To All Waikato-Bay of Plenty Clubs

Expressions of interest are requested for serving on the Waikato Bays Regional Committee

The normal appointment to this Committee is for two years before new elections, however for family and health reasons a number of the Committee have requested to stand down after one year. NZB has agreed to a refresh and already there are volunteers for the Committee and I thank Hugh McAlister (Tauranga) and Kevin Whyte (Cambridge/Hamilton) for their commitment.

We require to fill the role of Secretary and at least one further committee member, up to three more is desirable. Most meetings are held via Zoom and last for approximately one hour.

Going forward, meetings will be held monthly and the role and focus of the WBRC is to provide input into, and support for NZ Bridge initiatives as well as the local Clubs and their activities, as well as the traditional events such as Rubber Bridge and fostering participation in the Interprovincial Trials.

Our game faces a number of challenges as we recover from Covid disruptions and the advent of on-line Bridge. Also the provision of teaching resources and successful player recruitment and retention, Directing resources, the need for the Social aspects of the game and Face to Face contact, and the livelihood of Clubs themselves. Whilst these challenges can appear daunting there are encouraging signs of a renewal of interest in the game. People are aware of the pleasure of meeting others at the table and enjoying the social as well as the competitive aspects of the game. Learner’s classes in 2023 have seen the best numbers learning the game for some time. The trials of some tournaments being online whilst others are Face to Face has been successful albeit to varying extents.

The WBRC is there to assist the Waikato/Bay’s Clubs and NZB in developing and sharing how these challenges are met and resolved. Please submit your interest in serving on the WBRC to Alan Dick, Chair of WBRC at email address aland@logis.co.nz