ChChBridgeClubNewsletter 29-November-2022
03 366 1516 | office@chchbridge.co.nz | www.chchbridge.co.nz
November 29, 2022
ChCh Bridge Club Newsletter 29-November-2022
Dear Members,
The end of the bridge year is in sight and with the arrival of the new Programme Book members are now able to organise competition partners for 2023. We thank our sponsors for their continued support which helps immensely with the production costs of the booklet.
Membership remains steady at about 785 and we hope that this remains the case now that the 2023 subscriptions have been issued. In the meantime the best way that we as members can support the ongoing strength of the club is to actually attend and to encourage those non-playing friends and/or former bridge partners to return to the fold and play on site. Committee members phoned many members during and after the COVID restrictions to check on their welfare and to help facilitate their return in any way we could. A further ring-around of those we have not seen for some time is currently being undertaken.
Thank you to those who continue to help with the maintenance of the facilities. We recently had a Working Bee to remove several trees which were smothering the camellias along the left-hand side of the building. Our thanks go to Kelvin Tibble and Steve Renall for wielding the chainsaws and to Rex Denley and his team for loading the truck and doing the clean-up. Further trimming of trees will be carried out over the summer.
Unfortunately it is not quite as easy to trim back our rising costs. Table fees at the club have remained at $7.00 per session since 2013. At last month’s committee meeting the committee decided unanimously to increase the amount to $9.00 per session, effective from 1 January 2023. The rate for a concession card will be set at the December meeting. Our Treasurer, Mark Paget, has provided the following comment to clarify the club’s current financial position:
“With the help of government support, the club has been able to effectively manage the effects of COVID on its operations and financial position until now. The club is what we refer to as a “fixed cost business”, meaning that our costs do not change much regardless of how many people attend our sessions. COVID has significantly affected the number of playing members which is currently down by about 20% compared with pre-pandemic levels, despite the best efforts of the committee to encourage players back.
Secondly, the world response to the pandemic has resulted in inflation running at levels in excess of 10%, a figure not seen for many years. This has caused a significant rise in the cost of goods and services. In addition, wages - the club’s biggest expense - have risen over 30% in the past six years for most employees.”
Club members will appreciate that the committee has not made the decision to raise fees without full discussion and consideration. In the final analysis, we must act in a fiscally responsible manner in order to protect the ongoing welfare of the club as a whole.
On a lighter note, we hope that you all enjoy the end of year prize-givings. Significant numbers of our members have achieved outstanding results at club, national and international level. We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming you all back in 2023.
Kindest regards,
Marilyn Copland,
Club President.
Waitangi Day Bridge: is on this Friday. 10.20am start and bring your lunch. Friday Rubber Bridge: this Friday at the club at 6.30pm – 8.30pm. No partner required. All welcome. National Rubber Bridge Competition: Enter on-line at https://www.nzbridge.co.nz/events/12329/Canterbury-Rubber-Bridge-Competition Matches are to be played between March and August. Entries close 1st March. National Teams Tournament: is being held here on the weekend 21/22 February. On-line entries close: Friday 13th Feb. We are looking for volunteer spare players/pairs for the weekend in case we require another team and/or in case of sickness. Please contact the office if you can help. Canterbury Regional Trials: for the Open/Senior/Women's are being held at the Club on Sunday 1st March. Please note the correct date. Intermediates are not trialling but will be selected by the Regional Committee and will still need to enter see below. Entries are to be made on-line on the NZ Bridge website under tournaments. There are 2 entry lists: Canterbury Regional Championship Trials (Open/Women/Senior) Canterbury Regional Championship Selection (Intermediate) Julian Cup Date Change: From Saturday 15th August to Saturday 22nd August. AGM: The Club’s AGM will be held on Thursday 26th March at 6.30pm. Nominations for the committee are now being taken. Nomination forms can be found at the director’s desk.
