Great Lakes BC Online Swiss Pairs Congress was held on Sunday 28 November 2021.  Unfortunately, we have not been able to host a face-to-face Congress since the beginning of the COVID pandemic -- the last was held on 8/9 February 2020.

The Online Congress was played on the Stepbridge platform and very strong support was provided by them in the lead-up and on the day...thank you very much to their team. The day consisted of 6 rounds of 9 boards each - the approximately 55 mins per round was ample for the play.

***   I Found the Results  ***  they are listed under 17/11 Swiss Pairs R4, R5, R6

I can't upload the Results to the Swiss Pairs today but am happy to tell you the first 5 places here:

1. Grant.                 93.73.          5 0 1

2. Buchmann.         85.38           5 0 1

3. Rogoyska.          68.85           3 0 3

Congratulations to Team Boniface (Margaret Boniface, Judy Scott, Barbara Williams, Pauline Erby and Megan Grant) for winning the Swiss Teams Championships in October this year.

Covid has depleted the number of teams taking part, total being 10, but this does not detract from the excellent performance in winning the 2 day event.

2nd place went to Team Siminska (Tom, Teresa, Eta and Ken Bridges) and 3rd was Team Barton (Bev, Fred, Nigel H and Jeanette).

Megan will hold a 2nd practice session at the Club on Wednesday 17 Nov at 11.30am.

Bring your laptop or tablet/ipad ... try to have your convention card setup!

See you there.

Great news! Our club is running an Online Pairs Congress (a NSWBA approved, red Masterpoint event) on Sunday 28 November 2021 starting at 10:30 a.m. Competing pairs will play using the Stepbridge platform. Closing date is Wednesday 26th November 2021, entry fee is $20/player, and there are cash prizes for Open, Restricted and Novice players.

Bridge games are back on as scheduled, from the week beginning 11 October, including Monday's Labour Day pairs event.

Proof of 2-shot COVID vaccination is required to enter our GLBC clubhouse and to play. Alternatively, a medical exemption along with a negative COVID test result no longer than 2 days old may be presented upon entry. This NSW Government requirement will remain in place until 1 December 2021, at this stage.

Previous restrictions such as check-in on entry, wearing a mask, prior registration and social distancing remain in place

Sadly, we have lost another of our members, who was also a Great Lakes Bridge Club (GLBC) President. Michael Newman Lawrence passed away on Sunday 29 August 2021, after a period of failing health. He leaves behind his wife Pamela, two sons from a previous marriage, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

The information below is summarised from an email sent to GLBC members

COVID-19 restrictions: Our clubhouse will remain closed while the current stay-at-home orders are in place. When able to resume face-to- face games again, we will play standard duplicate games. Competitions as per our calendar/diary will be postponed until further notice. There is no need to alter any online registrations at this stage.

Due to COVID-19 and the consequent state-wide lockdown, our clubhouse will be closed until further notice. The current restrictions are in place until 22 August 2021 - please check this page for updates regarding resumption of play and any altered calendar events on or near that date.

And please stay safe and well!

Happy birthday to GLBC member Nigel Harman who recently celebrated his 85th birthday. Nigel joined the club at our beginners' lessons about three years ago. At our small celebration in the clubhouse this week, Nigel mentioned how he appreciated the friendly support of our members as he continues to come to terms with this complex game.  We love to see our beginners progress as Nigel has done, and also thank him for his financial expertise and contribution prior to our recent Annual General Meeting.