A | B | C | |
NORTH | Manchester | Yorkshire | Manchester |
EAST | Norfolk | Northants | Hertfordshire |
S’WEST | Dorset | Avon | Avon |
MIDLANDS | Gloucestershire | Derbyshire | Oxfordshire |
S’EAST | Kent | Kent | Essex |
Coffee served from noon, - start at 12.30. Meal at 3.45 pm
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
3rd National County League Final 2009
The following counties have qualified for the NATIONAL COUNTY team of 8 final at West Midlands Bridge Club on Sunday 5th July 2009.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
New York Times - How Bridge helps the Brain
For all that scientists have studied - the brain remains the most complex and mysterious human organ — and now it is the focus of billions of dollars’ worth of US research to penetrate its secrets. The New York Times has been following recent developments through a series of articles. Last week they looked into how Bridge has been helping a group of people aged 90+ to keep their mind alert.
Read Article
Read Article
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
John Armstrong Memorial Award
Can you win like John Armstrong?
A few months ago Graham Kirby and I were driving home from a Crockfords match. We had just played against Paul Hackett and our conversation had naturally turned to the person whom all of us were lucky enough to play bridge with, John Armstrong. As we had a long way to go, Paul had asked Graham and I to think about the memorial trophy for John.
We briefly discussed how suitable the planting of trees in John’s name and the annual winners name was – as John loved the outdoors and orienteering. But it didn’t take long for our conversation to shift to how different playing bridge with John was, compared to playing with anyone else. We shared stories about the spirit in which John played the game which has contributed as much to British Bridge as being one of the exceptional players of several generations. John was welcoming to anyone he met at the table, whether they had been playing for two months or if he was playing against some of the best players in the world. John would encourage opponents who were total beginners and if they asked, he would take time to help them improve. At the same time, I remember him laughing and joking on the other side of the screen with the great Norwegian, Gier Helgemo in the middle of the European championships.
John took time and care playing at his local club in Derby and gave up a lot of his own time to help junior teams and teach. The first time I spent more than an hour with John, he had agreed to Captain our junior team in the European Championships in Cardiff. My mum always told me how she loved it if she was lucky enough to play against John and Graham. This was not because she did well, but because of how charming they both were and how much fun it was to visit their table.
After playing in Cardiff, John had, in his usual selfless way, offered to give me a lift back to the North. During the journey, there was a moment that changed my outlook on bridge forever. John suggested we play together in the Premier League the next year and I was totally honoured, excited and in awe. We played in and won several Premier Leagues with Paul Hackett and Tony Waterlow, then later with Tom Townsend and David Gold. There was not a single cross word in any of our teams. In fact, whether we were in the Gold cup semi-final and I stupidly played in a redoubled cue bid costing us a place in the final or whether we were beating Forrester / Robson and the Hackett twins by 1 imp after 128 boards, John always smiled, laughed and treated everyone with respect.
I learned how the game should be played with John. People often talk about how the British are missing that winning mentality and boy did John play to win. He never lost concentration, gave away a sloppy overtrick or did anything less than the meticulous preparation required for playing international bridge. What all of those lucky enough to play the game with John have realised is that being a winner is not to the exclusion of charm, whit and warmth.
If you know anyone who plays the game in the spirit of John please nominate them for the John Armstrong memorial award by emailing Paul Hackett on: Paul.h@ukonline.co.uk
Danny Davies
A few months ago Graham Kirby and I were driving home from a Crockfords match. We had just played against Paul Hackett and our conversation had naturally turned to the person whom all of us were lucky enough to play bridge with, John Armstrong. As we had a long way to go, Paul had asked Graham and I to think about the memorial trophy for John.
We briefly discussed how suitable the planting of trees in John’s name and the annual winners name was – as John loved the outdoors and orienteering. But it didn’t take long for our conversation to shift to how different playing bridge with John was, compared to playing with anyone else. We shared stories about the spirit in which John played the game which has contributed as much to British Bridge as being one of the exceptional players of several generations. John was welcoming to anyone he met at the table, whether they had been playing for two months or if he was playing against some of the best players in the world. John would encourage opponents who were total beginners and if they asked, he would take time to help them improve. At the same time, I remember him laughing and joking on the other side of the screen with the great Norwegian, Gier Helgemo in the middle of the European championships.
John took time and care playing at his local club in Derby and gave up a lot of his own time to help junior teams and teach. The first time I spent more than an hour with John, he had agreed to Captain our junior team in the European Championships in Cardiff. My mum always told me how she loved it if she was lucky enough to play against John and Graham. This was not because she did well, but because of how charming they both were and how much fun it was to visit their table.
After playing in Cardiff, John had, in his usual selfless way, offered to give me a lift back to the North. During the journey, there was a moment that changed my outlook on bridge forever. John suggested we play together in the Premier League the next year and I was totally honoured, excited and in awe. We played in and won several Premier Leagues with Paul Hackett and Tony Waterlow, then later with Tom Townsend and David Gold. There was not a single cross word in any of our teams. In fact, whether we were in the Gold cup semi-final and I stupidly played in a redoubled cue bid costing us a place in the final or whether we were beating Forrester / Robson and the Hackett twins by 1 imp after 128 boards, John always smiled, laughed and treated everyone with respect.
I learned how the game should be played with John. People often talk about how the British are missing that winning mentality and boy did John play to win. He never lost concentration, gave away a sloppy overtrick or did anything less than the meticulous preparation required for playing international bridge. What all of those lucky enough to play the game with John have realised is that being a winner is not to the exclusion of charm, whit and warmth.
