John Armstrong Memorial Award - Winner, 2010

By Danny Davies

At the Brighton Congress, it was announced that Bob Rowlands is this year’s winner of the John Armstrong Award.

'Its pretty strange being 17 and being shipped off to London on a regular basis to train to be a junior bridge international. Especially when the one thing I can't get out of my mind is, knowing most of my friends would be out in Sheffield working out which pub they could get into without having ID. It just made me feel worse, thinking pints of cider were 2 for 1 at the Beehive pub, as my train arrived at St Pancras. The tube was a gloomy place and maybe if I turned around now and got back on the train to Sheffield, would I be able to meet my mates for last orders and then see if I could get into KiKis nightclub... Having said that how would I move the business man out the way, to get off the underground. So I stayed on the train and got off at Barons Court. I followed the directions well trod by so many bridge players to Queens Club Gardens and used the key I had been sent to get into the posh building. I knocked on number 4 and heard steps coming to the door...

Looking back now I'm 38, its pretty tough to explain how amazing it is that someone would go that far out of their way... We didn't have much money at home, and I am pretty sure without the support and mentoring from Bob Rowlands, in fact I can guarantee I couldn't have afforded to go and play in Raymond Brock's Junior squad. Bob provided me with a place to stay in London, bought me take away food, gave me hands to bid and play but perhaps most importantly helped me understand how the game should be played; with courtesy, respect to partner and opponents as well as to win.

It isn't just me that Bob has provided food, shelter and coaching to... in fact it would be pretty impossible to list a Junior, Ladies or Open international team in the last 20 years that doesn't have a member of the team who Bob has helped. He is a proof there are good people playing bridge today and someone I along with many others continue to be thankful to. Bob's actions are extraordinary in his support of bridge players of all skills, ability and age. His selfless approach at the bridge table and away from it makes him the perfect winner of this years John Armstrong award...

An ash has now been planted for Bob Rowlands and an oak in memory of John. Anyone wishing to pay tribute to the late John Armstrong can visit Heritage Wood, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, where trees and bulbs are planted yearly in his memory as well as a bench placed in his name.

The John Armstrong Memorial Award Nominations

Following Danny Davies' article, we have been very pleased to receive several nominations for this award, for people who play the game in the spirit of John Armstrong. They are as follows:

• Bob Blackmore (Devon)
• Michelle Brunner (Manchester)
• Simon Cochemé (London)
• Peter Crouch (Kent)
• Jonathan Davis (London)
• Bernard Goldenfield (Manchester)
• Mathew Hoskins (Sussex)
• Don Smedley (Derby)
• John Reavy (Derby)

Bob Blackmore. Helen Foster writes; Much of Exeter Bridge Club’s success is attributed to Bob. A Grand Master, he partners players of any standard on a club evening and will encourage partner throughout, never failing to point out his own mistakes. His services to Devon are much appreciated (the club bridge room was named after him) but John might well have wanted to be associated with him.

Michelle Brunner. While suffering a life threatening illness has continued to not only play bridge at the highest level but also has made a determined effort to represent England in the Open team. Her cheerfulness at the table is an inspiration to us all.

Simon Cochemé. For organising and promoting the Lederer Invitational tournament for several years and also without financial reward attempting to maximise the publicity for the recent TV Bridge programme.

Peter Crouch. For accepting John Armstrong’s word at the bridge table when if he had appealed there was a strong possibility that he would have won the appeal and thus represented England instead of John.

Jonathan Davis. For helping to put the Buffett Cup into action. Specifically setting up and maintaining a highly professional website at his own expense.

Bernard Goldenfield. Dave Debbage writes: A gentleman who was a regular teammate of John and has always conducted himself in the John Armstrong mold.

Matthew Hoskins. Raymond Roberts writes: Outside bridge I have had the pleasure of several chats about the world in general and the Antique market. I and many around have always shared my view that Matthew is always a gentleman, always prepared to help tyros and whilst being a great tournament player has never to my knowledge treated anyone other than with respect and in a fair and friendly way.

Don Smedley. Nominated by East Midlands Bridge Club as an inspiration to John in his younger days and a continuous asset to the club.

John Reavy. Nick Simms writes: He is always civil at the table and, equally importantly, was well liked by John himself. The two often played together at East Midlands Bridge Club. John has stayed in touch with John Armstrong’s mother and brother, Paul, and has been campaigning for a fitting memorial to John Armstrong at the EMBC.

The EBU endorses this award in John’s name. It has been instigated, organised, and judged by Danny Davies, John Holland, Graham Kirby, Jack Mizel, Paul Hackett. The winner will be announced by the judges at Brighton and two trees will be planted at Heritage Wood, Derbyshire: one in memory of John and the other in the winner's name.

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