ChChBridgeClubNewsletter 1-May-2024
03 366 1516 | office@chchbridge.co.nz | www.chchbridge.co.nz
May 6, 2024
ChCh Bridge Club Newsletter 1-May-2024 / Volume 1|Issue 1
Hi there CLUB members,
The first NEWSLETTER for 2024 is here. As this is a CLUB NEWSLETTER, I want contributions and full involvement from you all.
WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT:
Welcome to our new format newsletter. We are endeavouring to make it interactive and inclusive and we encourage involvement from our members.
The Canterbury congress is on 18 and 19 May. I encourage all our members to give it a go. For our junior and intermediate players in particular there are two days of bridge specifically tailored for you playing against players from your own grade. Tournament bridge is great fun, you will come away noticing an improvement in your game.
Good luck to all our club members who are trialing for the Canterbury interprovincial teams this weekend. Of the 21 pairs trialing this weekend 19.5 of them are from the Christchurch club which reflects the playing strength within our club.
If anyone out there has friends and colleagues in business who would like to sponsor and interact with our 750 member club please get them to contact myself or Sue. We have the ability to put together great value-oriented sponsorship packages.
Cheers, Tony Quinlivan
REVIEWING TOURNAMENT RESULTS FOR 2024:
- Leon Meier won the Marlborough Pairs and was 2nd in the teams match with his Wellington team-mates.
- Max Robb and Bill Mecchia were 3rd in the Otago Open Pairs.
- Graeme Tuffnell and Leon Meier were 2nd in the Rangiora All Grades with Richard Lapthorne and Sue Southen coming 3rd.
- Tim Schmacher, David Skipper, Leon Meier and Geo Tislevoll
- (Auck) were 3rd in North Island Teams
- Liz Fitzgerald and John Kruinger tied with Philippe Borlase and Peter Van Leeuwen for 1st place in the Ashburton Anniversary pairs. Meladey and Chris Bras were 3rd.
NZ REPS FOR WORLD GAMES IN BUENOS AIRES: Leon Meier and Matt McManus are in the Open with Jane and John Skipper in the Seniors.
TIMARU CONGRESS:
Congratulations to Megan Eddy and Kathryn Andrews for getting 2nd in the Intermediate Pairs.
WELLINGTON CONGRESS:
- Congress Swiss Pairs 2nd were Max Morrison and Tony Quinlivan with Jan Alabaster and Graeme Tufnell 3rd
- Congress Open Pairs: Max Morrison and Tony Quinlivan
- Congress Open Teams: 2nd were Leon Meier and team-mates– well done.
CHRISTCHURCH ANNIVERSARY PAIRS:
A lovely day of bridge was had by all. Phil Sanson and Patricia Wilson 1st
Leo Hammond and Sarah Garland 2nd with Ryan McMahon and Jessie Pelenato 3rd.
WHATS HAPPENING:
CLUB CONSTITUTION:
Currently John Skipper is drafting a new constitution for the club. The reason the Clubs Constitution needs to change is that the Incorporated Societies Act has been updated. The 1908 Incorporated Societies Act has been replaced by the 2022 Incorporated Societies Act.
One major thing this requires is that all incorporated societies must update their Constitution to comply with the new act. The changes are mostly additions that are required, including more detail on complaints and complaint resolution and the expanding duties of Officers of the Club. Almost all our existing Constitution will transfer into the new version so we don’t have to do much that is different.
The other complication is that all incorporated Societies must as part of the process, reapply for inclusion on the national register of Incorporated Societies.
We have plenty of time to work on this and to apply in time to be reapproved before the deadline. There will be several updates over the coming months and all members will have opportunities to read the draft and have a say.
SOLAR PANELS:
The committee is currently investigating the feasibility for getting Solar Panels for the club rooms and the possibility of applying for funding from charitable trust.
SPECIAL MENTION:
This section is where mention will be made of things that have happened but not noted. This includes good sportsmanship at the table, good sportsmanship behaviour at all or any event/s, something that was or is funny (we all need a laugh), or a member doing something beneficial to the club.
This section is for you, the members, to contribute to. If you see something nice happening let me know so we can get it noted in the next NEWSLETTER.
