Dear Members,

At a time when we dread to turn on the TV for another dose of gloom and doom, let’s start with some good news. You may have noticed that the installation of LED lights throughout the club has been completed over the last few weeks. In addition, the lines in the carpark have been repainted and the old hot/cold tap has been replaced by one with a greater cup capacity and hopefully a more sustained performance.

It’s good to be back at the club, albeit under Level 2 restrictions, playing the game which we all enjoy and reconnecting with those whom we haven’t seen for a while. Our thanks go to the directors who worked hard to administer BBO during Levels 3 and 4, and to Sue who now has the daily task of processing the bookings needed for play under Level 2. We are grateful also to John Skipper for undertaking the onerous task of sorting out the details of competition play into a coherent form after all the missed nights, and for collating the input from other committee members to finalise the layout for the 2022 Programme Book.

In the meantime we are all adapting to the changed landscape created by playing bridge at Level 2. The committee has continued to meet via Zoom and to monitor the constantly evolving situation. We are mindful of observing the protocols as laid down by government and of taking guidance from NZ Bridge. In a club with a membership of over 800, we no doubt occupy a variety of positions on the vaccination/non-vaccination spectrum. Given that our demographic includes a considerable number of vulnerable people, we would encourage members to undertake vaccination but are aware that there are some members who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons (and whom the government has indicated may be eligible for vaccination exemptions), and that there will be others who do not wish to be vaccinated for a variety of reasons. We need to be aware of privacy issues and of the fact that the government has not mandated disclosure of vaccination status, or compulsory vaccination. Thus it would seem premature for us to consider any such actions .Instead, let’s be calm and moderate in our approach, show support and respect for others, observe Level 2 protocols and enjoy playing the game we value so much.

Take care everyone,

Marilyn Copland,

Club President.