Alan Dick Steps Down From the WB Chair

Alan DickIt has always been my intention to step down from the Chair on the WBRC – and other organisations – once I attained a certain age. I believe that to carry on would be detrimental to the Committee, the game and the programs or activities that are needed to achieve the purpose of the Committee. There would also be the danger of group think and no new ideas.

We have made huge strides in the Region with the Directors and Scorers fora. We have changed the way teams are selected for the Regional finals – also always meeting NZB changes and needs on the way. The Mini Moos have been revived under the new name PIPS. Not all of these changes have met unqualified support but in general the clubs have supported these initiatives very well and we now have more resources to call on for various tasks – especially at the qualified Director level.

It is with sincere thanks to the Committee and their ability to work as a team which has given my great pride This was evident recently when I had a series of admissions to hospital over a 4 month period. Programs continued without a pause. We have also been fortunate that Michael Neels has continued his work on Compass and Nick Whiten for his untiring work on getting the Rubber Bridge under way as well as providing additional leaner/intermediate support sessions.

There is still a lot to do. Ensuring the long-term support and development of Compass is one area we need to continue.

Your new committee will be ably led by Nick Saunders as Chair and the additional and replacement people on the WBRC will ultimately strengthen the team and provide new momentum and different ideas.

Hopefully 2026 will see the Region win the Regional Championships – we came so close this year, the top three regions within a three-point range!

I will continue as a committee member but the “boss” is now Nick. I wish him and the new committee nothing but the best.

Thank you for your support whist I was Chair and I am sure that Nick will appreciate a continuation of close ties to the Clubs of the Region. As a reminder, the WB Regional Championship trials will be held late in March – flyers have been sent to all Clubs. Do enter, the trials will be held online, and the experience will introduce newer players to this format of the game - and bolster the entries!

Alan Dick