For the last 14 years, CBC has hosted its annual bridge holiday in Bournemouth. The holiday is very popular with about 60 members joining us and for the last 8 years has been oversubscribed.
This year we booked all the rooms in the Hotel Collingwood, Bournemouth.
1. The Organisation
Four of us volunteer to run the holiday. Two set up the movements, run the software and direct and two of us assist in the smooth running of other features of the holiday e.g. helping to sort out partnerships and liaising with the hotel.
We take boards, bidding boxes and bridgemates from the club. The hotel provided us with 15 bridge tables and cloths.
This was our first year at Hotel Collingwood and when selecting a suitable hotel we look for a hotel that has an appropriate space for 15 bridge tables, a bar that will be open after play, restaurant with the capacity to serve a 3-course meal in about 75 minutes, plenty of bedrooms with walk-in showers, and some facilities for other activities e.g. a pool and located with good access for walks and local buses.
Photos above: Left - playing room, Right - Socialising in the bar after play
2. The Programme - click here for the programme
The first night is an ice-breaker session with a drinks reception followed by an individual. This avoids people worrying about finding a partner for the first night and helps to mix people and get them chatting. Only simple systems are allowed.
We run a teams event over two sessions. Pairs are teamed up randomly and at the end of the first and second sessions, teams meet up to score up. This promotes a real teams experience and camaraderie.
The other sessions are pairs.
In the mornings we hold an informal programme of seminars. This year we had a focus for each of the seminars so hand discussion as well as new learning is now a feature of the seminars. The seminars are well attended and people are happy to contribute.
Prizes are awarded for all sessions along with the usual Masterpoints/NGS recognition normally given at club sessions.
3. Socialising around the bridge
This is a very important part of the holiday and has become increasingly so over the years. Play finishes around 10pm, and most players stopped for at least one drink after play. Many holidaymakers made use of the pool, jacuzzi and games room. These facilities added an extra and welcome social element to the holiday.
We set up a WhatsApp group, not only to send important messages, but to enable people to arrange to go to the cinema, on walks or visits. This method of communication is important as all feel involved and invited – if they wish.
The holiday not only raises significant funds for the bridge club but it creates a buzz and focus during the winter months.
I highly recommend this approach as a way for building a community because the holidaymakers are investing in friendships which will last a long time.
If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to me contact me at Cheltenham Bridge Club using the club email message template adding for the attention of Nicola Renshaw.