THIS MONTH’S MENTION: Since I have become more and more disabled, I have noticed that bridge players generally are very supportive and caring people. From helping me get my walking frame out of the car … Jan Lenton, Barbara Gordon and Tony Fitzgerald (thank you) to making me a cup of coffee (Various Members) I have noticed concern and care being given to other handicapped members and because of this, I am going to mention one player in particular : Fiona Findlater – not only does she assist me with my walker frame, but she makes really good coffee and then goes around the room cleaning the screens on the tablets. Fiona also has offered her own equipment to members that are having operations and may need equipment to help with personal cares for a while. It takes a special person to think of others before thinking of your bridge bidding and play.
ADVERTISING FOR MEMBERS:
This is where you can place advertisements for selling Stuff to other club members. If you have anything to advertise please email Sue at the office with all details.
CONVENOR REQUIRED
There is a position available on Fridays. If you feel you can assist the Director during room set up and close down, please let me know. We desperately need helpers also. Two people each play time speeds up the setting up and dismantling after play has finished.
ANNIVERSARY PAIRS
This event was held on Thursday 25th April 2024. As this was ANZAC Day a minutes silence was taken as The Ode was recited by Charles Lapthorne.
OBITUARIES:
- Donn Armstrong husband of Liz Armstrong 11/4/24
- Tony Biddington 4/4/24
This is the first NEWSLETTER if you think of anything to improve it, please let me know. In the meantime, SEE YOU ON THE DARK SIDE.
Helen Bremner
Committe Member - Communication Portfolio
Tournament Results: Canterbury Regional Pairs 10A 2nd – Andrew Purves / Pavla Fenwick New Junior Session: On Monday nights, start 7.20pm Upcoming Tournament this Weekend: Christchurch Congress: Spare players/pairs wanted for this weekend either Saturday or Sunday or both. This is for Open/Intermediate and Junior grades. If you can help, please let the office know.
Added 11-Sept-2025 September Newsletter is now out!! Scroll down on the "About" page (newsletter links are near the bottom of the page) to access a link to this newsletter. Partner wanted: A National Junior grade player from Timaru wanting a partner for the Sunday Junior Pairs. Please contact the office if you would like to play. ***************** Saturday Night Bridge is back! When: Starting this Saturday 13 September at 7pm sharp . Proudly sponsored by: Arvida St Albans Retirement Village. Further information on the Club noticeboard and Home Page of this website. New Junior Session: on Monday nights, start 7.20pm. On-Line Intermediate Lessons: https://www.nzbridge.co.nz/supported-online-practice-games.html If you are not registered with HelloClub online platform, here is the link. https://nzbridge.helloclub.com/register Contact Shirley Newton if you are having trouble with the links. Cost: $8 casual per session For intermediate and experienced players. Three different topics: Lesson 1: Transfers Responses to 1NT Sunday 28th September 4-6pm and Tuesday 30th 7-9pm Lesson 2: Keycard Blackwood and Splinters Sunday 5th October 4-6pm and Tuesday 7th 7-9pm Lesson 3: Michaels Cue Bids, Unusual 2NT Sunday 12th October 4-6pm and Tuesday 14th 7-9pm Garden Working Bee: When: This Saturday 13 September. Time: 9.30am until midday. Tournament: Christchurch Congress: (refer flyer on the Home Page for more information about this Event) Enter: on-line Dates: Saturday 20th September – Teams Open / Intermediate / Junior Sunday 21st September - Pairs Open / Intermediate / Junior
Reminder added 4-Sept-2025: Friday Social Rubber Bridge tomorrow night at the Club. 6:30pm 'til 8:30pm. No partner required, see further details below. (In the "New Bridge Sessions" section.) Tournament Results: Ashburton Intermediate Pairs 5B 1st – Jessie Pelenato / Kat Holmes 2nd – Stuart Grant / Michelle Gan 3rd – June Jung / Philippa Borlase South Island Teams 20A 5th – Joan Small / Jenny Wilkinson / Shirley Newton / Arleen Schwartz Upcoming Senior/Senior Reserve Seminar: (refer flyer on the Home Page for additional information) Tutor: Jane Skipper Topic: 'Coping with Interference in the Auction' When: Sunday September 7th at 10am. Cost: $15 New Bridge Sessions: Friday Social Rubber Bridge (refer flyer on the Home Page for more details about this session) When: on the first Friday of the month. Time: 6.30pm until 8.30pm, Table Fee: $5 John Skipper will be there to give a short tutorial on how to play rubber bridge for those who would like to learn. Saturday Night Bridge is back! (refer flyer on the Home Page more details about this session) When: starting 13 September at 7pm sharp. Proudly sponsored by: Arvida St Albans Retirement Village Note: See foyer noticeboard for more details about these 2 sessions. Garden Working Bee: When: Sunday 13 September Time: 9.30am until midday. Upcoming Tournament: Christchurch Congress: (refer flyer on the Home Page for more information about this Event) Dates: Saturday 20th September - Teams; Sunday 21st September - Pairs Enter: on-line
