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The
Thanks
Thanks to all those who participated in a general clean up on Saturday 23 January where many treasures were discovered. *** And, a big thank you to Wynn and Catherine for providing a delicious morning tea.
Thought - Be brave, take risks; because nothing substitutes experience.
New Year Honours
Warmest congratulations to Alan Kerr for his award in the 2010 New Year’s Honours List: Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
Obituary
Katherine Smith
It is sad that I report the passing of Katherine, In December 2009. She was a long time member and in recent times acted as librarian. Katherine played mostly on a Friday afternoon and Wednesdays through the winter months.
Len Kitching
Len passed away late January; and many members attended his funeral. He was a long time member having joined the Club in the 80’s. In recent time he acted as Almoner and Friday co-ordinator. Len gave up these roles due to failing health in September. He was a popular member who cared very much about his Friday afternoon ladies, and gentlemen. One of the very best communicators always keeping in touch with those who were not so well.
Resignation
Regretfully Jim and Betty van Praag have resigned because with their move to the inner City the closest clubs are on
Also longtime members Bob and Margaret Condon have also tendered their resignation. An invitation has been given to them to come and play occasionally as ‘visitors’.
A form is on the notice board for you to enter your partnership for this annual event. Hosted this year by Kapi Mana at their Club rooms,
*** Silent Auction
Treasures found at the Club clean-up are now being sold to Club members by way of a silent auction. It is on the notice board now.
Look at this pair of exquisite glasses/ornaments and place an offer. A very good reason to come and play a session of bridge. Happy Bidding all - the auction and the bridge!
For your enjoyment and learning the Club is once again subscribing to this wonderful magazine. There is plenty of good reading and many useful tips and sample hands. Available for loan via the Club library.
Letterbox Drops, Mid-late February
Members can you please help us distribute advertising leaflets in and around your neighbourhood to advertise the ‘learn to play bridge lessons’ which will be starting 23 March, at 7.30pm. This is an important way to maintain Club member numbers, hopefully increase them and build a strong club. Keep a look out as all info, leaflets etc will be on the table very soon.
Interclub Teams
Make up your team now. Closing date for the Interclub teams for 2010 closes 23 February. Please check your grade, junior, intermediate etc. the updated notice is on the left-hand side notice board.
The Regional Committee are contemplating a ‘Novice’ grade if there is sufficient interest from the clubs in the
Eligibility - Novice Grade – those who have been playing less than three years, with no more than 5B points (= 500 ‘C’ points). Initial enquiries call Tony Tel. 388 3472.
Intermediate Tournament
The Committee would like to see a good representation at this tournament on the 28 February. Make up a partnership and enter now. Form on the board.
AGM - Reminder
The Club AGM will be Wednesday 3 March. And, it is not too late to offer your services on the Committee. The nomination forms are available, the right-hand side notice board.
There will be the same format as last year. All members are invited to drinks and a meal prior from around 5pm. Meeting starts around 6pm.
There will be social Bridge afterwards. Please write your name on the form on the notice board to assist with catering arrangements.
The Committee are looking for someone to attend to admin duties for the Club. A full list of duties, hours etc will be available shortly.
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DIRECTORS CORNER
ONE? OR MORE THAN ONE BOARD ON THE TABLE
Players may occasionally discover that they have removed the wrong traveler from the board yet to be played thereby preventing play of the next board, or occasionally retain the hand from the previous board thereby fouling the play of the next board.
To the players this is only occasional, and often the cause of some hilarity, but for the Directors this happens very frequently.
It is definitely preferable that only 1 board be put on the table during play of the hand.
Other advantages are:
· The bidding pad is not hidden from E/W view
· The next table does not have to wait until you have played both boards, and/or does not have to come over to your table to remove the already played board from the centre of your table.
Law 7 makes this fairly clear:
· 7A - When a board is to be played it is placed in the centre of the table until play is completed.
· 7D – Any contestant remaining at a table throughout a session (usually N/S) is primarily responsible for maintaining proper conditions of play at the table.
Hence N/S should ensure that the board to be played is placed in the centre of the table and remains there pointing in the correct direction until after all 4 hands have been returned.
Please try to comply with these procedures to overcome the resultant mishaps.
