Your Committee
Having now completed the “herding the cats” business, the committee is already working hard towards achieving the objectives outlined in my April letter to you.
Hugh has begun developing a report on the effectiveness of the current bridge sessions and recommending improvements that can be made. Margaret is looking into how we can improve clubhouse facilities, Paul has been busy liaising with the HCC regarding the removal of the safety fence around the front entrance, Sue is about to commence a new training course for beginners and Pam and Erica are developing a means whereby all members can contribute their input to important issues affecting the club. Your input is essential to achieving these objectives, so keep an eye out for an email asking for your suggestions.
We have already seen that tables spacing has been increased at sessions wherever numbers permit, thus reducing the noise levels affecting other players. We are also trialling the change of start time at the Friday morning session, and initial observations to this trial are encouraging.
The Bridge Library in the Vera Houdek room is being better catalogued to make searching for, and borrowing books easier. Anybody interested in helping with this should contact Sharn Davies or Hugh Grosvenor. There will be an amnesty on the return of library books - no questions asked. Also the Vera Houdek room is being modified to enable club members easier access to computers and the library. You are encouraged to use the facilities being installed there.
While on the subject of emails, we want to ensure that you don’t get to suffer from email fatigue, however it is important that information is passed to you effectively. So keep a look out for emails from TBA and also regularly peruse the website at www.tasbridge.com.
Retirement Of Jenny Penny
Those of you who have read your emails will already be aware of the announcement by Jenny that she has retired from directing club events effective May 10. Jenny has been actively engaged in club training and directing activities for almost 40 years and to recognise her contribution to the club we will be holding a celebratory lunch with Jenny at 12.00 noon on Tuesday May 23. Details of this event and how to advise you attendance is available at on the website here. An email advising of Jenny’s retirement which was sent to all members also includes these details.
Hopefully we will continue to see Jenny at the club as a frequent player.
Coming Events
The major event in the TBA Club calender is rapidly approaching. This is the TBA Club Congress which will be held on Saturday July 1 and Sunday July2. This is a great opportunity to meet and socialise with other club members who you may not meet at your regular sessions. Events will be held to attract all members regardless of your bridge abilities.
It is a two day event held over the weekend and all members are encouraged to enter these events. Full details are available on MyABF here.
The Other main event is the weekend social bridge event held at the Eastcoaster Resort at Orford on August 19-20. This is a great opportunity to be involved with other members in an informal dinner at the resort on Friday night August 18, a relaxed Swiss Pairs event on Saurday and Sunday, and a formal dinner on Saturday evening (no thongs or bikinis).
The session ends about 1.30 pm Sunday, and then the really keen participants adjourn to the “fish and Chip” shop at Triabunna to refuel for the trip home. A GREAT WEEKEND.
Full details and entry are available on MyABF here. A copy of the flier is available here.
Other upcoming events include the State Team Training session May 20-21 (details here, and the program for the weekend is here).
ANC Perth July 8-16
Our state teams will be competing in the National Championships in Perth WA.
Team members were announced previously, but I am pleased to announce that the Open team has been augmented by the selection of Phil Timmins and Bal Krishan. Congratulations to Phil and Bal and best wishes for a successful series.
MyABF
The expansion of the myABF website facility is currently proceeding with the ability to use your MyABF account to pay table money at regular bridge sessions. The myABF system is easy to use and you are encouraged to use it instead of the voucher and/or cash system you are currently using. Switching is easy, if you have unused vouchers they can be transferred to myABF credits. This is easier than removing the troublesome staples which hold the vouchers together ! If you need Assistance in setting up the MyABF account, Hugh will happily assist you, and all users are encouraged to use the top-up option in their account.
Good Bridging
Until next month
Graeme Poulton, President