Bertie, the Bridge King

Bertie 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.