If you know anyone who plays the game in the spirit of John please nominate them for the John Armstrong memorial award by emailing Paul Hackett on: Paul.h@ukonline.co.uk
Danny Davies
Friday, 15 May 2009
Membership Benefits from HMCA
Healthcare and related benefits for EBU members.
Members of the EBU are now eligble to join the health-related member benefit schemes offered by HMCA (The Hospital & Medical Care Association).
These arrangements provide members (and their families) with a simple means of securing the benefits and services offered by HMCA, at an exclusive rate. The services, which are provided exclusively by HMCA for members of associations and professional groups, have already been appreciated by thousands of members of other participating organisations over the past 30 years.
The schemes on offer include the following plans:-
Private Healthcare Plan
Personal Accident Plan
Term Life Plan
Income Protection Plan
Dental Plan
Hospital Sickness & Injury Cash Plan
Travel Plan
For more information, please visit our special site.
Members of the EBU are now eligble to join the health-related member benefit schemes offered by HMCA (The Hospital & Medical Care Association).
These arrangements provide members (and their families) with a simple means of securing the benefits and services offered by HMCA, at an exclusive rate. The services, which are provided exclusively by HMCA for members of associations and professional groups, have already been appreciated by thousands of members of other participating organisations over the past 30 years.
The schemes on offer include the following plans:-
Private Healthcare Plan
Personal Accident Plan
Term Life Plan
Income Protection Plan
Dental Plan
Hospital Sickness & Injury Cash Plan
Travel Plan
For more information, please visit our special site.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Seniors Camrose: 29 - 31 May 2009
The England teams have now been announced for the Seniors Camrose 2009:
PATRON:Bernard Teltscher & Tony Priday
Chris Dixon & Victor Silverstone
David Price & Colin Simpson
ENGLAND:Paul Hackett & Ross Harper
Gunnar Hallberg & Peter Czwerniewski
Ian Panto & Tony Waterlow
NPC John Williams
There will be no vu-graph but spectators can watch at the open tables.
More information
PATRON:Bernard Teltscher & Tony Priday
Chris Dixon & Victor Silverstone
David Price & Colin Simpson
ENGLAND:Paul Hackett & Ross Harper
Gunnar Hallberg & Peter Czwerniewski
Ian Panto & Tony Waterlow
NPC John Williams
There will be no vu-graph but spectators can watch at the open tables.
More information
Tournament Focus
The first edition of Tournament Focus has now arrived!
Tournament Focus is written especially for the tournament player – whether you play in just one or many. We hope that our newsletter will inform, entertain, and provide views from our tournament players, every quarter.
View here
Tournament Focus is written especially for the tournament player – whether you play in just one or many. We hope that our newsletter will inform, entertain, and provide views from our tournament players, every quarter.
View here
Sunday, 10 May 2009
EBU Prizes & Puma Hotels
We are pleased to announce that the EBU has arranged a special deal with Puma Hotels to enhance the value of EBU prizes!
Winners may now exchange their winnings for Puma benefits, as below.
Agreed prize values:
£50 prize money = A one night Bed & Breakfast stay for two people.
£80 prize money = A one night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay for two people.
£100 prize money = A two night Bed & Breakfast stay for two people.
£150 prize money = A two night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay for two people
Winners may now exchange their winnings for Puma benefits, as below.
Agreed prize values:
£50 prize money = A one night Bed & Breakfast stay for two people.
£80 prize money = A one night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay for two people.
£100 prize money = A two night Bed & Breakfast stay for two people.
£150 prize money = A two night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay for two people
Friday, 8 May 2009
Peter Garner Gray
We are sorry to have to announce the death of PETER GARNER-GRAY on 1st April 2009, and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and close friends. Peter was a well known member on the bridge circuit.
More Membership Benefits
Since the announcement of very economical personal insurance benefits, we can now announce special rates at any Puma UK hotel!
If you are a member of the EBU, you can now enjoy breaks at Puma hotels for less! EBU members can now enjoy 25% off the best available rate at the time of booking*. To take advantage of a 25% discount on all stays at Puma's 21 UK hotels simply visit our special website and use code: EBU001.
* This discount is NOT available on their "7 Day Advance Purchase Rate".
If you are a member of the EBU, you can now enjoy breaks at Puma hotels for less! EBU members can now enjoy 25% off the best available rate at the time of booking*. To take advantage of a 25% discount on all stays at Puma's 21 UK hotels simply visit our special website and use code: EBU001.
* This discount is NOT available on their "7 Day Advance Purchase Rate".
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Master Points on-line
Please note that it is currently not possible to check your Master Points on-line. However, the Master Point system continues to be updated as normal, and if members would like to know their status, they should contact the Secretary. On-line checking will be available again as soon as it is possible.
Sky Arts
Sky Arts are reshowing the whole series of Bridge:Celebrity Grand Slam nightly from 18 May at 5.30pm.
We have been informed by the producer, Hugh Dehn, that many people had huge problems leaving comments on the SKY website before and during the first showing of the programme because the spam filters kept rejecting them! We have had a request that if any of you are able to write into Sky Arts and tell them a)what you were trying to say; b) that you tried but were unable to leave a message on the website, it would be very useful.
The address is: Sky Arts, BskyB, Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 5QD
We have been informed by the producer, Hugh Dehn, that many people had huge problems leaving comments on the SKY website before and during the first showing of the programme because the spam filters kept rejecting them! We have had a request that if any of you are able to write into Sky Arts and tell them a)what you were trying to say; b) that you tried but were unable to leave a message on the website, it would be very useful.
The address is: Sky Arts, BskyB, Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 5QD
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