Tournament Results: National Open Teams Final (Australia) 2nd: Leon Meier and team-mates Marlborough Teams Plate section: 1st: Kathryn Tennant, Jane Morris, Bill Mecchia, Dorothy Bain 2nd: Pam Tibble, Sue Southen, Kelvin Tibble, Ian Southen Bereavement: Club member Jane Skipper passed away last week. She was a member for 55 years, bridge teacher, bridge representative at a local, national and international level - A Celebration of her life will be held at the Club this Thursday at 1.30pm. Back to Bridge Refresher Course: Starts: Monday, February 2nd for six weeks. Tutor: Leon Meier Cost: $30 Start Time: 7:30pm Subscriptions: Due by Saturday 31st January, after this date, the subs will be $100. Garden Working Bee: Saturday 31st January, 9.30 til 12.30pm. Julian Cup date change: From Saturday 15th August to Saturday 22nd August. Wednesday Tutorial: This Wednesday at 5.50pm. Topic: The Opening Bid and Responses. Tutor: Shirley Newton. Cost: $5
Tournament Results: Australia Summer Festival of Bridge: Fixed Income One Day Swiss: 1st – Jessie Pelenato / Leon Meier Open Swiss Pairs: 5th – Leon Meier / Geo Tislevoll Convenors: Looking for a convenor(s) for a Tuesday evening & Sunday. Please let the office know if you could be interested or want to know what is required. Beginner Bridge Lessons: Starts: Wednesday, January 28 for 13 weeks. Tutor: Shirley Newton Back to Bridge Refresher Course: Starts: Monday, February 2nd for six weeks. Tutor: Leon Meier Subscriptions: Due by the $31st January, after the 31st, they will be $100. Garden Working Bee: Saturday 31st January, 9.30 til 12.30pm. Tuesday Night session: Please ring Bernard Chidgey if you require a partner on 981-6526 or 027 244-3409.
Volunteer players wanted for 2026: To be helpers at the beginner lessons or to be a spare player for the sessions. A roster will be made up once we get enough volunteers. See the foyer noticeboard or email the office if you can help. Sessions are Monday and Wednesday eve Juniors and Sundays. The more volunteers the better! Beginner Bridge Lessons: Starts: Wednesday, January 28 for 13 weeks. Tutor: Shirley Newton Back to Bridge Refresher Course: Starts: Monday, February 2nd for six weeks. Tutor: Leon Meier Junior Bridge Sessions: Mondays at 7.20pm, Wednesdays at 6.50pm and Sundays (if there enough Juniors to have a separate section) at 12.50pm. At all the sessions you can come along without a partner. Need a partner for 2026: Please contact the partner finder for your session: If you require a partner for any session, the following people might be able to help. Please leave a message so that they can return your call. Monday afternoon: Ian Familton - 027 480-1514 Monday night: Peg Butterfield - 388-4286 or 021 0298-4534 Tuesday morning: Players can come without a partner Tuesday night: Janet Keen - 027 463 2005 (ring or text) Wednesday night: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (text only) (Juniors can come without a partner) Thursday night: Sue Southen - 027 489 8572 Friday daytime: Norma Loomes - 027 403-9339 Sunday afternoon: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (All players can come without a partner) If you arrive without a partner, the Club will guarantee a game at the Monday Junior, Tuesday morning, Wednesday Junior and Sunday sessions only. Other grades should use the partner finder.
