January 2010
Happy New Year!
Winter Wonderland
"In the meadow we can build a snowman" – well this was the scene that greeted Ipswich & Kesgrave players as they left their Christmas party on 17th December, the first fall of serious snow. They were unfazed and in commendably high spirits to the extent, that truly, a rendition of 'Winter Wonderland' was heard in the car park.
The bad weather has caused subsequent cancellations of club bridge and emphasised the importance of having up-to-date information on club websites and email addresses for members. Three weeks later the next scheduled club evening at Ipswich was cancelled, principally by email and announcement on the Internet.
Looking Back
2009 was a pretty good year for bridge in Suffolk:
- David Price won the World Seniors Bowl in Sao Paulo – widely reported in local and national press and followed, as conversations at the table on club nights testify, closely in Suffolk via the Internet.
- The county team qualified for the Tollemache final (next month) for the very first time in its history by winning its group in fine style.
- Jonathan Green, part of the team that qualified for the Tolle, was on the 2009 NICKO winning team. Jonathan, who grew up in Ipswich and learned bridge at Ipswich School, lives in London and also added the Young Chelsea Knock-out, defeating a team of seasoned internationals.
- Essex University made some early steps towards establishing a bridge club and team under the guidance of Alan Green, the SCBA bridge development officer. Over 40 signed up at the Freshers' Fair and though the intentions of students may be more fallible than most, this is certainly a good start.
- Minibridge initiative starts in Suffolk Schools: Bungay are the first to take this up for their Year 6 to 8, again under the supervision of . If you have connections with a local school, Alan would like to hear from you.
Stowmarket Club
… has moved. From the 1st January 2010, they meet at the St. Mary's Hall in Windermere Road, Stowmarket and start at 7.00pm sharp as before. The Stowmarket website has more details including directions and a map.
Club Secretaries' Meeting
Every two years the Suffolk Association has a meeting for clubs. The most recent was in 2007 and last year's was purposely held over to 23rd February 2010, nearer the time Universal Membership begins in April.
Club Secretaries were informed a while ago and will set the agenda (though UM is sure to be a item); if you have a suggestion, comment or question that relates to how the SCBA interacts with clubs, make sure you raise it with your club representative.
Bridge in the Cupboard
Thoth, the Seven of Spades, raises a contract from the dead.
Forthcoming Events
Suffolk Pairs Open Heat
Thursday 14th January 2010, 7:00pm at Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club. This heat is open to anyone yet to make an attempt to qualify for the 2009-10 Suffolk Pairs Championship.
For those who qualify and those who already have from club heats, the semi-final will be on Friday 12th February at the Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club venue in Kesgrave. The final is on Sunday 25th April at Stoke by Nayland.
Mid Anglia Pairs 2010
Sunday 24th January 2010, 2:00pm at Stoke by Nayland. A two session pairs event scored along teams lines (IMPs) with a break for tea, included in the £10.00 per player cost. Entries and inquiries to tournament secretary .
National Pairs Qualifying Heat
Thursday 28th January 2010, 7:00pm at Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club. This is a qualifying heat for a regional then a national final. If you are intending to play, please contact (01728 685392 but email preferred) who is coordinating the heat. If there are insufficient entries the heat may be cancelled so notification is essential.
Bury St. Edmunds Swiss Teams Congress
Sunday 7th February 2010, 2:00pm at New Green Community Centre Thurston. A two-session Swiss Teams including tea, cost £40 per team, entries (by 30-Jan) to competition secretary Patsi Barnes, Tel. 01284 724165, or email ; she will deal with any enquiries.
You can view (and print) an entry form [PDF].
Results
Suffolk v Northants
Early in the new year Suffolk were on the wrong side of a close match against Northants: the 'A' lost 5-15 VPs (-33 IMPs), the 'B' lost 8-12 (-13) but the 'C' team won 12-8 (+11).