Bridge in the Isle of Man lost a great supporter and ambassador when Elaine Clague died at the age of 89 at the end of June this year. Elaine and her husband John (who died in 2005) were founder members of both the Douglas Bridge Club and the Manx Bridge Union and both put a lifetime’s work into the game, holding executive positions in both the club and the Union over many years. They were involved in the running of the Isle of Man Bridge Congress and both received Dimmie Flemming awards for their services in 2003

Elaine was not only a tireless worker for bridge, she was also a fine competitor who represented the Island in events and congresses on many occasions. She remained an active player to the end, playing at her beloved Douglas Bridge Club just 10 days before her sudden death. Something of the old skill remained too, and she was, as was often the case, amongst the club's trophy winners in 2006.

Elaine was always charming as well as talented at the bridge table and her loss is a sad one for Manx bridge.

The photograph shows Elaine at the 50th anniversary dinner of the Douglas Bridge Club in 2006.