Dimmie Fleming Award winner, 2014
Joy Mayall has served the Sussex County Contract Bridge Association for many years in multiple roles, particularly: Membership of the Management Committee 2011-2014, including taking the Chair 2012-2014. Membership of the Conduct Committee 2006-2012, including taking the Chair 2007-2012. Membership of the Selectors’ Committee 2012-2014. Membership of the Tournament Committee 2012-2014. Tournament Organiser for annual county events 2012 to date.
Joy’s membership and, latterly chairmanship, of the Management Committee has been characterised by her unbounded commitment to address and resolve the challenges presented. Her key focus on education, particularly for the youngsters, resulted in an important partnership with the local authority to bring bridge education to secondary schools throughout the county. She also led the procurement and deployment of portable display equipment to advertise bridge opportunities to adults in libraries and other key community locations. She has also driven the development and approval of a modernised constitution, based on the EBU model.
Joy has provided mature and statesmanlike leadership at a time when a small vocal minority sought to change radically the strategic direction of the Association. Her strength of purpose, measured direction and calmness under pressure not only resisted that challenge, through the use of disciplined democratic processes, but also resulted in a stronger Management Committee with a clearer focus on its priorities for the future.
Joy’s tenure as Chair of the County Conduct Committee was one of complete success. Her experience as a Magistrate was important but, even more important, were her personal qualities of fairness, even-handedness and attention to detail. All parties were quickly assured that they would receive a fair hearing and that justice would be done.
Joy has also contributed significantly to other county committees and activities. The introduction of a county year book and the development of processes and procedures for on-line competition entries are examples of initiatives which she has proactively encouraged.