February 2008
EBU Subscriptions
It's February, cold and windy and that month of the year that the EBU accompanies English Bridge with reminders for subscriptions, due 1st April.
For 2008-2009 there has been a change in collection: payments are now sent direct to the EBU not to the Suffolk membership secretary. So, if you pay by cheque or EBU vouchers, post those to Aylesbury as per the instructions on the renewal invitation. Direct debit subscribers are naturally unaffected by this. This year both the EBU and the SCBA have raised their subscriptions by 50 pence and the bottom line for 2008-2009 is £22.00, £17.00 to the national body and £5.00 to the county.
Bridge in the Cupboard
Fortunately Mike Chanter continues to lighten your days, this month with the story of the six of diamonds (as before the card image takes you to the text as well).
Table Talk
The copy date - March 23rd - for the spring issue is fast approaching, so if you have any bridge experience to write about, the editor would like to hear from you.
There is also the opportunity to participate in The Blame Game a forum to assess what went wrong at the table - in a level tone and without acrimony of course. Three partnership situations that have not ended well are presented, both auction and defence. There is a full explanation from the link, replies to for inclusion in next Table Talk.
EBU Club Focus
The EBU has started a bi-monthly email to clubs - Club Focus. This is available from the EBU website and the SCBA has passed the material to club secretaries so it may well have graced your notice board already. The EBU's intention is to alternate with English Bridge magazine, which comes out on the even numbered months, and the January edition is current (as a PDF).
Forthcoming Events
Suffolk Singles
Sunday 17th February 2008, 2:00pm at Highwoods Community Centre Colchester. This is a two session individual pairs event where you play with as many other partners as time and numbers allow. The cost is £8.00 per person including refreshments.
Because of the complicated nature of the movement and arrangements, it is desirable that you pre-register for this event by 10th February, however we will have three kind souls standing by so late entries can be accepted. Entries and further details from the SCBA tournament secretary .
Suffolk Pairs Semi-Final
Wednesday 20th February 2008, 7:15pm at Needham Market Community Centre is the next stage for all those who qualified from their club or the open heat last month. If you have any queries about qualification or any aspect of the Suffolk Pairs, contact who looks after championship events.
Newcomers Pairs
Friday 29th February 2008, 7:15pm at Highwoods Community Centre Colchester. This is a new competition offering the opportunity for students, recent students and less experienced players to partner an experienced 'user friendly' club player in a duplicate bridge session.
- Membership of Suffolk CBA not necessary
- All pairs will play the system of the less experienced player
- Free tea/coffee and biscuits
Entries are accepted either as pairs or, if you know someone who would be interested without a mentor, then has well-vetted charming partners standing by.
The cost is £4.00 per person. An entry form with John's other contact details is avaliable here as a PDF document or here as a Microsoft Word document you can return via email.
Sudbury and Colchester Swiss Teams
Sunday 2nd March 2008, 2:00pm at Leavenheath Village Hall (as last year), the contact is Beryl Simpson, (01206 263945). The cost is £40.00 per team, including refreshments.
There is more information and entry forms here and will answer any email enquiries
Suffolk Club Teams of Four - Thornaway Cup
Sunday 16th March 2008, 2:00pm at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club. This is a two session teams event with refreshments. The cost is £9.00 per person, entries through club secretaries, queries to SCBA tournament secretary .
EBU Director Training courses
Saturday 18th October 2008 and Saturday 15th November 2008 from 10:30 to 16:30 on both days at Playford village Hall near Ipswich. The two day course, run in conjunction with the EBU, is conducted by Malcolm Carey and covers:
- Essentials - Running a Duplicate Event
- Book Rulings
- Judgement Rulings
Although these courses are usually held over three days, Malcolm is certain they can be completed in two with a cost saving to participants. The normal cost would be in excess of £100 but we are hoping to hold it down to £60. Clubs in Suffolk and those close to the borders will be given priority until the end of February and all applications must be made by the end of March. It is hoped a Final Assessment course - for qualification - can be arranged for February 2009.
Interest and deposits (£15, non-returnable) to (01394 382394).
Phew! A lot going on but if your club has an event or competition you would like to advertise here - just get in touch, by reply, or via the membership secretary .
Results
Suffolk Mid-Anglia Pairs 2007-2008
The re-formatted event - now scored along IMP teams lines - attracted 26 pairs. Congratulations to winners Rosemarie Mascall and Norman Denny who put together two impressive 50+ IMP sessions, second in the afternoon and first the evening to take the event by a comfortable margin overall. Full results are on the website.
| 1. | Rosemarie Mascall / Norman Denny | 111.9 IMPs |
| 2. | Alan & Elaine Green | 77.0 |
| 3. | Peter Markwell / Joan Spearing | 47.6 |
Bury Swiss Teams 2008
Twenty two teams took part and the Milman quartet won in fine fashion, unbeaten - though having secured first place with a round to spare, they let their last opponents out with a draw. Full results temporarily here (until our web master gets back from holiday).
| 1. | Victor Milman, Nadia Stelmashenko, Sue Oakford, Rod Oakford | 104 VPs |
| 2. | Barry Davies, Tugral Kaban, Peter Gemmell, Andrew Lee | 77 |
| 3. | Robert Green, Colin Bamberger, Graham Beeton, Jeff Orton | 75 |