My first year as Chairman has been
a rewarding experience with the highlight particularly of Manchester CBA
hosting the Camrose and Corn Cairdis matches at Cheadle House in December
2003. This was a most enjoyable weekend for everyone involved and I particularly
thank all those who contributed to the success of this event. We can look
forward to a similar occasion next year when we will be hosting the Lady
Milne at Chancellor Hotel and Conference Centre on April 17-19 2005.
On a sadder note, this year has seen the loss of two of our longstanding
Officers Mary Higson and Henry Huggill, and I am sure their influence will
be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of working with them.
There will be the usual calendar of events next year. Due to unforeseen
circumstances, there will be a new venue for the Manchester Congress next
January 8-9 at the Lancaster Hall, New Century House and your support at
this event will be greatly appreciated. There will be a new Golf/Bridge event
added to the Calendar (scheduled for June 10th 2004) this year which may
become a regular fixture if it proves a success. I should also like to bring
to your attention some EBU events in the coming year, namely the “Master
Class Tour” with Andrew Robson on 14-18 September, and with Ron Klinger on
1-20 October, and an event “Tricks of the Trade” with the Hackett family
in Spring 2005. Also, the Mind Sports Olympiad will be in Manchester for
the next four years featuring extensive bridge prizes and the current top
player in the world Geir Helgemo will be present this year.
There have been international appearances for several of our members – M.Brunner,
R.Goldenfield, T.Capal, M.Byrne, A.Morris and E.Levy this last year and we
wish M.Brunner/R.Goldenfield every success in the forthcoming European Championships.
In addition, I would offer my congratulations to Dr Alan Jones and David
Barton in winning the prestigious 2004 National Pairs Championship.
The number of teams in the Manchester League/Cup competitions has dropped
however, it continues to be a popular competition with opportunity for all
levels of player from Newcomers to top internationals. Next year, will see
a restructure of the league to try and get the standard of the top
teams better balanced in the higher divisions.
There has been a lot of bridge teaching in local schools and we would
welcome any volunteers for teaching or supervising bridge (or minibridge)
at the schools level.
Our website now contains an enormous amount of information and provides an
extremely comprehensive results service.
There are many people who work hard to ensure the smooth and effective running
of Manchester CBA affairs. It would be wrong for me to single out anyone
for special praise but I thank all of them and many others at club level
for the time they give so freely.
I look forward to another successful year of bridge in the Manchester County.
Best wishes for the coming season.