Premier League – congratulations to the winners of this year’s Premier League – Paul Denning, Adrian Thomas, Steve Auchterlonie, Andy Hughes. The Premier League is also used as a basis for selection of the Welsh Camrose team. The team will be announced shortly. See the Selectors Bulletin for the overall results.
21.10.24
Vince Bevan Pairs – West Wales Bridge Association will be holding their annual Pairs Championship on Sunday 13th October in Bancyfelin Hall – open to WWBA members. See WWBA Site for details.
1.10.24
Premier League – after the first weekend of the Premier League/Trials, Paul Denning’s team – Adrian Thomas, Steve Auchterlonie, Andy Hughes have a comfortable lead over the rest of the field. See Team Results and Cross-Imps
30.9.24
Focus Groups – the next WBU focus group meeting will be on 2nd October at 11.00 am. Members can air their views and share their ideas regarding the WBU. Come and join via Zoom Link
29.9.24
Patrick Jourdain Teams – the East Wales Bridge Association are holding their annual Teams Championship in Cardiff Bridge Club on Sunday October 6th – details
20.9.24
TD Courses – the WBU are running two two-day TD courses in the near future – a) 27th Sept and 18th Oct – Llanharry – run by Tony Haworth – enabling TDs to run Club/Area events; (x7tonyh@gmail.com); b) 16,17th Nov – Swansea Bridge Club – run by Sarah Amos – (sarahamostd@gmail.com). – for Club level Directing. There is still room on the courses; if interested please contact the relevant organiser.
5.9.24
Online League – Liz is now organising the next (12th) Geoff Evans Online League schedule – closing dater for entries is 16th September – to liz_atkinson@btinternet.com
12.8.24/9.9.24
Junior Mini-Bridge – time to book your place on the rescheduled session (Tuesday 29th October). All details on the attached poster, please feel free to circulate, any help appreciated. This reminder has been left until the start of term as your youngster may wish to bring a friend along, that would be great. We need to start firming up on numbers – names and ages (the juniors not the adults!) Andrea has prepared some super packs to take away. Also, when replying please include your phone number. Poster
Looking forward to a fun day.
5.9.24
WBU Sims – these will be held during the week Monday 16th – Friday 20th September, online or face-to-face, with different hands each day. There will be commentaries available online after the event (at 10pm. each evening). The entry fee is £3.00 per player and the event will support not only Youth Bridge in Wales – the future of the game in Wales – but also the Wales Air Ambulance.
A list of participating Clubs can be found from the calendar entry. Please contact the relevant Club official for Club details.
5.9.24
Focus Groups – the next WBU focus group meeting will be on 30th August at 11.00 am. Members can air their views and share their ideas regarding the WBU. Come and join via Zoom Link
30.8.24
StepBridge – for those of you who actively play on StepBridge (run in conjunction with the WBU), there is now a web-based version of the app platform. This has a much ‘cleaner’ appeal – please give it a try (https://app.stepbridge.co.uk/). A full User Guide is available via this site (Online->Online Platforms), or via the StepBridgeUK website. If you haven’t yet tried StepBridge, please feel free to register and then you can participate in any of the four weekly evening tournaments (master-points awarded), or any of the club events.
18.8.24
WBU NewsLetter – The latest WBU Newsletter is now available. Edited by our expert Paul Lamford, this highly entertaining and informative publication is a ‘must’ read for everyone – Newsletter
12.8.24
Premier League – Please get your Premier League entries submitted shortly (closing date Aug. 30th). Remember this event (two weekends) also forms the basis for next year’s Camrose selection. See the calendar entry-form for full details.
9.8.24
Laws’ Flowcharts – a revised version of the ‘Laws’ Flowcharts’ is now available (incorporating various Laws’ revisions). Please contact Ceri (ceri@wbu.org.uk) or Tony (webmaster@wbu.org.uk) for details and purchasing – £12 + £2 p&p.
