February Newsletter
The year has kicked off with a bang and we're into February already. Some club members travelled to the Summer Festival of Bridge in Canberra and others are at the 63rd and final Gold Coast Congress. If you stayed in Perth there were competitions to play at WABC and other clubs.
CHARLES PEARCE CUP
This Wednesday night competition was won by Gwyneira Brahma - Stella Steer from John Aquino - Steve Pynt. The Regional Master & Below was won by Megan Jefferies & Juliana Westlake.
BIRTHDAY CONGRESS
A very busy day at WABC, the first day of February was the Birthday Congress. The all day Swiss Pairs was won by Maura & Rick Rhodes who were unbeaten, followed by David Schokman - Tim Wright and then Deirdre Doepel - Jennifer Sharpe. It was good to see Neville Walker taking the opportunity to play as we generally only see him directing.
The traditional Anniversary Pairs was held in the afternoon with 70 pairs playing in three seeded sections. This event is scored across the field with an arrowswitch to give a single winner. Well done to Janice Olevson & Jeff Salant who won from Rosemary Rear - Jean Williams and Jo & Nat Wright.
There was an enormous birthday cake and an abundance of cup cakes that disappeared leaving only a few crumbs by the end of the day.
PLANNING AHEAD
Wednesday Night Open Swiss Pairs: (12 & 19 February)
WABC Mixed Pairs Congress: Saturday 15 February, Morning & Afternoon. There will be a normal Saturday Duplicate session in the afternoon as well.
Monday Red Points: 3 March. If you're not down at the Albany Congress then come along and play for Red points in either the morning or afternoon session or both if you're really keen.
WABC Super Novice, Novice & Restricted Congress: Sunday 9 March, Morning & Afternoon. Depending on numbers we try to run three separate fields.
Women's Pairs Championship: Tuesday Afternoons 11 & 18 March. Usually a very popular event. There is a normal duplicate session for those not playing in the championship.
Handicap Pairs Championship: Friday Afternoons 4 & 11 April. Your chance to play against anyone and have a good chance of winning. Learn from the better players and beat them at the same time.
WABC BRIDGE LESSONS 2025
The club has advertised Australia wide for a club teaching professional and is considering an expression of interest but there are several significant issues to consider.
In the meantime, the Club is incredibly fortunate that one of its members, Jodie Basham, has spent considerable time and effort developing a teaching program for beginners based on material from Peter Smith and this commences in March.
There will be two courses for Beginners.
Beginners Part 1 is a ten-week course consisting of two five week modules designed to have the participants playing their first supervised sessions. These lessons start on Monday 10 March 2025 with a choice of morning or evening classes and cost $150.
Beginners Part 2 is an eight week course building on the participants' knowledge. Lessons will run on Mondays with a choice of morning or evening classes. These lessons start in June.
The more experienced players will have workshops or short courses during the year including, hopefully, a visit by Andy Hung.
Please let your friends, family, neighbours, in fact everyone know of the Beginner's Courses. An A4 sized flyer is attached if you wish to put it up around town. As we all know, playing bridge is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends while exercising one's mind.