On the evening of Thursday, 6th November, 2025, Douglas Bridge Club held its 69th Annual General Meeting in St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Douglas. After the meeting prizes were awarded to those who were successful in the club’s annual competitions.
The Player of the Year was Liz Kelly (pictured, left), the club’s event co-ordinator and usual director. Liz came second in the ‘achievement’ section and third in the ‘improvement’ section, but was top overall. In joint second place were Jasche Garre and Caroline Rutherford, and fourth was Sheelagh Jones.
The ‘Achievement’ Section was won for the second successive year by Dave Walker (pictured, centre), a very experienced player who a few years ago joined the club after moving here from the South of England, and he retains the Tregullow Cup for another year.
The ‘Improvement’ Section was won by Caroline Rutherford (pictured, right) who will now hold the Improvers’ Trophy until next year. Caroline started off in bridge by going to Liz’s lessons, and is now very much a rising star.
Caroline, in partnership with David Grimshaw, also carried off the Lamming Bowl, a one off handicap event. It is the second successive year David has won the Bowl; last year it was in partnership with Chris Wildman.
As well as being Player of the Year Liz also won the Belmont Salver, the club’s competition for individuals, ahead of John Stewart and Alex McKinnon. The Dolly Banks Cup, the club’s competition for partnerships, was won by Dave Walker and Alex Onions, ahead of last year’s winners, Angie and Fred Kissack.
Douglas Bridge Club welcomes new members of all abilities, anyone wishing to join should email douglasbc.secretary@gmail.com or call the club secretary, Alex Carine on 07624320961. Next year the club celebrates 70 years of playing duplicate bridge and looks forward to a year of keen competition and fun at the bridge table.