Jan Lawless is a founding member of our club and for nearly 40 years, has played (and still plays) bridge at Great lakes Bridge Club (GLBC) regularly. At 97, Jan’s energy, humour and indomitable spirit continues to inspire us all, and we’re grateful for her long involvement in and work for the club (Read more of Jan’s story below). We wish her many happy returns on her birthday and many more to come!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2-week Anniversary Pairs competition — Maretta Callow & Sue Eishauer who placed well ahead of the field with a remarkable 66%! Equal second place went to Norma Bousfield & Les Marks; and Alison McGregor & Gail Gorman. Well done to all organisers and participants!

As the 2nd day of the Anniversary Pairs coincided with the clubhouse renovations in January, it was moved to Wednesday 27 March 2019. The draw for the finals (Day 2) is below and on the clubhouse noticeboard. Please note: only pairs who compete on both days are eligible for 2019 Anniversary Day Pairs awards. (Day 1 was held on 9 January 2019). All other pairs are welcome to play in the Consolation Section.

Anniversary Pairs 2019 – Finals

Further to the article below regarding UHMP winners, special mention goes to two of our Novice stars — Stewart Barnsley and John van Doorn — who came third in their division. Stewart turns 90 years old in a few weeks and learned to play at our club a mere 10 years ago — a truly commendable effort and an inspiration to us all!

Late in 2018, our club once again took part in the NSW Bridge Association’s Under 100 Masterpoints (UHMP) State Pairs Championships, restricted to players with less than 100 MPs. Our club shone (once again!) — hearty congratulations to all! Certificates for Club winners were awarded this week and are listed below.

Day 1 of the 2019 Summer Pairs saw 28 pairs playing in two sections. Congratulations to the 14 pairs who qualified for the final competition — notably, a wide range of our members’ levels is represented! The final (Day 2) next Wednesday 20 February 2019 will be played in a Howell Movement over 7 tables. The draw for Day 2 showing the original seeding for the event is attached.

Interesting bridge, pleasant company and good food – what more could we want? Fielding 31 teams from near and far, our congress was a hard-fought but enjoyable competition. Click on this link for full results — prize winners are listed below. Pictured are the winning team: David Weston, Kim Morrison, Greg & Sharon Mayo.

Seven-time world bridge champion, Karen ‘Kate’ McCallum is a professional bridge player from New Hampshire, USA who has been playing bridge for over 50 years. Kate (pictured 3rd from the left) and her teammates Axel Johansson, Peter Gill and Liz Sylvester played in our recent congress and told us a little about herself.

We are pleased to be again offering free bridge lessons for beginners - this year on Tuesday evenings for 6 weeks from 12 March to 16 April 2019 inclusive. Classes will be held in our clubhouse (34c Lake St, Forster) from 7 - 9 p.m. An introductory bridge book will be available for $20. If you and/or someone you know have been considering taking up this stimulating and fun past-time, contact Don on 6555 9262. All are very welcome  - spread the word!

We are continually thankful for the great support of our club members, both full and associated. Did you know that GLBC has currently a total of 214 members, and 28 of these have been members for over 30 years? Full membership costs $25 per year - of this, $1 goes to our club and $24 is paid in affiliation fees ($9 to the NSW Bridge Association and $15 to the Australian Bridge Federation). GLBC associate members' fees are $10 (their affiliation fees are paid via their home club).