Upcoming Senior/Senior Reserve Seminar: (refer flyer on the Home Page for additional information) Tutor: Jane Skipper Topic: 'Coping with Interference in the Auction' When: Sunday September 7th at 10am. Cost: $15 New Bridge Sessions: Friday Social Rubber Bridge (refer flyer on the Home Page for more details about this session) When: on the first Friday of the month. Time: 6.30pm until 8.30pm, Table Fee: $5 John Skipper will be there to give a short tutorial on how to play rubber bridge for those who would like to learn. Saturday Night Bridge is back! (refer flyer on the Home Page more details about this session) When: starting 13 September at 7pm sharp. Proudly sponsored by: Arvida St Albans Retirement Village Note: See foyer noticeboard for more details about these 2 sessions. Garden Working Bee: When: Sunday 13 September Time: 9.30am until midday. Upcoming Tournament: Christchurch Congress: (refer flyer on the Home Page for more information about this Event) Date: Saturday 20th September - Teams; Sunday 21st September - Pairs Enter: online Note: There is an Intermediate player wanting a partner for the Intermediate pairs on the Sunday. Contact the office for further details.
Tournament Results: Senior / Junior Teams 1st – Finley Duncan / Emma Fitzgerald / Tony Fitzgerald / Les Frater Oamaru Junior Pairs 1st – Bronwyn & Robert Bijl Two Upcoming Seminars: (refer flyers on the Home Page for additional information) Tutor for both seminars is Jane Skipper This Sunday!! Junior / Intermediate seminar: Topic: 'Rebids - Finishing your Job as Opener' When: Sunday August 24th at 10am. Cost: $15 Senior / Senior Reserve seminar Topic: 'Coping with Interference in the Auction' When: Sunday September 7th at 10am. Cost: $15
Tournament Results: Geraldine All Grades 8B 2nd – Liz Fitzgerald / John Kruiniger Senior / Junior Teams: Saturday 16th August Looking for one more Junior or intermediate pair or person to join a team for this Saturday. Let the office know if you would like to play? Also please let the office know if you could be a spare player / pair for this Saturday. Players who have entered the tournament are to pay their entry fee $25 into the Club’s bank account by this Thursday. Two Upcoming Seminars: (refer flyers on the Home Page for additional information) Tutor for both seminars is Jane Skipper Junior / Intermediate seminar: Topic: 'Rebids - Finishing your Job as Opener' When: Sunday August 24th at 10am. Cost: $15 Senior / Senior Reserve seminar Topic: 'Coping with Interference in the Auction' When: Sunday September 7th at 10am. Cost: $15
Club Newsletter Scroll down on the "About" page to access the link to the "April 2025 Newsletter". Canterbury Congress Dates: Saturday 17 May/ Sunday 18 May There are events for all abilities. We would love more entries from the Junior and Intermediate Players. Further details on the Club’s website. (View either the flyers on the "Home" page or the event information on the "Events" page.) We also need spare players/ pairs for this event. Let the office know if you can help. We have a visiting open grade player wanting a partner to play in the open pairs and teams. Let the office know if you would like to play. Added 2-May-2025 Canterbury Congress Dates: Saturday 17 May/ Sunday 18 May There are events for all abilities. We would love more entries from the Junior and Intermediate Players. Further details on the Club’s website. (View either the flyers on the "Home" page or the event information on the "Events" page.) Can you help with: Spare players/ pairs being available for this event. Volunteers to help Thea in the kitchen Volunteers to tidy the rooms after play. Person to volunteer as a support player for a player who requires help with writing the bids down and playing the cards on the Sunday. We have a visiting open grade player wanting a partner to play in the open pairs and teams. Caddies- helping the director If you can help with any of the above please let the office know.
