Dimmie Fleming Award citation - 2020 (nomination from Warwickshire)
Elayne has been a stalwart member of the Warwickshire Executive Committee since she joined in 2009. The extent of her contribution as Competitions Secretary for more than a decade has encompassed a variety of activities seeing annual table numbers rise and top the 400 mark. We feel, unanimously, that it is time that her tireless efforts are formally recognised.
Since joining the WCBA Executive Committee, Elayne has played a major role in organising pairs leagues, teams leagues and other county events, attending all events to greet the players and oversee the arrangements, even though she does not play in many of them. She has made a significant contribution to the rejuvenation and success of the Midland Counties Congress, formerly a three-counties event, now Warwickshire’s Green Point Weekend, over the past five years, as a key member of a dedicated team of volunteers. Her exceptional versatility has been graphically illustrated following the switch from face-to-face bridge to online bridge precipitated by the coronavirus pandemic. She has deferred her intended retirement, helping WCBA to deal with the unprecedented challenges presented in her inimitable, unassuming, but highly effective manner.
The value of Elayne’s unswerving, long-term dedication to bridge at all levels in Warwickshire is well overdue for recognition, and we hope that the Awards Committee agrees with our nomination.