1.8.24
Online League – the 11th Geoff Evans Online League has now completed. Congratulations to the Division winners: Div 1 – Mike Tedd, John Salisbury, Gary Jones, Paul Lamford, Tony Ratcliff, Julian Pottage; Div 2 – Gilly Clench, David Birt, Simon Richards, Mike Pownall, Tony Disley; Div 3 – Barry Wennell, Wyn Williams, Shelia Shea, Tony Green, Haidee Tattersall.
Final Results.
Once again our thanks to Liz for organising such a successful event.
1.8.24
Women’s Bridge – there will be a Welsh Women’s session on RealBridge on 7.00 pm. Thursday 25th July. Mentors are welcome to the event – Player’s Link
25.7.24
World Bridge Games – will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina 21st Oct to 3rd Nov 2024. Each WBF member NBO in good standing is invited to send one National team in each category (The Vanderbilt Open Teams, The Torlontano Women’s Teams, Seniors’ and Mixed Teams) to the Team Championships. Also each WBF member-NBO in good standing is invited to send any number of Pairs, in good standing, to the National Pairs Championships (Open, Women’s, Seniors’ and Mixed). Please contact ceri@wbu.org.uk to register your interest. The closing date for entries is July 31st. Please note that all of these events will be 100% self-funded.
12.6.24/24.7.24
Swiss Pairs – Oliver Cowan, in conjunction with the WBU, has launched a new series of Online Swiss Pairs events, with the first event on August 24th. This is open to all (juniors free), with prizes and Green Points being awarded for each event. Please see Oliver’s Bridgewebs site for Details
16.7.24
European Youth Teams (Online) – the EBL will be hosting an online championships for youth, starting in September. Details
15.7.24
Perry, Spickett, President’s Cup – the inter-area events, held in Carmarthen, were won by – Perry – North Photo, Spickett – East Photo, Presidents Cup – West Photo. An excellent event enjoyed by all. See Full Results
14.7.24
Roy Holmes – a member of Monty, has died aged 101. He was last at the club on 24th June, had a fall at home a few days later, and was taken to hospital where he said “I can’t stay here long, I’ve got Bridge on Monday”. Sadly he didn’t make it.
Roy was an RAF veteran of WW2, flying Lancaster Bombers – a real character.
12.7.24
Learn Bridge for Free – Jack Stocken has created a series of nine Online Bridge Lessons, which are available to the WBU – Lessons. Jack is also planning a ‘Learners Competition’ in a few weeks time.
Also any prospective students wanting to further their interest in the game are encouraged to email Ceri – ceri@wbu.org – for further information.
10.7.24
Focus Groups – the WBU are continuing their Focus Group meetings, whereby members can express their views and recommendations as to what the WBU is doing. See the calendar for the forthcoming dates and associated Zoom links.
10.7.24
Junior Mini-Bridge – the WBU are hosting a one-day tuition session on August 14th from 10.30-2.30. It is suitable for parents, grandparents, teenagers, and children. Using mini-bridge, all can play or just watch. Sophie Cunningham – an expert teacher – will be running the event. See Poster for full details.
10.7.24
Seminars – the East Wales Bridge Association are running a free ‘Seminar Day’ on Sunday 21st July at Cardiff BC. There will be seminars (~3/4 hr. each), together with 6 ‘Tips’. The event is suitable for all standards – Club Player to Expert. All are welcome. For full details see Poster or contact Keith Edwards – keith.edwards@mac.com
8.7.24
Glyn Meredith – A celebration of Glyn’s life. We have been informed of the sudden death of Glyn Meredith. He moved to Wales in 2022, and became a popular and successful player on the South Wales circuit – his friendliness at the table was legendary. He was Chairman of Cardiff BC. Sarah Amos has written an Obituary.
