Monthly Summary - April 2023
Gala Open Day
For the first time in the club’s history, WABC opened its clubrooms to the public on Wednesday 19 April for a Gala Open Day. Almost 100 people came to this free event. This included beginners keen to have a look, “kitchen” bridge players interested in experiencing duplicate bridge in a club setting, and players returning to club bridge after an absence to renew friendships and bridge partnerships.
Those new to bridge were received by Carla Sullivan who described the benefits and addictions of playing bridge with an introduction to the game, how it is played, followed by playing some hands of Mini Bridge. They then watched some of the club members play a “real game”. Meanwhile the “back to bridge” group were playing a semi-serious game in two sections.
The play was followed by a high tea with champagne. One of the keenest and (youngest!) attendees was Alec, aged 11 who is learning bridge with his grandmother, Lorraine Vanyai. Whilst he couldn't indulge in a glass of bubbles, young Alec who has been learning for about 2 years, is keen to continue in a club environment.
Handicap Pairs Championship 2023
There were 22 pairs entered in the Handicap Pairs Championship, which was run over two weeks. The Championship was won by Ping Robson & Murray McKay from Brenda Campbell & John Oliver in second place, and Karen Moller & Jodie Basham in third place. It was the first time that the winners had played together so an excellent start for new partnership. The top three pairs all got off to a good start in the first week but Ping and Murray finished well.
Annual Red Point Charity Day
At the end of April bridge players from all clubs were invited to the WABC annual charity session and raffle. This year the money raised was donated to “Ambulance Wish Western Australia”. This small not for profit charity enables people who are in palliative care to fulfil a wish by visiting a place or event of personal significance.
Many people donated generous prizes for the raffle, and others gave the precious gift of the opportunity to play a game of bridge with them. As well the table money for this session was donated to the charity. Over $4000 was raised for “Ambulance Wish Western Australia”.
The day was well attended with just over 30 tables. The North/South winners were Nigel Dutton & Marie-France Merven, Helen Walsh & Liz Dundas, and Janis Cain & Jennifer Bardsley. The East/West winners were Marie-Christine & Rajit El-Hoss, Linda Wild & Judith Wilson and Leith Taylor & John Aquino.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this day.
Thursday Swiss Teams
The Swiss Teams side event run on the last Thursday of the month attracted even more pairs this month. It is an alternative format for the Thursday afternoon players and is becoming very popular. It is a great way to learn about the Swiss Pairs format, tactics and scoring.
The winning pair this month was John Finlay-Jones & Andy Hung from Jane Henderson & Karen Wallwork and Roseanne Humphreys & Diana Humphrys.
Look out for this event on the last Thursday of May.
Andy Hung Lessons
Andy’s lessons are underway. If you missed out on this set then get in touch with Andy to be notified of the next series. Andy will also be running some Advanced Player Workshops. These have been very popular in the past so watch out for notices about these or contact Andy to be put on mailing list.
