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.

With lockdowns and altered timetables this year - and the delayed availability of members' booklets - there has been some confusion about eligibility for the 2021 President's Trophy. Held the first Monday of each month, members are required to play with a different person each month to qualify. Below is a simplified list of players in this event so far (as of 3 August 2021) and their partners. Those in bold are unfortunately unable to qualify, having partnered the same person more than once.

We welcome our new President, Dick Barry and the committee elected at our recent Annual General Meeting. Thank you for the time and effort you have given freely in the past - and for many, will continue in the future - to keep our club running smoothly and happily.

Position holders are as follows:

Please help us form a quorum and consider putting your hand up for a committee position that has no nominations to date, at our upcoming AGM Monday 2 August 2021 starting at 11:30am. Also please take the time to go over our Etiquette & ethics guidelines (found above in 'About Us' - 'Publications' and also on our club noticeboard).

Congratulations to winning pair Jill and Karl Buchmann for taking out the 2021 GLBC Club Pairs competition. With 5 wins and one loss over the two-week event, they pipped second place-getters (also with 5 wins & 1 loss) Jacqui Jennings and John Van Doorn by one Victory Point (VP). Coming a close third was Judy Scott and Margaret Boniface.

On Saturday 26 June and Sunday 27 June 2021, our club fielded two teams in the zone final of the Country Teams event  in Coffs Harbour, run by the NSW Bridge Association (Northern Region Country Teams results ). A hearty "Congratulations!" to 3rd placed team: Fran & Wayne Carroll and Jill & Karl Buchmann who had 6 wins and 2 losses in a very competitive field.

The below was recently emailed to GLBC members and is summarised here for general information only

Club House Repairs: Our 20-year-old building is now in need of roofing repairs. Unfortunately, recent government grant applications have been unsuccessful so these repairs will be met by GLBC funds.  As a result, event funding will be restricted.