After a two-year hiatus, Taree and Great Lakes Bridge clubs enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon of bridge in Forster last Friday 25 March 2022. Ostensibly, the Bruce Hunter Trophy bridge comp is an annual  'grudge match' between our two neighbouring clubs. In reality, however, it has always been a fun and (unsurprisingly) competitive contest - grudges are never 'on the cards'. This day was no exception, although was it this furious tussle that put the kink in the trophy?

Twelve pairs qualified to compete in our 2-week Restricted Pairs / under 100 Master points championship event during March 2022. Congratulations to the outright winners, Chris Begg and Anne Visser who won with a respectable total of 116.41. Also congratulations to second place-getters: Bill Goodwin and Doug Cable with 113.62; and third: Christine Dunn and John van Doorn with 113.04. Special mention goes to Marcia Neal and new member Maria Spaans who placed fourth overall.

After a gruelling weekend of bridge in Coffs Harbour, congratulations go to our two GLBC teams who did us proud. Special mention goes to the Erby team: Pauline Erby, Gil Clarke, Henry Hudson and Bronwyn Boehm who, after a qualifying round that went into the evening, placed 2nd in the final playoff the next day. They have now qualified to play in the final event in December (see below).

Pictured left to right are Judy Scott, Barbara Williams, Gil Clarke, Megan Grant, Henry Hudson, Bronwyn Boehm, Margaret Boniface and Pauline Erby.

Our friends at Taree have extended an invitation to their online Congress (Swiss Butler IMP Pairs - NSWBA approved Red Masterpoints) on Sunday 22 May from 10 a.m. to approx. 5 p.m. The Congress will be run on the same platform (StepBridge) as our own GLBC online Congress 2021. On offer are cash prizes of: 1st - $300, 2nd - $200 & 3rd - $100. Best restricted (<300 MPs as at 31 March 2022): 1st - $150 & 2nd - $75 subject to a minimum of 10 pairs entered.

Unfortunately, our two clubs were not able to field enough teams to run this event. It is therefore cancelled for 2023. Let's hope we can battle it out in force next year.

The time has come again for our two local bridge clubs to vie for the highly coveted Bruce Hunter trophy. Each club will field up to 5 teams to play at Taree Bridge Club on Friday 31 March 2023, starting at 12:45pm. Afternoon tea will be provided and the usual table fees will apply. If you're interested in joining in the fun, check out the entry form on the club's noticeboard.

Congratulations to all of our members who have achieved an ABF rank promotion. Closures and absences over the last 8 months means we haven't been able to announce these promotions as regularly as usual. The following names and awards are from June to December 2021. Well done all!

Don't forget to come along and bring a friend or two!

Everyone is invited to come along to "tipple & nibble, chat & mingle" at our GLBC clubhouse on the 1st Friday of each month, beginning on 4 March 2022, from 5-7pm. This is a purely social event - no bridge - just a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company. You will need to:

Congratulations to the winners and runners up of this year's 2-week Anniversary Pairs competition.

First place in the North-South field were Gil Clarke & Pauline Erby with 121 total points, closely followed by Janet Flanagan & Robert Palasthy (120) in 2nd place and Fran & Wayne Carroll in 3rd (115).

Further to previous notices:

• Free bridge beginners' lessons will commence on 8 February 2022 - one week later than originally advertised
• COVID restrictions: attendance at clubhouse games requires each player to have proof of double vaccination, wear a mask and check-in using the NSW Government QR upon entry.

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of one of our GLBC members and a dear friend to many.  Ann Kynaston passed away at home surrounded by her large and loving family on 6 January 2022.