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.

Free 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.

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.

Time for another whip around the websites of the region to see what's happening with everyone.

Putaruru is over the moon about their new dealing machine which was generously funded by First Sovereign Trust Limited. Up until now the club's dealing had been being done by the good folk at Tokoroa just down the road a piece. On their site, which is shared with the Tokoroa club, is a notice about the fast-approaching Novice Tournament on Sunday, March 11th at Matamata.

A reminder of the Novice tournament on Sunday March 11th. A novice is anyone who has not reached "Certificate of Proficiency" (which means less than five masterpoints) as at the beginning of this year, OR anyone who started bridge in 2016 or later, regardless of how many masterpoints they have (unless they are already out of Junior grade).

Play starts in the Matamata clubrooms at 10am, come for morning tea at 9.30am. Two sessions. $10, bring your own lunch. Log in to the NZ Bridge website and make your entries there. Or email secretarywbbc@gmail.com if you need some help with entering. Come on Waikato-Bays Novices and Juniors, get together, take a group YOU could win free entry to the 2018 Novice tournament in October's National Congress held in Hamilton.