All are invited to a ‘celebration of Glyn’s life’ at 11.00 am. Wed. 7th August, at Thornhill Crematorium, followed by a toast to Glyn across the road. See Funeral Details
4.7.24/19.7.24
Herbie Rowley – it is with sadness that we have to announce the death of Herbie Rowley. In addition to being a founder member of Cardigan Bridge Club, Herbie was a past President of the Welsh Bridge Union in 2013-14, and Chairman of the Mid-Wales Bridge Association. More details to follow.
3.7.24
Europeans – the European Open and Mixed Teams Championships have now started in Herning, Denmark. Wales is represented in the Open Teams by Julian Pottage & Tony Ratcliff, Alan Stevenson & Peter Kaufmann, Paul Lamford & Gary Jones.
In the Mixed Teams are Richard Plackett & Mia Deschepper, Tim Rees & Ceri Pierce, Paul Denning & Diane Kurbalija. Progress can be followed via Progress Report
27.6.24
Champion-Of-Champions – congratulations to Gwyn Davis & Dave Smith on winning this year’s event, closely followed by Helen Houston & Joseph Bentley. An excellent venue – Pendoylan, and well run by Dave Nicklin. Full Results and Photo.
23.6.24
Master Point Rankings – live Masterpoint Rankings are now available – click on the MasterPoints menu option or Live Ranking Lists
20.6.24
Teams-Of-Eight – Congratulations to Penarth Bridge Club (Red) on winning this year’s Club Team-Of-Eight Championship. See Photo and Full Results
17.6.24
Gold Cup – the amended schedule for the 2025 Gold Cup – Britain’s premier teams event – has now been announced – see 2025 Gold Cup – Details
11.6.24
Women’s Online European Transnational Teams – Congratulations to the Welsh Women who played in this event over the weekend. Eight players represented Wales:- Team Wales – Ceri Pierce, Mia Deschepper, Diane Kurbalija, Liz Commins, Gilly Clench and Fu Cheung, who finshed in a creditable 2nd place in the Group C final. Team Israel – Sue Biggin and Bev Cox. The event was organised by the EBL Women’s coordinators, held on Real Bridge over three days. Full Results
10.6.24
World Rankings – the Schapiro Spring Foursomes brought a major change in the top of the Tour rankings. Through the Orca team’s victory, Richard Plackett partnering Espen Erichsen moved up to fourth place in the World Tour Rankings. For more information see Latest Rankings
10.6.24
WBU Focus Groups – you are ALL invited to come along to the first focus groups of the WBU, which will be held on Zoom. This is an opportunity to air your views and share your ideas on how the WBU can change and improve. It is also a chance for you to volunteer your time/skills to help us achieve that improvement. We welcome ex-members as well as current members – we want to hear from you all.
There are two dates set up initially: Monday 17th June – 7.00pm.
Thursday 20th June – 11.00am.
We hope that you can make one (or both) of them.
5.6.24
Women’s Bridge – there will be a Welsh Women’s session on RealBridge on 7.00 pm. Monday 3rd June. Mentors are welcome to the event – Player’s Link
3.6.24
North Wales GP Event – Oliver Cowan Bridge will be running a One Day Green Point Swiss Pairs on behalf of the North Wales Bridge Association on Saturday 29th June, on BBO. 7 x 7 board rounds starting at 11am.
The entry fee is £20 per person and 15% of the total entry fees will go into the prize fund with prizes based on final placings, but also for the best placed non-expert pair.
Exact breakdown of prizes will be announced the day before the event once final numbers are known. The event is open to both WBU and EBU members.
Please fill out the entry form on the Olive Cowan bridge page – Entry Form
30.5.24
Teltscher Trophy – The 2024 Senior Camrose will take place on 17th – 19th May in Stirling University – hosted by the SBU. Full details can be viewed at Programme. The event can be followed on Realbridge via Kibitz Link, and there will video commentary at all sessions.
Wales are represented by Alan Stephenson & Peter Kaufmann; Tim Rees & John Salisbury; Paul Denning(PC) & Diane Kurbalija. We wish them all the best.
