a long standing commitment elsewhere. In my absence Jean Mole has kindly offered to perform in my place and I trust the new season will commence successfully. Paul Gipson has kindly offered to start off the season, on September 1st, with a discussion of a couple of the hands played, this should not be missed if at all possible.

Our Past President Jean Mole focused on rules and etiquette during her presidency which I support and believe has been generally beneficial to club standards of play. I regularly see the requirement to keep all bids on the table until the first card has been played being contravened and I'd like to see this change.

The other matter which has caused difficulty in the past is the non-arrival of players who were expected to be there. For pairs events this can mean another person being unable to take part but for team events three players suffer disappointment. It has been suggested that team captains keep a check on these matters. I also hear that personal handicaps are causing some problems. I would be interested in hearing members' views on any of these topics.

Finally, always remember that this is a social game and that it is easier to put another person off than to persuade them to partake in the first place. Enough lectures, please enjoy our winter evening activity and may good fortune follow you all.

Garneth Ellis

President