Sandra Landy: 1938 - 2017

The EBU is sad to learn of the death of Sandra Landy.

Sandra made an enormous contribution to British and English bridge as a player, an administrator, and teacher. She represented Great Britain in major international competitions on 27 occasions, winning gold medals seven times. She also made 11 appearances for England in the Lady Milne competition and played in England's Camrose Trophy team twice. She was a mentor within the team for many future stars of the game, and also acted as NPC for a number of junior teams, helping to develop the next generation of players. Sandra received the EBU's Diamond Award in January 2016 in recognition of her excellence and success over a sustained period for England's international teams. She was also very successful in domestic bridge, winning the majority of the EBU's major competitions.

She served on the EBU Board for seven years, the Selection Committee for a total of 15 years, and for six years on the Tournament Committee.

For many Sandra's greatest contribution was as a bridge teacher. As well as teaching at a 'local' level she made an enormous contribution to the teaching of bridge nationally through her work in developing 'Bridge for All'. Sandra's articles on the topic were part of English Bridge magazine for almost a decade.

Sue Maxwell, Education Manager of English Bridge Education and Development, and one of Sandra's former colleagues when she worked for the EBU, writes:

    "Sandra’s most enduring legacy to the game was the creation of the Bridge for All Learning programme.
    Sandra was appointed by the EBU in the mid-90s as project manger with a brief to devise a national learning programme. Standard English Acol was devised as the basic system. In 1997 Beginning Bridge Book One and Continuing Bridge Book Two course work books were published. The Really Easy series of companion books soon followed along with system summary cards and practice play books.
    The enduring popularity of the Bridge for All programme still provides new students to the game with a structure within which to learn and play and progress from classroom to club room."

She will be sadly missed by all in the bridge community. WBF President Gianarrigo Rona, in expressing his condolences, said Sandra was "a great champion... but above all (she) was a great person".

Sandra's funeral was held on Friday 13th January at the All Saints Church in Hove.

January 5, 2017