Wales finished in third place. Full Results
12.5.24
WBU AGM – will be held online on Sunday 2nd June at 11.00 am. There are a number of important fundamental issues to discuss, so please make every effort to attend. You can attend via Zoom Link
Important documents are Agenda, Financial Report, WBU Accounts, StepBridge Accounts, Motion 1, Motion 2
1.5.24
StepBridge AGM – this will be held on June 1st at 11.00 am via Zoom. Also see Accounts, Operational Report, and Agenda
1.5.24
Area AGMs – all the WBU Areas (North, Mid, East, West) will be holding their AGMs on Sunday 12th May, together with their associated Green Point event(s). See Area websites for details.
1.5.24
National Mixed Pairs – Congratulations to Suzy Lawson and Mike Best on winning the WBU National Mixed Pairs. Full Results. Photo
28.4.24
Lady Milne – the Lady Milne is being held from Friday 19th – Sunday 21st April, in Gormanstown – Eire. Wales are represented by Ceri Pierce & Mia Deschepper; Jo Copping & Joan Marray; Gilly Clench & Suzi Lawson; with Maggie Pierce as npc. We wish them all the best. For full event details, see Programme
You can follow the event via Kibitz Link
Results – Wales came a close third – well done. Moreover, these events are also cross-imp scored, and Gilly and Suzi led the field (which means that with each other pair as their team-mates on every board, they would have had top score).
17.4.24/22.4.24
WBU NewsLetter – The WBU have now re-launched a fresh edition of the Newsletter, expertly edited by Paul Lamford. This will be published three times per year, with the focus on people and bridge, and with news and photographs of recent winners. Paul will be most grateful for any contributions (wbunewsletter@gmail.com). The first edition can be viewed at Newsletter
23.3.24
Welsh National Teams – Congratulations to the winners of the Welsh National Teams Championship – Tim Barsby, Steve Webb, Glyn Meredith, Jennifer Wardell. View Photo
10.3.24
WBU – What Do We Do? – a number of members ask the question ‘What Does The WBU Do For Me’. Our Chief Executive – Ceri – has detailed a Report, outlining the benefits for both individuals and clubs. With Membership Renewal fast approaching, please take a look.
27.2.24
Camrose (2nd. Weekend) – the 2nd Weekend of the Camrose will be held in Altrincham (Best Western Cresta Court Hotel) on March 1st. Good luck to our team – Tim Rees & John Salisbury; Julian Pottage & Tony Ratcliff; Richard Plackett & Mia Deschepper. Please see Event Programme, Ongoing Results, and Kibitz Link.
4.3.24 – Final Results
26.2.24
Welsh & Cambria Competitions 2024 – the draw for the WBU Welsh and Cambria Cup competitions for 2024 has now been finalised. See Welsh Cup – 2024 (corrected) or Cambria Cup – 2024 for full event details (and contacts). Please use the correct form when submitting your results (right-hand side panel).
23.2.24
Cambria Cup – congratulations to Paul Denning’s team on winning the 2023-24 Cambria Cup – Paul Denning, Diane Kurbalija, Dan McIntosh, Pat Shields. This year’s draw will be announced shortly.
22.2.24
Welsh Cup – congratulations to Paul Denning’s team on winning the 2023-24 Welsh Cup – Paul Denning, Diane Kurbalija, Dan McIntosh, Pat Shields. This year’s draw will be announced shortly.
14.2.24
Junior Camrose – the Junior Camrose/Peggy Bayer will take place from February 16th – 18th in Belfast. The Welsh Team is Sophie Akers, Lolo Williams, Joseph Bentley, James Brindle, Emilia Cadden, Milan Malecki, (NPC: Soozy Nesom). Full details can be found at Programme, and you can follow the event at Kibitz Link
We wish them all the best.
