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Rotorua FunDay Sunday

The good folk of the Rotorua club have such a great time at the Cambridge Sixes that, for several years, they have been replicating the Sixes format in their own club's playing programme. This has usually been spread over a few weeks but last Sunday they all got together and made a day of it. Unfortunately, we heard, comms broke down in the kitchen and they doubled-up on the food. Never mind. There are two things that go to making a great bridge day out - nice venue and nice food - and plenty of it!

If at first you don’t succeed …

I have to admit the robots got the better of me. But then I am just a mere mortal. The challenge now to improve, not too difficult looking at my miserable 37%! Roll on next week's tournament, I'll let you know how it goes! So how about YOU?

Newsletter No:5 - from The Chair

by Allan Morris - 13 April 2018

Last Sunday the Board met. The first for this financial year. It was a pleasure to welcome John Skipper to the Board. I am sure John will contribute in a most significant way. Following the election cycle we have a vacancy on the Board.

Tops for Taupo!

Sharon and SheilaSharon and SheilaCambridge Bridge Club hosted the first session of the Waikato Bays Junior Championship League on Saturday. An excellent day was had by all 31 pairs, many of whom travelled considerable distance to compete. The long journey was well worth the effort for Sharon Barton and Sheila Taylor from Taupo who took first place.

The Waikato Bays Rubber Bridge Competition is now underway

Thanks to all those who entered - we had 18 pairs this year. Ten of these pairs played their first match at Putaruru on Sunday 8th April - thanks to the Putaruru Bridge Club for hosting a great day again.

I received this message from one of the gracious losers: "Our match finished in dramatic fashion. We were 1800 ahead after Board 29. They were vul and needed a grand slam to win … which they bid and Bruce made after careful play."

You can keep an eye on how things are going by getting the download from under the Results tab or checking out the draw under the WB events tab above.

Good luck to all the participants, and do let me know of any more exciting stories. We hope to see more of you entered next year.

Bertie, the Bridge King

Bertie IIBertie IITim Healy of the Hamilton club looked for historical parallel to the accession of Allan Morris to the top seat of New Zealand Bridge following the resignation of Alan Dormer due to ill health. Tim found a close match in English history when Edward VIII abdicated his throne - albeit not for health reasons.

Tim claims some licence is allowed as Edward stepped down in favour of his brother George who, upon coronation, became George VI. Allan protested that he wasn't Alan's brother but, of course, he is ... they share the same Christian name with just one little "L" the difference.

So now he needed a nickname befitting a king and also to remove any confusion with his predecessor. His choices were between George and Bertie, the latter being George's nickname in "The King's Speech". He chose Bertie so Heallys had a crown made for him which bears his name and a crown to signify the King of NZ Bridge.

That's the story .. never a short story when Tim tells it. Somewhat abridged you might say.

Allan Morris Writes

27 March 2018
Last Tuesday the board met for the last time in this financial year. It was a pleasure to acknowledge the contribution over a very long time of Alan Turner. Alan will not be lost to NZ Bridge as he has agreed to stay involved with education.

HAMILTON BRIDGE CLUB TAKES TO THE AIRWAVES

Free FMFree FMMembers from Hamilton Bridge Club were invited to appear on the Free FM show Aapki Mehphile Harmony. You can listen to the broadcast by clicking on this link.

Barry Jones, Mereanna Cullen and Jane Stearns endeavoured to meet the genre of the Dr Bano's show which focuses on community harmony. You may like to start 7 mins into the broadcast after the host's extensive welcomes and her traditional "inspirational number" with which she starts all her shows.

Challenge to all WB Clubs - it's time for Rubber Bridge again!

As you undoubtedly know, each year the Dan Gifford Rubber Bridge competition is played at National Congress and pairs from all regions participate.

The Waikato-Bays has had some very good partnerships in the past who have given the other regional pairs a good run for their money, including Christine and Jenna Gibbons who won the national title in 2012.

Last year we had an influx of new entries, with 20 pairs participating. This is the most we have had for many years, and this year we would like to do even better. Currently we have TWO entries. Come on Waikato-Bays - we can DO this thing!! First log in to NZ Bridge and then click here to enter.

Bridge and BarBQ in the Garden

Absolutely Fabulous!Absolutely Fabulous!Once again, the members of the Cambridge Bridge Club enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of Bridge hosted by Anne and David Blewden at their Kaipaki home with great views over the valley. Ten tables were set out beneath a mature oak tree providing shade from the sun and shelter from the breeze. We played a Rainbow movement in which each hand was played with a different partner. Joyce Catchpole was our Fairy at the Bottom of the Garden. Play commenced; two hours of enjoyment, playing with and meeting new people. The arrival of players’ real-life-partners, who chatted on Dave’s brand new beautifully completed patio signalled it was time for the BarBQ. With meat and drinks provided by the club, a feast of steaks, sausages, kebabs and wine accompanied by a magnificent spread of delicious salads and desserts provided by members.

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