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Top of The South News with Jenny Pomeroy
Happy New Year
We may be 2 months into the year, but as this is my first bulletin due to a little bit of shirking responsibilities and changing of dates it is my first opportunity to say Happy New Year.
A new Trophy from the Old Year
Bridge is in full swing in Top of the South, with a couple of tournaments under our belts already; the 20A South Island Teams and Westport’s 8B. But before we get into 2017, back to 18 September 2016 and the inaugural Top of the South Intermediate and Junior Teams tournament, won by Picton, who now hold a trophy to mark their success. Thanks Chris Marshall for this email:
As promised Keith Harrop has acquired the new trophy for the Top of the South Interclub Teams and presented it last night to the successful Picton Team at our Xmas Party.
I am sure you will all join with me in appreciation of the gesture Keith has made and the quality of the trophy. We have also received an offer from Hans van Berlo to construct a construct a suitable case for the trophy’s safe transport from club to club. With such a quality trophy I am sure the fight will be on next year to wrest it out of Picton’s hands.
Team members Left to right are Helen Crowder, Colin Davenport, Barbie Wilson, Joyce Allen, Lesley Pincombe, Mary Smart, Jennifer Cunningham, Reg Nichol with the new trophy
South Island Teams
Nelson Club put on a wonderful weekend of bridge over 11 &12 February when they hosted the South Island Teams. A huge thank you to their organising committee, caterers, helpers and to the A team of Alice Lovell, Ann Wilson, Allan Mulligan and Alan Toker who were drafted in at the last minute to bring it up to the even number of 36 Teams. Great to see Kaikoura Teams making lengthened journey (we are all looking forward to visiting you in May for the Howorth Cup) and others that travelled from far afield. Calm, efficient and friendly directing from Caroline Wiggins, assisted by Murray with the scoring. Couldn’t quite catch Caroline with the camera, but here’s Murray making it look like he had his part under control.
Murray Wiggins at work
A Team of Alice Lovell, Ann Wilson and Allan Mulligan (Alan Toker not in this picture but as Nelson President and emcee for the day he did make his way into many others)
Holding the lead at the end of day 1 were Neil Stuckey,Bob Grover, Barry Palmer and Eileen Horsman.
But in the end were pipped by:
Alan Grant, Brian Callaghan, Christine Duckworth and Jane Lennon with Nelson President Alan Toker
Local teams fared well, many punching above their ranking and one making it into the prizes – Ruth Allison, Sita Monaghan, Helen Fitzgerald and Sally Moore who were 14th overall and 2nd in their grade.
Ruth Allison, Sita Monaghan,Helen Fitzgerald along with Alan Toker.
There was a great turn out from our TOTS clubs who loved the opportunity to have a go against some of the best. Three teams from Westport, but one too shy for the camera, and representation from all TOTS clubs. Dot Rapley ex Golden Bay and Nelson and now Timaru, made the journey to play with Michelle Wintour.
The "guys" from Westport, Phil Rutherford, Garry Howard, Ray Curnow and Wayne Smith.....and then...
the Westport Ladies, Glenys Tyler, Pat Dolomore, Wendy Cockburn and Jo Gear
Dot Rapley, left, returning from her new home in Timaru to play in the event.
Locals did well on the raffle front, particularly this crew below Lindsey Guy, Barbara Gordon and Jenny Cooper who won 3 of the 4 meal vouchers for Tides Restaurant Trailways, one of the event’s sponsors. A ladies’ night out is set down for 8th April after the Nelson Women’s Tournament, to which they have invited me – thanks ladies. Looking forward to it.
So fair to say a successful weekend. Thank you Nelson
Westport 8B
4 March saw Westport kick off the ordinary tournament schedule with their 8B. Twenty eight pairs descended on Westport for the weekend and were as always well looked after and well fed. Lindsey Guy and Steve Gray took out the day with 59%, with local pair Jocelyn Wallace and Freda Herring coming in third. Congratulations.
Gold Coast Congress
Five members of the Nelson Club, Barbara Gordon, Rosie Page, Judy Honeybone Toby Gordon and Sally Moore made it to the Gold Coast, and had a ball. I was talking to Barbara Gordon who was singing its praises, over 2000 bridge players, great weather, wonderful venue, plenty of time to do other things, not a hitch with the scoring, informative guest speakers and heaps of fun. She loved the bridge as well.
Other News
In other news clubs are well into their yearly programme. Richmond is trialling a non playing director for 3 months which is going well. They have also altered their handicap system slightly to keep it as fair as possible. Westport have also more sessions on handicap. Golden Bay are soon to move into the new Recreation Facility in Takaka; a multi-purpose venue shared between a number of sport and community groups which after several years of planning and building is finally finished and nearly open. They will enjoy the space, being able to leave the tables up permanently and not having to cart everything including tables and chairs around town when it comes to their tournaments. Oh, and it has a bar licence!
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