Allan Joseph.
Entertainment Discount Book January onwards
There will be a form on the notice board soon and we would like names of those who could sell copies of the ‘Entertainment Book’. (This is a café-restaurant and entertainment discount book.) Maybe you could include work colleagues, neighbours or friends on your selling list. For each book sold the Club makes $12. This is a great opportunity to support the Club.
Further details, phone Susan 970 8900.
Training for New Scorers Early February
As we are particularly short of scorers, training sessions will be held in February to increase our team numbers. This training will be held either evenings and/or weekends. There is a form on the notice board if you wish to learn and be part of the scoring roster.
Letterbox Drops Mid-late February
We will be requesting members help to distribute advertising leaflets in and around your neighbourhood to spread the word ‘learn to play bridge lessons’ which will be starting 23 March. This is an important way to maintain Club member numbers, hopefully increase them and build a strong club.
Help make Kairangi a well-represented, and strong playing Club.
Consider forming, or joining, an Interclub team
(it is desirable that each team has not only its four active
players, but also has substitutes)
Note: Substitutes can be shared between the grade teams.
Interclub (contd)
Full details and entry forms will be on the Notice board from 22 January covering all
grades -
Junior, Intermediate and Open
1st Night Interclub play, 26 March.
Queries: Contact Tony 388 3472 or
Intermediate Tournament Sunday, 28 February 2010
Hosted by Kairangi. Entry form will be on the notice board early February. Junior players may also play in this but it is recommended that less experienced Junior players should play in our Junior tournament to be held on 11 April. Gain experience and improve your bridge skills.
The Annual General Meeting Wednesday 3 March 2010
Support the Club, and assist with the planning and running - consider putting your name forward as a Committee member. We are specifically looking for a treasurer to replace Lorraine Sutich who is resigning after many years of faithful service and hard work. Please consider this very important role within the Club and offer your services. Tuesday players are very welcome. Nomination forms on the notice board now.
The Kerr Cup at Kapi Mana Friday 19 March 2010
This is the annual challenge between Kapi Mana and Kairangi. Enter your partnership at any time, the sooner the better, and start practising as we want as many as possible playing to win the ‘cup’ again this year.
‘Learn to
If you know of anyone wishing to learn ‘the great game’ please write in their name and contact details - form on the notice board.
A Quick Look Back
This New Year intro would not be complete without a quick look back to December 2009. First, there was a very successful and enjoyable end of year function. Thanks to all members for the gorgeous food supplied for this ‘shared dinner’. And, then some fun ‘Rainbow’ bridge organised by President Allan.
During supper Allan announced the awards –
Most Improved Player - Bill Flanagan;
Most Promising New Player –
Promotions to Monday night –
Darren Edgecombe, Maureen Wilcock, Bob Hill and Matthew Jansen.
Congratulations to all of the above members for their achievements.
The
To celebrate another year of bridge as it draws to a close the Club will hold a ‘Pot Luck’ dinner-Bridge evening for all members. We, the Committee, hope to see many of you there. And, to help make this possible transport can be arranged for those who do not wish to drive at night; please call Pam 383 8062 if you would like a pick-up prior and drop-off later. Forms are on the notice board for transport. Suggestions for your food contributions are also on the notice board. Although some hot dishes would be welcome; you can bring Summer and festive food delights; all just ready to eat.
Staying in touch
Each month this news sheet of up-to-date Club items is sent to members via email to those online, with additional printed copies available at the Club rooms. However, there are members who no longer attend regularly and who do not have internet access and do not receive a copy. As a new idea a ‘news posting list’ has been set up so if you know of anyone who is no longer playing please let me know, Pam 383 8062; and a copy will be delivered/posted to them.
If you intend paying via the internet direct to the Club bank account please don’t forget to add your name.
Bank account: 03 0521 0176861 00
The Committee hope that members will support those businesses and companies that sponsor our events and advertise in our Programme Book. The Committee do not want to increase any charges, table money or subscriptions so to maintain services within the Club sponsorship is always welcome.
A big thank you to Shirley Binks, from Kitty O’Shea’s for support and a very generous donation towards the Intermediate Tournament, held 1 November.