Final Results
14.2.24
Jill Knight – It is with sadness that we have to announce that Jill Knight has recently passed away. Jill twice played Lady Milne and for many years was the editor of the WBU newsletter . She was also match manager for Camrose matches from time to time.
26.1.24
Lady Milne Trials – the WBU has held ladies trials to determine the team to represent Wales in the forthcoming Lady Milne. The winners were as follows: 1st – Ceri Pierce & Mia Deschepper; 2nd – Jo Copping & Joan Marray; 3rd – Gilly Clench & Suzi Lawson. These three pairs have now been selected to represent Wales, with Maggie Pierce as npc.
20.1.24/5.2.24
Camrose (2nd. Weekend) – the 2nd Weekend of the Camrose will be held in Altrincham (Best Western Cresta Court Hotel) on March 1st. The Selectors have chosen Tim Rees & John Salisbury; Julian Pottage & Tony Ratcliff; Richard Plackett & Mia Deschepper, to represent Wales. We wish them all the best.
20.1.24
West Wales Mixed Pairs – West Wales are running their Area Mixed Pairs on February 4th at Llanarthne. This event is open to all WBU members. See West Wales for details.
16.1.24
Laws’ Revision – the WBF have recently issued an amendment to the 2017 Laws of Duplicate Bridge. The alterations are to Law 73 (Communication, Behaviour, Tempo, Deception) and Law 89 (Prohibited Behaviour, Reprehensible Conduct). These amendments come into effect from January 1st. The full revisions can be viewed at Law 73,89, Revisions. Should individual Directors wish to be added to the email list maintained by the WBF and receive information about matters concerning the Laws of Duplicate Bridge please email anna.gudge@worldbridgefed.com to request inclusion for the future.
1.1.24
East Wales Congress – entries are now being accepted for the EWBA Congress – 10th-11th February Swiss Pairs/Teams in Gwent Bridge Academy. See Congress Details
19.12.23
Welsh & Cambria Competitions 2024 – the 2023 competitions have now reached the finals, but entries are now being accepted for the 2024 events. Again, these will be run as double-elimination events (you can lose one match and still participate, and even win the event) – earlier rounds online, final rounds either online or face-to-face. Entries (up to teams of six) can be made online at Welsh Cup Entry and Cambria Cup Entry The closing date for entries is 14th January The regulations and draw will be published shortly afterwards.
10.12.23
SBU Congress – the SBU are now accepting entries for the SBU Congress in March – held at the traditional Peebles Hydro Hotel. See Brochure and SBU Congress
9.12.23
WBF Rankings – for the first time this year the World Bridge Federation have compiled an annual ranking of pairs based on results in all the major global tournaments in 2023. Richard Plackett (partnering Espen) were the top ranked British Pair – in 20th place. See Full Listing
17.12.23
International Entries – please be reminded that the closing date for entries for the Lady Milne trials is December 20th, and for the Teltscher trials it is December 31st
11.12.23
Camrose (1st. Weekend) – the 1st Weekend of the Camrose will be held at the Holiday Inn, The Coldra, Newport. Spectators are welcome to watch either at the table in the Open Room, or in the Lounge Bar where there will be a TV showing one of the matches on RealBridge. You can kibitz online at Kibitz Link
For full event details see Programme, and you can also view Latest Results
The Welsh team is: Tony Ratcliff, Julian Pottage, Tim Rees, John Salisbury, Dafydd Jones, Adam Dunn (NPC: Paul Denning)
13.12.23
Premier League – the WBU apologise for the delay in compiling the results of the Premier League. Congratulations to the winning team: Tim Rees & John Salisbury; Tony Ratcliff & Julian Pottage; Gary Jones & Paul Lamford. See Overall Premier League Results 2023.
