Notwithstanding the disappointment of the recent cancellation of their Annual Christmas Party evening, due to a clash with some severe wintry weather, Ross Bridge Club has continued to experience another highly effective year. There have been excellent attendances at both Monday evening and Friday afternoon sessions of Duplicate Bridge.

The 135+ strong membership justifies the Club’s ’bragging rights’ as largest Bridge Club in the county, reflective of a dedicated Committee and a ’collective commitment’ among its members, based upon teamwork and helping each other. Jo Baker, Club Chairman, Roy Milnes, Tournament Director, with Chris Chowney, Secretary and Denise Robertson having special responsibilities in the running of the Friday Club section, all play key roles. The Club also benefits through its valued relationship with the Larruperz Community Centre, where the rooms are considered ideal for Bridge playing.

Fortunately, the weather was unable to prevent the Club’s annual Byron Webber Shield Christmas competition from taking place. Now in its 20th year the occasion for the supporters of the Friday Club was established by long standing member Pat Webber to remember and commemorate her late husband, Byron and his influences at the Friday afternoon Bridge tables, which are still remembered with fondness.

With 8.5 tables taking part in a competitive duplicate bridge environment, Pat Armitage and Liz Lloyd-Nash found themselves at the top of the final results table with an impressive 63.10%. Thanks to this achievement they were popular, first-time winners.

Pat’s name on the trophy will join that of her late dad, Arthur Grantham, who in his day was a triple trophy winner. This latest success for Liz comes on top of her being the Club’s most improved player in 2016 which suggests that an emerging partnership can develop into a formidable one. Runners-up were Richard Manuel and Pat Barclay, followed by former Club Chairman and Honorary Life member, Mel Phillips and Janet Miles.

Latest Results: Monday Duplicate (Dec 18th) N/S - 1st - Chris Chowney/Susan Shore 60.74%, 2nd - Jim Morison/Gethin Jenkins 58.33, 3rd - Roy Milnes/Hylary Kingham 56.89, 4th - Richard Williams/Robert Squire 54.49, 5th Terry Meadows/Ron Carter 53.85.

E/W – 1st Andrew Davis/John Duvall 64.10, 2nd - Colin Goodwin/Judy Moore 58.49, equal 3rd - Dave Weller/Pat Jenkins & Richard Manuel/Tony Cockbain 56.73, 5th - Frances Nightingale/Janet Miles 54.33.

Friday Club Duplicate (Dec 22nd) N/S - 1st - Denise Robertson/Lindsay Ray 59.52 2nd - Jo Baker/Janet Miles 55.16, 3rd - Jean Malley/Jim Kane 51.98. E/W 1st - Keith Ray/Michael Taylor 67.46, 2nd - Mary Smith/Arthur Durrant 55.56, 3rd Laurie Jarrett/Ralph Rea 53.17.