Ian started to play bridge in the mid 50’s by watching his Grandparents playing. In early 60’s he formed a partnership with Freddie North and then with Bill Pencharz and with Peter Lester. In the late 1970’s he gave up competitive bridge (through pressure of work) but did play high stake rubber bridge at St.John’s Wood Bridge Club. He retired from work in 2000 and gave up rubber bridge but returned to some competitive bridge.
His bridge achievements include:-
Six Camrose caps and three senior Camrose caps (in 2009 he had the distinction of being in both the Open and Senior winning Camrose team).
First major success was winning the Brightion pairs with Freddie North. It was repeated 39 years later with Tony Waterlow. Other major successes were the Easter Guardian, Spring Foursomes on three occasions, the Eastbourne Two Stars two years running, Crockfords Cup, Brighton Teams and losing finalist in the Gold Cup four times! Partnered Tony Waterlow in the European seniors in Tenerife and Tony Priday in Salsomaggiore. Perhaps the highlight of achievement was being invited to play in the Sunday Times Bridge event in 1978 with Peter Lester, where the top 18 pairs were invited to compete.
Nowadays golf and foreign travel occupy most of his time
Major International Appearances
Senior European Championships: 2002
Camrose Trophy Selections: 1972 1973 1976 1977 and 2009 (EBU)
Teltscher Trophy Selections: 2008 2009 and 2011*
Junior Camrose Selections: 1971
Crockfords winner: 2013
Spring Foursomes Winner: 1974 1975 and 1982
Brighton Pairs, Harold Poster Cup Winner: 1969 and 2006
Brighton Four Stars Teams Winner: 2001
Autumn Congress Two Stars Pairs Winner: 1976 and 1977
Easter Congress Guardian Trophy winner : 1971 and 1995
Tollemache Cup winner: 2012
* - selection for the GB/Patron's team