By Anthony Campbell

BRIDGE is an amazing game. Each time you pick up a new hand you can’t wait to see what lady luck has dealt you. Bridge stimulates the mind, develops partnerships, trains the memory, and, most of all, provides a game that enhances friendship and social interaction. Penarth Bridge Club prides itself in promoting these.

The club was founded in 1972, and, after nearly 50 years, still retains its original intent of good bridge in a friendly environment. The club belongs to the East Wales Bridge Association (EWBA) and the Welsh Bridge Union (WBU), using software, providing results at the end of each session, available immediately on the web site.

2019 has been a successful year. Importantly, after the closure of the Kymin , the club moved to Trinity Church Hall, Woodland Place, CF64 3EN. The number of tables on Tuesday and Friday nights have on average been four to six. The Thursday morning club for improvers, founded by the late Eric Favager, run now by Peter Craig with helpers, has been a particular success. A highlight has been the articles, with weekly results, published by Penarth Times.

We are very grateful for this tremendous support. Sadly, two former loyal members, Sheila Kavanah and Leslie Blincow, passed away this year.

Successful national events included three simultaneous pairs competitions – Children in need, Celtic, and St David’s SIMS, played all over the country, so members can see how their results compare with players in other clubs. The club is keen to promote social events, and sessions with other clubs. To this end, there was a very successful summer barbecue after a Thursday morning bridge session, and a team of four event with Sully bridge club.

Penarth Bridge club is proud to have several members who have played for Wales in international matches. This year a team captained by John Salisbury won the Welsh Bridge Union Premier League, held to select the players to represent Wales in the next Camrose Trophy, the home international series. Three of this team - John Salisbury, Julian Pottage, and Tony Ratcliff, belong to Penarth Bridge club, and Tim Rees, who was born in Penarth, will all represent Wales in January, 2020. Congratulations. One slam hand was played brilliantly by John Salisbury and Tim Rees, featuring in a December edition of Penarth Times.

As usual, the club held several competitions during the year.

The Favager trophy for the highest average score for a pair was won by John Salisbury and Joy Seculer, Eric’s cup, for the highest total master points in the year, was won by Trish Tracey, with an impressive 72. The club pairs, Annie’s cup held over 3 evenings, was won by Tony Campbell and Brian Hardey, with the club handicap for the Rose Bowl, donated by the Welsh Bridge Union, won by John Salisbury and Mike Downey. Teams champions were Mike Downey, Joy Seculer, Simon Brindle and Tony Campbell.

Several members play in National competitions. Penarth Menagerie – Tony Campbell, Brian Hardey, Simon Brindle, Rod Hudson, Mike Downey, Trish Tracey, won Division 2 in the East Wales league, and so were promoted to Division 1.

They went on to win the handicap East Wales teams.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Whatever your experience you will find players of a comparable standard at Penarth. Contact campbellak@cf.ac.uk or contacts on the web site for further information. https://www.bridgewebs.com/penarth/. Keep an eye on Penarth Times for hands at The Carte Blanche Club - anything goes.

A very happy and prosperous New Year to you all. Table up.