1.12.23
Celtic Simultaneous Pairs– various Clubs throughout Wales are holding a heat of the Celtic Simultaneous Pairs, being held December 4th – 7th. If you wish to participate please contact the relevant Club – Cardiff (Mon, Tues); Brecon (Tues); Lampeter (Tues); Wrexham (Mon); Menai (Thurs); Radnor (Thurs); Aberaeron (Thurs); Cardigan (Wed); Abergavenny (Wed); Vale of Glam (Mon); Monty (Mon; Tues – StepBridge online)
30.11.23
WBF Women’s Teams – the WBF are holding a new women’s event on 16th -18th February 2024. The aim of the event is to provide an opportunity for international competitive bridge without potential limitations of cost or travel. Ideal for those of you who have competed in the monthly Celtic Pairs. Full details at WBF Women’s Teams
30.11.23
WBF Survey – the World Bridge Federation is conducting a survey on various leisure activities, including ‘Bridge’. It is aimed at all levels of Bridge ability – please feel free to participate via Survey.
30.11.23
Directors’ Courses – on behalf of the WBU, Tony Haworth will be running a 2-day basic Tournament Director’s course on 3rd– 4th. February. The course will be held in Knighton. There are still a few places left, so anyone else interested in attending please contact Tony Haworth (thaworth@tonyh1.plus.com).
24.11.23
Hirst Kurbalija Swiss Teams – Cardiff Bridge Club, together with Ann and Diane are proud to announce that the second Hirst/Kurbalija Swiss Teams will be held at CBC on Sunday 14th January. The event is in memory of Mike and Filip who brought such honour and distinction to CBC, Welsh Bridge, and themselves. See Event Details & Entry Form
Congratulations to the winning team – Sue Ingham; Gwyn Davis; Paul & Sophie Cunningham
20.11.23
Online League – Liz Atkinson has now finalised arrangements for the 11th Geoff Evans Online League. See Teams and Team Match Instructions.
20.11.23
Premier League – congratulations to Richard Plackett, Mia Deschepper, Paul Denning, and Diane Kurbalija, on winning the second Premier League weekend. The overall results will be published shortly.
7.11.23
Premier League – the first weekend of this year’s Premier League has now concluded. Latest results can be viewed at Results
23.10.23
Porthcawl Congress – this year’s GP Porthcawl Congress will be held online (BBO) on the weekend of Nov 18th – 19th November.
For full details Poster & Details
19.10.23
Online League – the 10th Geoff Evans Online League has now completed. Congratulations to the Division winners: Div 1 – Mike Tedd, John Salisbury, Gary Jones, Paul Lamford, Julian Pottage, Tony Ratcliff; Div 2 – Richard Plackett, Mia Deschepper, Paul Denning, Gary Watson, Adrian Thomas, Richard Chamberlain; Div 3 – Liz Atkinson, Chris Rochelle, Ann Hirst, Jeremy Dawes, Alan Screen, Keith Shuttleworth, Brian Nichols. Final Results.
Once again our thanks to Liz for organising such a successful event.
19.10.23
WWBA Championship Pairs – West Wales are holding their Championship Pairs for the Vince Bevan Trophy (GP) on Sunday 29th October in Llanarthne Village Hall. Closing date for entries – 9.00am. Friday 27th October, see West Wales Website for details.
7.10.23
Gold Cup – BGB are now inviting entries for the 2024 Gold Cup – the most prestigious event in the UK calendar. The closing date for entries is 6th October. See Gold Cup Details and Entry Form
11.8.23
Premier League – this year’s Premier League will be held on the weekends of 21st-22nd October and 4th-5th November in Cardiff Bridge Club. The events will also be used as the primary method of selection for the 2024 Camrose series. Up to three pairs can be entered as a team at a team cost of £400. For further information and entry form see Details. The closing date for entries is 31stAugust.
13.7.23
WBF Womens Autumn Festival – the WBF are holding an Autumn Festival of women’s bridge from 6th – Nov 12th. This will be held on BBO and is a great opportunity to play against the best in the world. Generous prizes. See Details and Entry
26.10.23
Gold Cup – Wales’s Richard Plackett has reached the final of the BGB prestigious Gold Cup. You can follow the action live on BBO on Sunday 8th October. We wish him the best of luck.
