After five years as President, the club was sorry and sad to see Vicki step down in her leadership role. Anne (2018 vice-president and 2019 President) summarised perfectly Vicki's many achievements.  These included rejuvenating the club rooms, the 80+ High Tea, growing every bridge session, baking cakes to recognise special birthdays, providing even handed leadership, being inclusive of all our members and being kind and caring - including visiting those who have been sick at home or hospital.

With no end to the rain, it was a perfect day to play bridge in Rotorua!

Top Honours went to Herman and Yuzhong who had a huge morning wth 67% and did enough in the afternoon to be the overall winners.

The committee has confirmed that the painting donated by Kay Walsh and painted by her, which was not put back on the wall after the repainting and upgrade to the clubrooms, will not be rehung. This follows consultation with foundation and longstanding members whose contribution to the club over many years is most appreciated.  Of 21 members contacted only five wished the painting to be re-hung.

As a result of this the committee has decided that there are two options for the painting:

With the assistance of their team mates, Jo Simpson and Kathy Yule, the Waikato Bays women did us proud winning 8 out of their 12 matches taking them to 2nd overall.  It sounded like an exhausting marathon of bridge but they were exhilarated with their success at this national competition.

Cambridge members tried to follow their success on BBO but sadly this team was not featured. 

However I am sure Cambridge members were with them in mind and spirit.

Congratulations to them all!

This series is DRAWN PARTNERS. The aim is to play with someone new! Maybe that person will become a new future partner! If you have arranged to play with someone for the first time this year or ever, we will accept that arrangement.  Otherwise you will be in the draw for a partner. 

12 Dec Oh Christmas Tree. This night will involve some additional bridge fun, trying to claim wins off the white board eg first person to win a trick with the 2 clubs

Look forward to seeing you there.

We do hope you will join us for our entertaining Christmas series. 

This year, Vanessa Payne has kindly stepped in to be our Mrs Santa Claus. Like any Christmas fairy, she is completely open to bribes and incentives :)

Dressing up is encouraged as it does provide for some entertainment but is no means compulsory.  Our 2018 dress up themes, for which there will be prizes each week are:

28 Nov   A Kiwi Christmas

Eunice and Malcolm had a clear lead going into the final round in Cambridge today but they could be caught! They would have been relieved at lunch time to find they were top of the room after the morning session..However they slipped in the afternoon, but not enough of a slide to rob them of the championship they had their eye on. They kept their cool and they did it! All that practice and partnership development throughout the year paid off.

So often we do not have winners at our own tournament.... but that was not the case today.  Well played:

Saty and Calum who finished 2nd overall

Eunice and Malcolm who finished top in the morning and 4th overall

Congratulations to Mike and Ella who had a thunderous second sessions accruing 68% that put them second overall. It must have been a good lunch!  

Cambridge was on fire with Calum and Saty winning the Intermediate section and 5th overall. Meanwhile Irenee and Barbara Andrews came top of the Juniors and 11 / 26 overall. Go them!