Wednesday Supported Play: Please note that this session has moved to Wednesdays, starting at 6.50pm. Session Time Change: Tuesday Afternoon sessions will start at 10.20am from Tuesday, May 6th. Thea will be making her famous scones for morning tea! Session finishes approximately 1.10pm. Please Note: The regular Friday Bridge session will not be held tomorrow as the Anniversary Pairs tournament will be running. Club Working Bee: This Saturday 26th April, 9.30am start to midday. Next set of Beginner Lessons: Start Wednesday 30th April. Tutor: Shirley Newton.
Easter Bridge at the Club: The regular bridge sessions will be on as usual for the Friday, Sunday and Monday sessions. Anniversary Pairs: Date & Time: Friday 25th April at 10am. This is a handicapped tournament. See flyer on the 'Home Page' for more information. Entries can be made by email or sign up at the Club. NOTE: Please pay the entry fee ($25) into the Club’s bank account by Wednesday 23rd April. This is to allow the payments to be checked on the Thursday before the tournament. Please note: The regular Friday bridge session will not be on that day. Session Time Change: Tuesday Afternoon sessions will start at 10.20am from Tuesday, May 6th. Thea will be making her famous scones for morning tea! Club Working Bee: Saturday 26th April, 9.30am start to midday. Volunteers: The club is always looking for volunteers especially at tournaments eg, helping in the kitchen, tidying up, caddies. Contact the office if you are keen to help. Beginner Lessons: Next set of Beginner lessons: start Wednesday 30th April. Tutor: Shirley Newton The Club also has a set of beginner lessons starting on Tuesday, July 22 at 10am-12.30pm. Tutor: Fiona Temple
Added 11-April-2025 Session Time Change: Tuesday Afternoon sessions will start at 10.20am from Tuesday, May 6th. There will be a brief break for morning tea. Beginner Lessons: Next set of Beginner lessons: start Wednesday 30th April. Tutor: Shirley Newton The Club also has a set of beginner lessons starting on Tuesday, July 22 at 10am-12.30pm. Tutor: Fiona Temple Easter Bridge at the Club: The regular bridge sessions will be on as usual for the Friday, Sunday and Monday sessions. Anniversary Pairs: Date & Time: Friday 25th April at 10am. This is a handicapped tournament. See website for more information. Entries can be made by email or sign up at the club. Please pay entry fee into the Club’s bank account by Wednesday 23rd April. This is to allow the payments to be checked on the Thursday before the tournament. Please note: The regular Friday bridge session will not be held on that day. Club Working Bee: Saturday 26th April, 9.30am start to midday. From 9-April-2025 Sunday Bridge THIS weekend 13th April Bridge will still be on when the CHCH marathon is running. There is a map on what route to take to the Club and a car pass to be displayed on your dashboard when entering the closed road section at the following link https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6x6kgp3mg1qtb6vygesii/2025-CM-Bridge-Club-Access-Map-Pass.pdf?rlkey=mky1mvay4p61jy1gxno0qb62n&st=593gb0tv&dl=0 . There are also copies printed at the Club for anyone who is going to bridge this Sunday (map on one side and car pass on the other). Please see the director. Tournament Results: Mid Canterbury Pairs (5A) 1st – Leo Hammond / Leon Meier (scroll down to see their photo) 2nd – Jane Lennon / David Taylor Waimate Pairs 1st Lynn & David Taylor Anniversary Pairs: Date & Time: Friday 25th April at 10am. This is a handicapped tournament. See foyer for more information and sign-up sheet. Club Working Bee: Date & Time: Saturday 26th April, 9.30am start to midday. Next set of Beginner lessons: start Wednesday 30th April. Tutor: Shirley Newton Tournament Date Confirmations: Senior / Junior Teams tournament: There is an error in the programme book regarding the date of this tournament. The correct date is Saturday 16th August. Canterbury Charity Pairs: the date has been changed from Saturday 6th December to the following Saturday 13th December. Cruise Bridge session at the Club Date & Time: Thursday 10th April at 10am until 1pm. 20 visitors from the cruise along with Jeff Grotenhuis, owner of the Agile Bridge Club in Los Angeles are coming to play at the Club and we would love our members to welcome and join them in this bridge session. Morning tea provided. See the foyer noticeboard to enter.