8.10.23
RealBridge + BAMSA – A teaching/coaching conference organised by RealBridge and BAMSA is scheduled for 7th & 8th October. The conference will feature speakers from around the world, on a range of topics useful for teachers and coaches. This is a free event open to all – see Details & Registration.
22.9.23
Directors’ Courses – now that many Clubs are resuming ‘normal activities’ there have been a few enquiries about the availability of Director Courses. The WBU run a basic 2-day course, but in order to make this viable we need a few attendees. It is hoped to run a course in Cardiff in the near future (date tba), so any further people interested in attending please contact Tony Haworth (thaworth@tonyh1.plus.com).
2.9.22
Patrick Jourdain Teams – East Wales Bridge Association are running their annual Green Pointed Teams Championship for the Patrick Jourdain trophy, on Sunday 1st October in Cardiff Bridge Club. See East Wales – PJ Teams for details
12.9.23
World Trans-National Open Teams – this WBF event has just concluded in Marrakech. One notable Welsh performance was by Richard Plackett, in partnership with Espen Erichsen (England), as part of team Orca who were second (out ou 73 teams) in the qualifying rounds, but narrowly lost in the knock-out quarter finals. See Results (Transnational – Round 10 onwards).
2.9.23
EWBA Championship Pairs – East Wales are holding their Championship Pairs for the Stan Berger Trophy on Sunday 2nd September in Gwent Bridge Academy. See East Wales Website
30.8.23
Womens’ Newsletter – a special Womens’ Newsletter featuring the 2023 Venice Cup is now available – Newsletter
10.8.23
WWBA Swiss Pairs – West Wales will be holding their annual GP Swiss Pairs event on Sunday 10th September at the Tumble Hall. This event is open to all WBU members. See Details
7.8.23
Director Training – Sarah Amos will be running a Club Directors’ training course on 23rd and 24th September in Cardiff Bridge Club. See Course Details.
21.7.23
PERRY & SPICKETT – congratulations to the winners of this year’s Inter-Area events – East Wales in the Perry Shield, and to North Wales in the Spickett Bowl.Full Results
10.7.23
PERRY & SPICKETT – these annual Inter-Area events will take place on Saturday/Sunday 8-9th July in Gwent Bridge Academy (NP19 7AU), starting at 11.00 am. (Sunday start time subject to AGM). Spectators welcome. Full Timetable
5.7.23
WBU AGM – will be held at the Gwent Bridge Academy on Sunday 9th July at 10.15 am. For those who are unable to attend, you can participate via Zoom. For full details, see AGM Agenda and Documentation.
(This is being held in conjunction with the Perry, Spickett, and President’s events – start-time 11.00am.).
10.6.23
Champion Of Champions – congratulation to the winners – Peter Milewski and Tim Dean (Pembroke) closely followed by Tony Haworth and Janet Richards (Porthcawl) – a very popular event attracting 20 pairs. Also Dave Nicklin did an excellent job – his first WBU National event as a Tournament Director. See Final Results and Winners/Runners-Up Photo
25.6.23
Teams Of Eight – 64 bridge players representing 8 teams from 7 clubs met at Tumble for the annual WBU Team of Eight Competition. The top few places were very close after the first 24 boards, with Cardiff Blue just in the lead from Cardiff Red and Penarth. However a strong finish from Penarth saw those places reversed after the final 18 boards. The buffet lunch was plentiful and we all hope you will join us again for this event next year, to be held on Sunday June 16th 2024, same time same place. A big thanks to West Wales for helping organise the event and Sarah Amos for the excellent directing. Winning Team Photo
18.6.23
Friendly Match – against Thailand. Discussions are underway in playing a friendly match against Thailand. It is hoped to schedule the event for either 24th or 25th June. Three matches are scheduled – Open, Women, Mixed. Anyone interested should contact Julian Pottage (julianbridge@hotmail.com), who is co-ordinating preparations. The WBU selectors may then select the teams.
