English Bridge Union
As part of the Summer Festival, clubs were invited to host heats of the midweek competitions with took place. Huddersfield took the opportunity to not only host the heats but to make it part of a larger event for the club, which included an Open Day.
Club Chair, Pearl Murphy reports on the Open Day:
“The Open Day was held on 9th August from 12pm to 9pm. The aim was to attract all those who might be interested in taking bridge lessons or refresher courses with a view to moving on to play duplicate bridge. Many were complete beginners, others had enjoyed social rubber bridge or had recently moved into the area and wanted to know more about our club. We had over 20 visitors for the Open Day and hope that many of them will take lessons and/or become regular players.
A number of Club members helped to provide a welcoming hot drink before explaining what the Club and the game are all about. Visitors were given the opportunity of playing Mini-Bridge and/or kibitzing members. They were also introduced to the 2-year national learning programme (Bridge For All), and a number bought the Red (year one), Green (year two) or Yellow (Fast Track) Books.
One of the most encouraging features of the day was that the average age of the visitors was significantly less than that of current members, and our first-ever Open Day looks likely to add twenty plus players to the numbers engaged in this wonderful mind-bending sport. Thanks must go to Gillian Emerson and Peter Skuse for organising the event.”
The competitions were also a success for the club – and they are keen to thank Denis Murphy for directing on each evening. For some of the members it was their first big competition, and being able to play in their own club gave some the confidence to take part. It is hopefully the first of many and they will look to play in other county and national competitions. It also attracted visitors – at least a few visiting pairs took part each evening – so gave exposure to the club and may help to boost attendances in future.
Such was the success of their activities, the club’s committee are already thinking how they can be involved with something similar in 2019.
The answer is that there will be two opportunities in 2019 to host national competitions...
Masters Pairs – Sunday 24th February
A one-day, two session competition, for players ranked below Regional Master.
Summer Meeting – 2nd – 11th August
Although the Summer Meeting will likely be returning to Eastbourne after the year away, we will still be running the midweek competitions as multi-venue events. Details of the competitions are still being finalised, and will be announced soon, but you can put these dates in your diary.
For all these competitions the heats will be organised, and run, by the clubs. The entry fee for each heat will be set by the host club - and they will then remit a fee to the EBU and retain the remainder. So as well as enabling their members to take part, and attracting visitors, the club can gain financially (not just from the entry fees, but from any catering or suchlike which is provided). More details on hosting the Masters Pairs is available here.
Like, Huddersfield, you can combine hosting the competition with an open day or other event to attract new players - perhaps hold a taster session in the morning ahead of the Masters Pairs starting that afternoon….