Thanks to Debbie who has served the Club as tournament secretary and admin officer for the past two years. Regarding any admin enquiries please contact one of the Committee members.
Another way to hold Club costs to minimum is to have advertising on our bidding pads; many clubs do this. If you would like to promote your business we would be delighted to hear from you - just contact a Committee member.
As an indication, the Club pays 30c each time a member plays for the Master Point Scheme run by NZ Bridge.
The Committee are looking at replacing the table covers. This project will cost $500-$600. These new covers will be on the tables at the start of next year.
A Special Spot
There is now a special spot on the notice boards for anything ‘Kairangi’. Any and all tit-bits of interest to members welcome. Just pin it up.
Thought:
Nothing is impossible; people only make it so.
Happy Holidays
As we approach the busiest time of the year on the roads do take care as we would like to see you in 2010; batteries recharged ready for another year of bridge. Enjoy the holidays wherever you spend your time and whoever you spend your time with. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010
Questionnaire
The Committee is concerned at the falling number of tables at the Thursday session. We all appreciate that the Partner Co-ordinator, Jeanene Barnard, works very hard to get members along to play and spends many hours doing this.
Any, and all, ideas from members of how to improve attendance at all sessions and in particular, Thursday sessions, would be appreciated by the Committee who look forward to receiving these.
Please complete the questionnaire attached and pop into the ‘suggestion box’, or if you prefer email some ideas directly to the Club.
Questionnaire
Club Members, please answer the following questions and offer your ideas of how we as a Club can promote the various sessions and increase attendance. Not only has Thursday night sessions been affected but all sessions have falling numbers.
At this stage the Committee are considering a trial period from the beginning of the year until Easter (early April) for Thursday evenings, before making a definite decision.
Please circle your answers, where appropriate.
How many times each week do you like to play Bridge? ________________________
.
Would you prefer a Social type evening of Bridge
(Time for explanations – 3 boards per table and then discussion) Yes No
Do you want Social bridge scored?
Yes No
Would you be happy to continue with the same format?
Yes No
Should we change and play
(Lessons would take place prior to the start on scoring etc) Yes No
Improvers bridge?
(Lessons about specific items of bridge play) Yes No
Any other suggestions you would like considered by the Committee for Thursday night sessions or other regular playing sessions.
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A warm welcome to our new members from the lessons:
Sally Beagles Tel 934 9694;
Phil Dickison Tel 388 1718;
Rosemary Lowe Tel 383 7047;
Desmond Lyons Tel 934 9782;
Russell Burnard Tel 380 7022;
Liz McLay Tel 389 8003;
Barry Tipping Tel 387 7169;
Margaret Clarke Tel 973 2409;
Richard Peters Tel 934 9694;
Viv McEnnis Tel 386 1881 and
Majorie Montagu Tel 934 0943.
Welcome also
Sharon Williams Tel 388 3637;
Mandy Leighs Tel 385 2662; and
Julia Petrie who has rejoined. .
And finally, a warm welcome to Kieran Yates, currently directing on Monday nights.
Appreciation and Thanks
This is a special tribute to Lorraine Sutich, and her team of willing helpers (Rosa Mishkin, Anna Nauta, Desley Wilson, Dave Douglas, Roy Tugwell, Jill Crew, Liz Page and Ann Ballantyne) who have given generously of their time teaching and encouraging the new players, at the lessons on Tuesday evenings.
This occasion promises to be a fun night and is a welcome to our new Club members. There will be a special supper, prizes for the winners and a raffle with great prizes. Monday/Tuesday partnerships will be organised and the new members assigned mentors. Don’t miss out - put your name on the form on the noticeboard now!
Thursday Play
Our Thursday night sessions are a great opportunity to play with members from other playing nights and get in that extra bit of practice. To encourage more members to turn out on a Thursday, supper ticket prizes will be awarded for the winning NS and EW pairs in pairs events every week, instead of overall prizes at the end of the session as at present. Handicaps will still apply and Monday/Monday pairings will not be eligible for the weekly prizes. New prize format starts from 30 July 2009 for a trial period.
Promoting the Club
Don’t forget to encourage your friends and colleagues to come along and play bridge. There are plenty of brochures available to hand out – feel free to help yourself. If your friends do not know how to play yet, start them thinking now and we’ll probably see them at the lessons next year.
Nominations
Do you wonder, or have you ever wondered, why the orange nomination cards are on the noticeboard for a long time? 14 days minimum. Yes, it is a Club rule, but this process dates back a long time. It was well used by the gentlemen’s clubs of
It is the procedure used to give all members the opportunity to see who wishes to join and to ensure that new members were congenial to the old members which helped to preserve the ethos (and exclusivity) of the club.
It gives any member the right to object to someone joining whom they consider would not be suitable. The term ‘blackball’ is derived from the traditional practice of members voting anonymously on admitting new members, using either a white marble (acceptance) or a black marble (denial). In short, black reject, white elect.
Upcoming Events in the Region
Victoria Open Swiss Pairs 26th July.
Swine Flu or H1N1 - “The Same – So what’s in a Name?”
Should the predictions be realised, many Club members could be affected by this flu. If you have any symptoms please go into quarantine and take a short break from bridge. Don’t forget to ring your partner and then the co-ordinator who will try and arrange a substitute for you. Better still, keep well.
Hand sanitizer is now available at many locations at the Clubrooms. This is to keep us ‘germ-free’! We request you follow the instructions and use it.
Drinking Water – No Water Filter
The water cooler will soon disappear and water for drinking during sessions will be in the fridge. And, we call on your help to replenish this and replace the jugs in the fridge at the end of play. Glasses are on the table in the playing room. At the end of play please place them in the sink.
Dealer’s Delight!
Packs of cards secured with a rubber band and empty boards. Thanks to all players who are dutifully empting the boards at the conclusion of a playing session. Believe it or not it does save a lot of time for the dealers.
The
Alerting (by Allan Joseph)
The purpose of Alerting is to disclose your Partnership Agreements to the opponents as required by the Laws of Duplicate bridge. The principle of disclosure is not to disclose as little as you must but as much as you can and as comprehensively as you can.
Generally all conventional/artificial calls should be alerted (with some exceptions, e.g. 2C stayman, 2C game force and their 2D negative responses).
“Active Ethics” will earn you the respect of all bridge players and will distinguish the very good players from those who occasionally get a top board because of hidden partnership understandings.
Alerting Regulations in
There are 3 stages of alerting:
1. Pre-Alerts
2. Alerts during the Auction
3. Delayed alerts by the declaring side
Further there are some calls which are self-alerting, namely all doubles, redoubles, cue bids and any call above from 4C upwards.
The 2009 N.Z. Bridge Manual defines a CUE-BID as a bid of any denomination bid by the opponents or of a suit shown by the opponents bid:
A 2H overcall of 1H is a cue bid
A 2NT overcall of 1NT is a cue bid
If opponents bid 2C
It is up to the opponents to enquire about the meaning of self-alerting calls.
Tues. 10 March, Lyn Broad/Sandie Lepper: 71.88%
Better Late, than never!
Congratulations to Susan Leuchars and Tony Sutich passing their club director exam. Soon they will join the directing roster for duty.
Welcome
A warm welcome to our new members: Carol and Derek Bullen, Michael Wilcox, Matthew Jansen and Victoria Casey and Marion Kitchenman.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are now overdue. The Treasurer is looking forward to receiving payment as soon as possible. Could anyone who is not intending to renew their membership for this year please contact Lorraine.
Interclub Teams Competition
Good luck to all. If you have any queries don’t hesitate to call Rosa, Club Interclub Liaison Representative.
Improver Bridge Lessons
Tony reports very good attendance to the first session. These are running on Tuesday nights at 6.45 - 7.15pm.
For all Members
The subject: ‘Bridge Etiquette’. It’s all about the Do’s and Don’ts at the bridge table. The Committee recommends this presentation to all and would be keen to see as many as possible attend.
To be held prior to the commencement of play Monday and Tuesday sessions. Date to be adivsed.
Committee Meeting
The tentative date for the next Committee Meeting, 7pm, Sunday 5 April 2009
Suggestion Box
Brick-bats or bouquets, don’t hesitate. Your ideas/ suggestiongs/complaints will be considered. And actioned?. Yes, if an appropriate solution can be found. Please sign your name so we can respond, to you personally.
Annual General Meeting
A successful and enjoyable AGM, with good attendance (27) and 23 apologies.
The new committee: Allan Joseph – President; Lorraine Sutich – Treasurer and Pam Cromie – Secretary; Susan Leuchars; Tony Sutich, Sandy Powell, Alan Kerr, Brian McGlinchy, Haleigh Trower, Judy Manhart and Peter Tullet.
The 2008 AGM Minutes were approved 4 March, and are now on the noticeboard. Copies also available.
Thought:
"Aerobics: converting fats, sugars and starch into aches, pains and cramps."
Entertainment Book
Order your copy now for this discount book for cafes, restaurants etc. $55. It makes an ideal gift. Available around June. The Club also benefits from the sale of these.
Looking for … Sponsors
Is there, or are there any members interested in sponsoring either a tournament or an advertisement on our website?? The Committee would be delighted to discuss this matter with you.
HURRY! All members are invited to play
Kerr Cup, Friday 13 March (Lucky 13th)
It is only days before the match against the Kapi Mana Club. As hosts, Kairangi players need to bring a plate or pay $6. Drinks from 7.00pm, play starts at 7.30. Supper will be served at the end of play while awaiting results.
Entries will close Wednesday 11 March.
‘Learn to Play Bridge’ Lessons – 17 March
Thanks to all members you did the ‘letter box’ drops. The response has been very encouraging. Lorraine reports she has received many enquiries but there is room for more. Please continue to pass the word around amongst friends, family and neighbours.
Kairangi Junior Tournament – Sunday, 19 April
Details on the noticeboard. We need your support. to make this a success. Playing in Junior tournaments is the best way for Junior players to improve their bridge.
Lions Charity Bridge Tournament: May 23, at Kairangi.
From the Committee
Please make coming to a bridge session a real ‘occasion’, and bring your good manners with you. A tidy standard of dress is also requested. Your attention is drawn to Page 6, Programme book, Bridge Etiquette and Conduct, particularly item 2.
Stop Press – Pre-paid tickets are to be re-introduced and will be available soon.
The New Club Brochure – Green, and on the table.
Members please distribute to clubs/groups you belong to or pass them to interested neighbours, friends and family members as encouragement to join us.
The Kairangi Bridge Club News Update February 2009
Coming up … We’re off to a fast start this year, and there are plenty of events and activities.
Tea Duties
On Thursday evenings members will be making and serving the refreshments. On Friday afternoons the Director (usually Roy) will serve the refreshments. The Committee would appreciate any help from members at these times; especially if you are phantom.
Interclub Teams CompetitionThe notice for this year’s Interclub competition organised by the Wellington Regional Committee of NZ Bridge, is now on our noticeboard.
Get your team together to play in your selected grade and enjoy once a month Friday night teams bridge in a competitive but friendly environment. The first of nine playing nights is 27 March. Entries need to be in by no later than Friday 20 February.
For further details contact the WRC Interclub Convenor Tony Sutich, 388 3472; or our Club’s Interclub Liaison Representative Rosa Mishkin, 389 8514.
Improver Bridge Lessons
Tony Sutich will be starting Improver Lessons on Tuesday night 24 February at 6.45pm. The lessons will run weekly at the same time until at least mid March.
The initial topic covered will be: "Defence at the bridge table." All members are welcome to attend and full details of these Improver lessons are now posted on our noticeboard.
Meeting: The next Committee Meeting, 7pm, Sunday, 1 March 2009.
Annual General Meeting – Wednesday, 4 March. After a successful and enjoyable AGM last year we will have the same format again. Drinks will be served from around 5pm, followed by a ‘fish and chip’ meal. The meeting will commence around 6pm. Following the meeting there will be social bridge. Form on the noticeboard for dinner booking, $6, (pay on the night).
Kerr Cup, Friday 13 March
Our annual match against the Kapi Mana Club for the Kerr Cup will be hosted by us. As hosts, each Kairangi player will need to bring a plate or alternatively pay $6.
Drinks will be complimentary from 7.00pm with play starting at 7.30; and there will be a light supper at the end of play while results are worked out.