Volunteer players wanted for 2026: To be helpers at the beginner lessons or to be a spare player for the sessions. A roster will be made up once we get enough volunteers. See the foyer noticeboard or email the office if you can help. Sessions are Monday and Wednesday eve Juniors and Sundays. The more volunteers the better! Beginner Bridge Lessons: Starts: Wednesday, January 28 for 13 weeks. Tutor: Shirley Newton Back to Bridge Refresher Course: Starts: Monday, February 2nd for six weeks. Tutor: Leon Meier Junior Bridge Sessions: Mondays at 7.20pm, Wednesdays at 6.50pm and Sundays (if there enough Juniors to have a separate section) at 12.50pm. At all the sessions you can come along without a partner. Need a partner for 2026: Please contact the partner finder for your session: If you require a partner for any session, the following people might be able to help. Please leave a message so that they can return your call. Monday afternoon: Ian Familton - 027 480-1514 Monday night: Peg Butterfield - 388-4286 or 021 0298-4534 Tuesday morning: Players can come without a partner Tuesday night: Janet Keen - 027 463 2005 (ring or text) Wednesday night: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (text only) (Juniors can come without a partner) Thursday night: Sue Southen - 027 489 8572 Friday daytime: Norma Loomes - 027 403-9339 Sunday afternoon: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (All players can come without a partner) If you arrive without a partner, the Club will guarantee a game at the Monday Junior, Tuesday morning, Wednesday Junior and Sunday sessions only. Other grades should use the partner finder.
Canterbury Holiday Pairs: There is no requirement to pre-register for this tournament. You can play all or anyone of the sessions. Note: No concession cards for these sessions as it is a tournament. Partner wanted? Please contact the office if you are wanting a partner for the holiday pairs in January. Sat 3rd, Tues 6th, Thurs 8th January. Holiday Bridge: please refer to the website Home Page and scroll down for session times. Volunteer players wanted for 2026: To be helpers at the beginner lessons or to be a spare player for the sessions. A roster will be made up once we get enough volunteers. See the foyer noticeboard or email the office if you can help. Sessions are Monday and Wednesday evenings Juniors/Tuesday Mornings /Sundays Beginner Bridge Lessons starts Wednesday, January 28 for 13 weeks. Tutor: Shirley Newton Back to Bridge refresher course: Starts Monday, February 2nd for six weeks. Tutor: Leon Meier Need a partner for 2026: Please contact the partner finder for your session: If you require a partner for any session, the following people might be able to help. Please leave a message so that they can return your call. Monday afternoon: Ian Familton - 027 480 1514 Monday night: Peg Butterfield - 388-4286 or 021 0298-4534 Tuesday morning: Players can come without a partner Tuesday night: Janet Keen - 027 463 2005 (ring or text) Wednesday night: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (text only) (Juniors can come without a partner) Thursday night: Sue Southen - 027 489 8572 Friday daytime: Norma Loomes - 027 403 9339 Sunday afternoon: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (All players can come without a partner) If you arrive without a partner, the Club will guarantee a game at the Monday Junior, Tuesday morning, Wednesday Junior and Sunday sessions only. Other grades should use the partner finder. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sharp Defence by Christchurch players in international competitions by Jan Alabaster. Click on the following link to read the article: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/36d370eaw0vv0kiw0n9p5/Sharp-Defence-Updated.pdf?rlkey=obh81hltduoayhrrud7iw0i2p&st=qdznsbo6&dl=0 . (The full article didn’t appear in the last newsletter.) Holiday Bridge Sessions: Open to all! Friday 19 December: 10.20am. BYO Lunch. Sunday 21 December: 1pm Monday 22 December: Afternoon 1pm & Evening 7.20pm Tuesday 23 December: Morning 10.20am & Evening 7.20pm Sunday 28 December: 1pm Monday 29 December: Afternoon 1pm & Evening 7.20pm Tuesday 30 December: Morning 10.20am & Evening 7.20pm Canterbury Holiday Pairs: Proudly sponsored by: Maxwell Plumbing Saturday 3rd, Tuesday 6th, Thursday 8th Jan. All sessions start at 7.20pm No prior entry required. Friday Bridge starts back on January 2nd, 10.20am. BYO Lunch.
