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).

We are pleased to announce that the clubhouse will be ready to open as planned on Monday 28 January 2019—running the Restricted Teams Day 1 and a normal duplicate game for others. A small group of helpers will finish setting up the room on Sunday morning from 9 a.m. We thank the committee for their work and dedication during this process – much appreciated!

Work is well underway at our clubhouse and we are pleased with the commitment shown by the builder. A detailed list of the work is below. All is going to schedule and, although some external work may continue, we intend to reopen for bridge (as previously advised) on Monday 28 January 2019 - watch this space. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank GLBC member, Stan Pietrowviec for his input during this process.

Entries are now open for our Swiss Teams Congress to be held on Saturday 9 Feb and Sunday 10 Feb 2019 - enter online here or pick up an entry form at the clubhouse after we reopen on Monday 28 Jan 2019. Entries close 6 Feb 2019 - late entries may be accepted at the discretion of our Convener, Sylvia on 0431 066 388.

Full congress details are available via the brochure link, and are summarised below:

As per the clubhouse closure information below, our Restricted Teams event has moved to start on the first day back from renovations - Day 1: 28 Jan 2019 and Day 2: 18 Feb 2019. Total masterpoints of the 4 team members must be less than 300 points. (read more)

In late 2018, we received a very positive response to our proposal to run some bridge lessons for players who are past the basics and have been playing bridge for less than a year, but who could benefit from some further tuition to improve their game. The clubhouse closure recently announced (see below) has meant that these classes are reduced but still running - see the altered details below. If any players in this category didn't get around to signing up last year, just turn up on the day - all are welcome!

Novice level lessons (held in the clubhouse) are as follows: