Full statement from Sally Bugden, Chairman of the English Bridge Union

On 1 April 2010, the English Bridge Union will be initiating the exciting and historic process of Universal Membership through Pay to Play to bring our organisation and the game it represents into the 21st Century. It is the first stage in our programme to develop and grow duplicate bridge and to modernise England’s national bridge organisation.

This process is the result of over two years consultation with thousands of bridge players – members and non-members alike – and our affiliated clubs and regional network of counties.

The EBU is funded by members for members and the development of duplicate bridge. The new era will be supported by a streamlined EBU which continues to address its own management through efficiencies, modernisation and reform.

We believe that Universal Membership will mean more people coming into our clubs to learn to play bridge to join with existing players to enjoy this great game.

In the last year, we have raised the profile of our game where it matters; at Parliamentary level, which is allowing us to demonstrate to the government the benefits that playing the game brings to society.

Research has proved that bridge has a number of benefits for young people (learning maths, logic, team building and more) and for older people (protects against dementia, and helps with socialising).

We are determined to work hard to welcome and grow duplicate bridge clubs so that as many people as possible can enjoy this great game of ours in the security of the community of clubs, counties and players that make up the English Bridge Union.

These are exciting times for bridge in England and we are looking forward to a great future for the game.

Sally Bugden, Chairman

30 March 2010

Notes:

• Download photo of Sally Bugden
• View full biography of Sally Bugden
• View full press release on Universal Membership