All members are welcome and hopefully this time on Black Friday we will have a change of luck and win the cup back after an absence of at least 10 years! The entry form is up on the noticeboard.
Special Note: ALL Kairangi members must move, even those that are north/south. Because we need to co-ordinate the same number of pairs with Kapi Mana; entries will close Wednesday 11 March.
‘Learn to Play Bridge’ Lessons
Lorraine Sutich will begin these lessons on Tuesday, 17 March. Please spread the word amongst your friends, family members and neighbours. There is a form on the noticeboard for you to enter their details.
Your help is needed. It is planned to do a ‘letter-box drop’ so if you can deliver some of these advertising sheets your assistance would be appreciated. Just fill in the ‘map’ of your distribution area. Many thanks.
Clean-up Time – 10am, Saturday, 21 March
Can you help us with spring (in late summer) cleaning and building washing etc? It would be appreciated if you could assist for 1-2 hours. A delicious morning tea will be served. Lookout for the form on the board,
Kairangi Junior TournamentThis tournament will be held Sunday 19 April. Details will be available early March. Mark this date in your calendar. We have re-instated this Junior grade tournament after dropping it the previous year due to poor attendance. If we want to keep this tournament we will need good support from our own members. Playing in Junior tournaments is the best way for Junior players to improve their bridge.
Lions Charity Bridge Tournament
This tournament is on Saturday May 23, at Kairangi, please also mark this in your diary.
Helpers
Names are currently being taken to learn ‘scoring’.. Form on the noticeboard.
Thought:
"Work is for those who don’t know how to play golf." Or, Bridge!
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The
The First Word
Happy New Year. Hopefully you have enjoyed the holidays and recharged your batteries in readiness for the challenges that face us in 2009. We look forward to seeing you.
The Over 70’s Club
Tues, 25 Nov: ‘08 Lyn Broad & Sandie Lepper – 79.11%
Meeting:
The next Committee Meeting, 6.30pm, Sunday, 1 February 2009.
Increase in Table Money
The committee has reluctantly decided to increase table money to $5 per person per session. Table money has been held at $4, in the face of increasing costs, for more than a decade.
Most members will be aware that the Club’s bridge activities do not cover its running costs, and it is largely because of the additional income received from rents that the Club has been able to operate around the break even point for the past several years. However, this is now becoming increasingly difficult and an increase in table money is essential to assist in balancing the books.
Prudent management has meant that the Club does have a cash reserve which will enable it to maintain and replace its valuable assets, as well as purchasing one-off items such as the recently acquired dealing machine, when and as required. The committee does not wish to undermine the efforts of past committees by dipping into this reserve for day-to-day expenses.
The increase to $5 will take effect from 1 January 2009. Any members holding yellow table money tickets will be able to use them after that date by paying an extra dollar.
The committee does not currently propose any change to the $3 fee for Wednesday bridge.
Recommended reading.
(by Ron Morris)
ACBL Encyclopedia American – book on bridge.
The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge; authorised by the American Contract Bridge League. The main central library in
Promotions
The following members are promoted to Monday night:
Don Matheson,
Eleanor Matheson,
Haleigh Trower,
Sandie Lepper,
Lyn Broad and
Liz Page.
Let’s all be prepared and ready. Entries for
Outside competition helps to raise the standard of playing within the Club. Consider being part of a team, or organise one yourself.
Note - it is recommended that teams have a minimum of two substitutes.
What is the answer?
Are we getting bigger, ie heavier. One very observant member discovered that In the lift on the button pad there is a message “maximum 5 persons, 400kg’. Now, there is a special printed notice upstairs which says ‘maximum of 3 persons’.
Session and Playing Times
Players are requested to be seated by 7.20pm to allow the director time to orangise the bridge movement for the evening. Announcements will be made at approximately 7.25pm and play should commence 7.30pm sharp. Players arriving after 7.20pm may be refused entry at the discretion of the director.
Tea breaks – where applicable should be restricted to 10 minutes. Again, at the director’s discretion. The Committee’s aim is to end the bridge at approximately 10.30pm. The last move of the evening should be called no later than 10.30pm to ensure that play ends no later than 10.45pm at the latest.
Thought:
Your mind is like a parachute - it functions only when open.
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