Phil (B. P.) Topley

1925-2019

Phil was an Oxford graduate and professional bridge player in the 1950’s, winning the Gold Cup (1955) and Tollecmache (twice), followed by several Camrose appearances.

Following the death of his wife, he and his then six-year-old son moved to Stafford, where he became a respected and popular A Level Maths teacher.

He continued to play following the move where further success followed with a Crockford’s Cup in 1984. He regularly represented Staffs, including his third (and the county’s only) Tollecmache victory.

He was a fine technical player and able to successfully play with many different partners who all found him very supportive as did his team captains.

He is survived by his second wife Ann.

Major International Appearances

Camrose Trophy Selections: Represented England vs Wales 1955 vs Wales 1956 Vs NI 1957 Vs NI 1962 vs Wales 1963 Vs Wales 1964 Vs NI 1965 Vs Scotland 1966 vs NI 1975

Gold Cup winner: 1955

Crockford’s Cup winner: 1984

Tollemache Cup winner: 1955 (rep. North West), 1956 (rep. North West) and 1976 (rep. Staffordshire)

Hubert Phillips Bowl winner: 1961

The Field Cup winner: 1962

Life Masters Pairs for the Waddington Cup winner: 1967

Summer Meeting: The Brighton Bowl winner: 1979

National Teams Congress winner: 1986

Swiss Pairs Senior Congress winner: 1994, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2006