Canterbury Regional Committee: The Canterbury Regional Committee is seeking two more volunteers to be part of the Regional Bridge committee. Please contact Sarah Garland (Club member) if you are interested. Club Subscriptions: Invoices have been sent out to members via email. If you have not received an email, please let the office know. Reminder: the sub is $90 if paid before the 31st January, 2026 otherwise it will be $100. Canterbury Charity Pairs: Date: Saturday 13th December. Enter on-line. Canterbury Holidays Pairs: Proudly sponsored by Maxwell Plumbing; Dates: Saturday 3rd, Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th January. Please Note: there is an error in the Match programme book under the Tuesday and Thursday sessions with the Saturday date to confirm it is the 3rd not the 1st Jan as stated). Christmas Bridge Sessions: Monday 22nd and 29th December: 1pm and 7.20pm Tuesday 23rd and 30th December: 10.20am and 7.20pm Sessions are open to all. Handbags: Please can members hang their handbags either on the back or completely under their chair. A member tripped over a handbag strap which caused an injury. 2026 Match Programme Books: These are now available to be picked up from the club. One copy per member. Ron Klinger Seminar: this Friday at 2.15pm. Please contact the office if you are wanting to attend. Cost $25 Friday Night Rubber Bridge: this Friday at 6.30 – 8.30pm, last one for the year. All welcome, no partner required.
Tournament Results: Congratulations to Paul Taggart & Peter Foster (Levin) who won the NZ Junior pairs at Congress. The Sunday Junior section will restart this coming Sunday at 12.50pm. No partner required Garden Working Bee: This Saturday 29th November, 9.30am until midday. Club Subscriptions: Invoices have been sent out to members via email. If you have not received an email, please let the office know. We do have a few to hand out to members who do not have an email. Reminder: the subscription is $90 if paid before the 31st January, 2026 otherwise it will be $100 from the 1st February, 2026. Tuesday Morning Bridge: No partner required. Be seated and ready to play by 10:20 am.
Tournament Results: Congratulations to all our Christchurch players! NZ Congress Intermediate Teams: 1st: Tina Sims, Jane Walders, Bridget O’Brien, Jessie Palenato 2nd: Maureen Power, Sue Walls, Jeff & Rhondda Bergman NZ Regional Champs Women's Teams: 1st: Margaret Burgess / Shirley Newton / Sue Southen/ Pam Tibble NZ Intermediate Teams: 1st: Tina Sims, Jane Walders, Bridget O’Brien, Jessie Palenato 2nd: Leon Hammond & Kat Holmes with Pamela Jensen & Diane Waite (New Plymouth) NZ Intermediate Swiss Pairs: 2nd: Jessie Pelenato and Tamati Grieg (Wanganui) NZ Junior Swiss Pairs: 1st: Sally Shelton & Kate Harris Congress Intermediate Teams: 1st: Tina Sims, Jane Walders, Bridget O’Brien, Jessie Palenato Congress Senior Teams: 1st: Jane Morris / Pam Tibble /Ian Southen / Kelvin Tibble / Sue Southen NZ Restricted Pairs: 3rd: Paul Tomlinson & Sandy Buzzard NZ Intermediate Pairs: 4th: Jane Walders & Tina Sims Congress Open Matchpoint Swiss Pairs: 1st: Tim Schumacher & Fraser Rew (Australia) Congress Intermediate Matchpoint Swiss Pairs: 3rd: Jenny Shore & David Riley Jan Cormack Cup (for highest placed women's team in NZ Open Teams): Shirley Newton/Margaret Burgess/ Jenny Wilkinson/ Jane Morris Remember: if you place well in a tournament please remember to email the office and with photos if you have them. If any of the above have photos please email them to the office for the December newsletter. Newest Grandmaster: Congratulations to Sarah Garland obtaining Grand-Master status while up at the National Congress. Office Hours: As Sue is on holiday this week, Neal Phillips will be in the office from this Wednesday until Friday between the hours of 9am and 1pm. Saturday Night Bridge is this Saturday 22nd November, 7pm start. Garden Working Bee: Date: Saturday 29th November. 9.30am until midday. Convenor Elections: These will be held on the week of the 24th November. Candidates can register their names on the candidate form on the foyer noticeboard.
