The first specially themed Roger's Teams for 2026 was held on Friday evening as an early St. Patricks's Day (St. Patrick's Day is actually on March 17th). Seven tables of green accented players gathered for an evening of food, socialising and bridge.

Sue Falkingham won the best dressed prize for her sophisticated outfit.
Julie Hunt proved the most adept chocolate coin tosser.
The bridge was won by Maggie Crawford, Sue Falkingham, Julie Hunt and Joy Stoddart.

Thanks to Erica and Jeremy for their organization and to Dallas for her usual directing efforts.

The TBA Committee met on March 10th from 2.45pm. Present were Julie Rhodes (P), John Grosvenor (VP), Trish Colles (S), Leigh Blizzard (T), Leonie Atkins, Sue Falkingham, Pam Murphy, Paul Fredheim, Hugh Grosvenor, Simon Edler and Laura Bauermeister. The following matters were discussed:

Annual General Meeting – Saturday March 14th

Don’t forget our AGM on Saturday!

We try to make it a fun day. For those new to the club, on the day of the AGM, we all bring a plate of food to share for lunch after the meeting. The meeting starts at 12.00 noon and is usually completed by 12.30. After that, we have a shared feast, and then there is free bridge for all those who attend the AGM (red masterpoints).

Bridge Club Closure

A reminder that the TBA will be closed from Thursday March 19th until Wednesday March 25th (inclusive). This is due to the staging of the Tasmanian Festival of Bridge, and to the continuation of Australian Playoffs for the Mixed and Seniors Teams.

Thank you to those who have offered to prepare and serve food and clean up during the playoffs to ensure that we put our best foot forward for our interstate guests.

New Traffic Management in Carpark

Following a suggestion from a TBA member, and subsequent representations to HCC, I am pleased to advise that a one way traffic management system will become operational in the external carpark in the next week or so. Please look out for new signage and follow the directional arrows when entering or leaving the carpark.

TBA Congress – April 11th and 12th

Following right behind the Tasmanian Festival of Bridge, we have our annual TBA Congress on April 11th and 12th. Saturday will be a Matchpointed Pairs event and Sunday will be a Swiss Pairs event. Prize money will be awarded according to the number and Masterpoint level of entries. You can enter via MyABF with a discounted entry fee for those people who enter on both days.

As a thank you for the hard work of all our TFoB volunteers, and to all our members who entered this event to ensure its financial success, the TBA will be providing a complimentary light lunch on both days.

Liam Milne Training for Everyone

The TBA has organised for Liam Milne (a former and current Australian player) to conduct the State team training this year in May. In addition, he will be running a session which will be open to everyone. It will run from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Friday afternoon May 29th at a cost of $25 for TBA members and $30 for non members. The topic is :

“Slam Bidding Workshop - Bid better slams and stay out of poor ones!”

A very useful topic for all of us – who doesn’t need help improving their slam bidding? - I will certainly be attending! You will be able to enter shortly for this workshop on MyABF or just turn up on the afternoon with your $25.

Entry Damage

Simon and Paul are working toward a solution for this problem – we have someone who is coming out to take a look so hopefully they will be able to fix the problem.

First Energy Bonus

As previously advised, First Energy is paying the TBA a $150 sign up bonus for anyone who changes to them as their preferred retailer. At the moment they are advising that eight of us have done that – if you have changed over as part of this campaign, could you let a Director know, so we can invoice them for the correct amount?

New Members

The TBA is pleased to welcome the following new members to our club : Elizabeth Dobson, Susan Clennett, Rosemary Donald, Christine Hurburgh, Clive Claver, Roslyn Lamprill, Elisabeth Foster, Keitha Banks-Smith, Zelma Wright, Penelope Archer and Tamara McMichael.

Promotions

Congratulations to the following members who have received rank promotions last month:

• Bill Oakley to Graduate Master (>2 MPs)
• Denise Bowden, Robyn Gregory, Jenny McCormick and Kate Richards from Graduate to Club Master (>5 MPs)
• Catherine Catt and Geoff Peatling to Local Silver Master (>15 MPs)
• Bronwyn Peatling to Regional Master
• Maggie Crawford to Silver Life Master (>500 MPs)

Bridge Etiquette – Tip of the Month

Remember to leave your bidding cards on the table until the opening lead has been faced. This allows the defence the opportunity to review the bidding before they make their killing lead!

Julie Rhodes
President