Ross Bridge Club members have continued to enjoy another effective year of duplicate Bridge with good attendances at both Monday evening and Friday afternoon sessions held at the Larruperz Community Centre where the rooms are considered ideal for Bridge playing. 

The Club’s 135+ strong membership means that the Ross Club is still the most well supported Bridge Club in the County. This is reflected in the work of a dedicated Committee and a ‘collective spirit’ among its members based upon teamwork and helping one another.

Jo Baker as Club Chairman, Roy Milnes as Tournament Director, Chris Chowney as Secretary, with Rosie Wilson as Membership secretary and Linda Blunt playing supportive roles. The Club also benefits in having Denise Robertson who has special responsibilities for the running of the Friday Bridge sessions.

The Club’s Annual Christmas Party held at the Larruperz Centre saw 54 members celebrating the festive season and ‘fun Bridge’ followed the splendid meal provided by a team of members organised and coordinated by Linda Blunt. Roy Milnes ensured that there was an abundance of fun prizes for various achievements at the Bridge tables with the main beneficiaries on the night being Ann Stirrup/Jim Kane, Steve Lawrence/Ben Britton and Keith Ray/Jane Winney. 

A few days beforehand, and now in its 21st year the supporters of the Friday Club had taken part in their Annual Byron Webber Shield event which 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 seven tables taking part in a competitive duplicate bridge environment it was Jo Baker and Rochelle Nash who found themselves at the top of the final results table with a 57.29% score narrowly winning from Rosemary Gabb/Tony Cockbain 56.94 and joint 3rd placings Denise Robertson/Mike Taylor and Mary Smith/Arthur Durrant close behind with 56.60.

For Jo, her name will appear on the Trophy for the second time having been a winner in 2009 with her good friend, the late Pam Jenkins, and as Rochelle is in her first year with the Ross Club, her success provides a special sense of achievement.