Christchurch Bridge Club - Newsletter April 2020

03 366 1516  |  office@chchbridge.co.nz  |  www.chchbridge.co.nz 
March 31, 2020

From the President and Vice President

Dear Members

This is a newsletter to keep you up to date with recent developments. We hope you are all safe and sound in your “Bubbles” and taking advantage of this time to play bridge online, both Graeme’s generous offer on Sky Bridge and our Club’s BBO.

The Committee has continued to meet weekly on Zoom. Our thanks go to all of the committee members for the skill levels that they are showing through the shut-down. We are all on the same page and working very well together for the benefit of the club. It has been nice to receive emails in support of our decisions and the work we are doing behind the scenes.

Special thanks go to Lizzy for ringing around our members and checking on their welfare. We would like to take this opportunity to also thank Sue for the hours she is putting in running the office from home. Her busy time seems to be from 6pm onwards helping members to log on to BBO. 

Bridge Online (BBO)

Our Club had two sessions last week. From this week on we are running six sessions. Monday, and Friday afternoon starting at 1pm. Monday through to Thursday nights, starting at 7.30pm. Members can talk privately and catch up with their friends and other members on BBO prior to the start. Over 170 members have sent in their BBO IDs. We are getting great feedback, the main one being that ‘it feels like a normal club session’.

The Club has been fortunate in that Liz Fitzgerald has the knowledge and previous experience in running and directing BBO tournaments. Liz has joined our BBO directing team. Thank you, Liz, for your input and for training our directors. Special thanks also to David Stephen for organising the BBO sessions and directors for these sessions.

Note: If you need instructions on how to join BBO and/or to sign up for the on-line sessions, contact Sue in the office: office@chchbridge.co.nz or 027 2577466. Instructions are also available on the website.

ANZAC Day

Sadly, we are not able to celebrate our Club’s anniversary by playing in the Anniversary Pairs, traditionally held on 25 April each year. However, the ANZAC blanket which we had intended to display on that day has been completed, as shown in the attached photos. Thank you to all those who knitted or crocheted poppies in a wide variety of colours, sizes, and shapes. It has been a real team effort and source of great camaraderie. Special thanks in particular are due to Marilyn Copland, Bev Johnson, Glenda Frapwell and Deborah Matthews who helped in the creation of the final product. Deborah was also responsible for assembling the purple poppy wreath which commemorates the large number of animals who perished as a result of the wars. We will put both items on display once the club re-opens.

Because of COVID-19 the RSA is unable to carry out its usual poppy day sales. In lieu of buying a poppy this year, you may wish to make a donation on the following website:

https://chchbridge.us11.listmanage.com/track/click?u=ce7a6455345995f4b49e1a2d2&id=bad6da8487&e=22e2d6aa8d

Enjoy your bridge!

John McKenzie(Acting President),
Marilyn Copeland(Acting Vice President)

September 17, 2025
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.
September 9, 2025
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
September 3, 2025
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
August 31, 2025
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.
August 22, 2025
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
August 12, 2025
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
May 2, 2025
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.
April 24, 2025
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.
April 18, 2025
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
April 10, 2025
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.