Learning and Development

At its meeting on 8th December, the Committee endorsed three proposed initiatives to enhance our learning and development programme:

• Saturday afternoon sessions with a short presentation, an experienced player playing at each table to provide advice and afternoon tea. This format has proved very popular at Wellington Club. This could be run through July and August.

• Short presentations prior to a bridge session. Topics such as scoring, reverses, leads etc where the concepts can be introduced reasonably quickly. They would probably be on Thursday afternoon once a month - players can bring their lunch - have the presentation and then play.

• Improvers lessons - as in previous years these lessons will be offered to meet demand.  Three sessions in April are initially proposed, with a possible second series later in the year. 

What we're looking for is one or more volunteers to act as conveners for these initiatives.  If you're interested, please let me know.

Tournament Convener 2026

The Committee is seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to act as Tournament Convener in 2026.  The role involves ensuring that an organiser is assigned to each event in our tournament schedule and that all arrangements are properly coordinated to ensure successful outcomes.

The events are:

15th February - Waikanae Open Pairs

2nd May - Waikanae May Social tournament

28th June - Waikanae/Paraparaumu Charity tournament

2nd August - Waikanae Multigrade Pairs

30th August - Waikanae Novice/Junior tournament

27th September - Waikanae Intermediate Pairs

1st November - Waikanae Junior Pairs

Previous experience in tournament organisation would be useful but is not essential.

If you're interested in volunteering for this role please get in touch. 

Job Opportunities

We would welcome some new Dealers and Scorers to join our rosters.

Scoring is done mainly at the start and end of a session.  For this job it is helpful if looking at a computer doesn't traumatise you but we will make sure you are given training and will then mentor you.

Dealing is mostly done on the weekend as part of a small team.  No computer skills are needed.

If you are interested in either of these roles please contact Chris Farrow to talk about Scoring and Eileen Queree to talk about Dealing - or click here.

"In Brief"

Happy birthday to Judy Roberts, who turns 90 today (2nd December) - many happy returns, Judy.

Junior Open Matchmaking 2026

Some players have been asking for opportunities to play a series with an experienced player. In 2026 we will arrange for some open players to be available to play with interested less experienced players. We will not do this at our Monday sessions but of course Monday players are very welcome to sign up – but you will be asked to play on Thursday or Friday.

This is intended for players who have a good grasp of the basics of Acol and currently do not play with open players. If you are interested in being matched up with an open player for a series in 2026 there is a sheet on the table for you to put your name. Alternatively you can ring Helen Walker, her number is in the programme book.

Wellington Region Junior League 2025

Many congratulations to Murray Lobb on winning the Wellington Region Junior League 2025 with 69 points.

Craig Jackson was in second place with 49 points.

Importantly, this is the third consecutive year in which a Waikanae player has won this title, and the second consecutive year in which a Waikanae player has also placed second.

Very well done gentlemen!

Maureen Creasy

I regret to announce that Maureen Creasy passed away on 25th November.

Maureen was a valued and respected member of our Club.  We send our sincere condolences to her family and friends.