February News

Hello Fellow Slam-makers

We had a wonderful turnout of about 70 members for our Welcome to 2024 Party last week. There was plenty of nice food and good company. Everyone I've spoken to enjoyed themselves. We also had 15 tables playing beforehand, a record since we resumed playing after Covid. Thank you everyone for making it a great day! Please keep coming to play on Wednesdays if you can - even without a party after!

Intermediate Class Tuesday 13 February (1pm - 3.15pm)
This will be the first of three classes this year run by Nick Hughes for intermediate players to improve their play. The lesson includes Powerpoint tips from Nick, playing 8 hands with explanation after and lesson hands and notes. You don't need a partner. Also now, free self-serve espresso coffee or tea is included! Cost is only $15. Everyone is welcome, not just members.

No Bridge on Monday 19 February
Easts Leagues Club is holding its AGM on Monday 19 February in the Bondi Room. Unfortunately because of the AGM and other events, Easts Leagues staff will not be available to take our tables to an alternate venue, as they usually do. Regrettably, we have therefore had to cancel this session. We have been advised that there are no other cancellations expected in the next few months. Our preference always is to seek an alternate venue if available, rather than cancelling the session.

Bridge Beginner's Course starts Tuesday 5 March at 1pm
Our 6 week beginner's course is a significant source of new players to join our club. Our director Nick Hughes, a highly qualified and experienced teacher, runs the course. Please think of family, friends, fellow social or sporting club members and colleagues who might enjoy this wonderful game as much as you do. Brochures are available at all our sessions and on our website: easts.bridge-club.org

State Mixed Pairs Qualifying begins Monday 11 March
Our first Red Point event begins 11 March continuing on 18 and 25 March. The State Final is on 18-19 May at NSWBA. Look for a mixed partner if you don't already have one.

Coffee available before afternoon sessions
Players are enjoying a coffee before the afternoon sessions. Please come earlier and schmooze with a coffee from 12.15pm. The machine will be turned off before the session begins so as not to disrupt play.

Please switch off your mobile phone!
Despite announcements before each session, mobile phones still ring causing distraction and frustration. Please be considerate to your fellow players and ensure your phone is switched off or to vibrate. If you are expecting an urgent call, please let the director know beforehand and they can sit in for you while you take the call outside the playing area.

Please continue to welcome players to your table
I am very pleased this is becoming common-place and I encourage north/south players to continue greeting arriving players and introducing themselves to visitors.

Table Money
Your Committee has decided to keep table money for members at $10 for this year. This amount has not increased for some years despite inflation and the amounts charged at other clubs. It is easily the least expensive for an ABF affiliated club in Sydney. We will however increase the table money for visitors to $15 from 1 March (still the cheapest) to encourage regular visitors to join our club.

Suggestions/Feedback
We value your suggestions and feedback about what you like and also how we can do things better for you. Please feel free to do so by email reply or chatting to me or any committee member at one of our sessions.

See you at the Bridge table!
Ted Popper President