Richard Croot

My father introduced me to bridge at a young age, and I my enthusiasm was cultivated further by a mathematics teacher at school. At Bristol University, I ran the university bridge club along with my good friend Bernard Magee. In the past, I have run bridge cruises and hotel weekends with him.

In 1994, I began teaching mathematics at Hereford Cathedral School. I was appointed to school’s leadership team in 2008 where I remained until 2024. In 2003, the exceptionally talented pupils Ben Paske and Tom Paske started learning at my school club and were soon the focus of my wider bridge playing. I also contributed to the youth weekends as a volunteer teacher. I was recognized in 2007 with the Alec Salisbury Award. I was equally dedicated as a school chess coach, an activity that has boomed since the pandemic in the way bridge has not. 

As a bridge player, I have won the GCH Fox Pairs at the EBU Summer Meeting, the Nicko Plate, and the Western League for Herefordshire. Presently, I am serving as the Captain of the Herefordshire team.

In the summer of 2024, as I was preparing to retire with my wife Jess to focus on our smallholding in North Herefordshire, I received a call from the Chair of the Trustees of EBED. He proposed I consider the role of CEO. Upon a successful application, I am thrilled to be heading a team dedicated to significantly increasing the number of bridge players, with a particular focus on youth and enhancing participation in EBED's junior camps. I am committed to fostering high standards of behaviour of our young players.

Aside from bridge, I enjoy playing the piano, organ, chess, golf, walking in the beautiful hills of North Herefordshire, and looking after our flocks of geese and chickens.

Last updated: July 2024

GCH Fox Pairs (Summer Meeting): 2003
NICKO Plate: 2003