Burnham Bridge Club has had a year with many positive activities to report.

The most positive item to salute this season is the outcome of the county’s League of Eight. The A and C Teams are champions of divisions 2 and 3 respectively. The B Team has worked hard and successfully to stay in the first division next year. Our D Team, finally, finished as runners up in division 4 and expect to be promoted to play in division 3 next season. Robin Gardiner took on the challenge to co-ordinate our four teams and can take much credit for overall success we have enjoyed this year. Well done all of you who played in all the teams. I know you enjoyed this year! Let’s also hope for similar achievements next year.

BridgeMates are now overwhelmingly accepted and are an appreciated part of our daily bridge life. It is difficult to understand how we coped two years ago with pen and paper and no screens to show intermediate results. Even bridge is seeing some evolution and next step is already taken by using the Bridge Clock to move players.

As ever, David Beever, has done a great and indefatigable job to keep the web site up to date with news and info. Thanks a lot David! We would like to see more members taking advantage of the Forum more regularly. It provides loads of information on last night’s hands.

To some people in the club a major date was 1^st July when smoking inside the barn was banned. No complaints have been voiced, nor has the attendance dropped due to the new regulation.

The social side has picked up starting with two theatre outgoings. Besides a broken down coach the events have been much appreciated.

The committee, with two new members, has been working smoothly under Addis’ supervision and management. Three meetings have been held – key issues discussed include falling Monday attendance and the mix of events on Monday evenings. In order to try to increase the attendance a working party has been set up led by Graham Dickens. More to read on this subject in Chairman’s report.

Addis will now leave the committee after a number of years of huge dedication and commitment. From me, the Committee and All Members: Thanks a lot Addis!

Anders Wallen

Secretary