Further details to follow later.
6.6..23
Perry, Spickett, President’s Cup – Some areas still require players who want to participate in any of these events. If your Area has still not selected a representative team, please contact your Area official if you are interested in playing. The events will be held in Gwent Bridge Club on July 8th – 9th in conjunction with the WBU AGM.
1.6.23
The 10th European Transnational is taking place in Strasbourg on 3rd June. In the Mixed Teams event, Wales have an interest – team Orca contains two Welsh players, one of whom was recently triumphant in the EBL Winter Games. We wish Richard Plackett and Mia Deschepper every success. Richard is also playing in the Open with Espen Erichsen.
31.5.23
Director Training – Sarah Amos will be running a Club Directors’ training course on 24th and 25th June in Cardiff Bridge Club. See Course Details.
20.5.23
Teltscher Trophy – this year’s Senior’s Camrose is being held at the Holiday Inn – Newport, on May 19th-21st (Friday – Sunday) – all welcome. Being the hosts, Wales have two teams: Wales – Paul Denning & Diane Kurbalija; John Salisbury & Tim Rees; Gary Jones & Paul Lamford; (pc Paul Denning): WBU – Gilly Clench & Dave Birt; Simon Gottschalk & Chris Rochelle; Steve Jarvis & Nick Forrest; (npc Simon Richards). See brochure. The event can be kibitzed on RealBridge, and the up-to-date results can be viewed at WBU Bridgewebs. See Press Release.
Final result – Wales finished in second place – well done Final Rankings
9.5.23
Newspage – our President – Gilly – has now published her fourth WBU Newsletter – Newspage 4. In this issue, Gilly discusses the financial problems facing players who represent Wales
(You can also view via the WBU Forum, and when registered you can add any thoughts or comments – WBU Forum (General Discussion).
3.5.23
Champion Of Champions – the WBU will be holding the popular Champion of Champions event on June 25th in Porthcawl. Clubs can submit up to two pairs to represent them. See Champion Of Champions. The closing date for entries has been extended to June 18th. Current Entries.
19.4.23
WWBA AGM – the West Wales Bridge Association will be holding their AGM at Tumble on Sunday 14th May. This will be followed by the John Isaac Swiss Pairs (GP). A free vbuffet lunch will be provided. See the West Wales Website for details
4.5.23
EWBA AGM – the East Wales Bridge Association will be holding their AGM at Cardiff Bridge Club on Sunday 14th May. This is in conjunction with the Green Pointed Arthur James and Beatus Trophy events (starting at 11.00am, with the AGM between sessions ~2.00pm). See the East Wales Website for details.
4.5.23
NWBA AGM – the North Wales Bridge Association will be holding their AGM via Zoom on Wednesday May 10th at 6.00pm. This will be followed at 7.00pm. by a Green Pointed Swiss Pairs (free entry). See NWBA Website for details.
4.5.23
Winter Games – Richard Placketts half-British team (Orca) has made it through to the final of the EBL Winter Games (the Etincelles Cup), held in Tignes. For more information see Winter Games
….and Congratulations – they won the final (team – Richard Plackett; Peter Crouch; Erik Berg; Espen Erichsen; Ola Rimstedt; Mikael Rimstedt)
25.4.23
Email Problems – the Master Points secretary is having problems with his personal email (it has been inoperative since April 14th. Please use his official email address – mpmsec@wbu.org.uk – for the forseeable future.
24.4.23
Teams Of Eight – the WBU Club Teams Of Eight will be held on June 18th, at Tumble Hall (nr. Carmarthen). For full details see Teams Of Eight. Current Entries.
20.4.23
Lady Milne – the second event in the Home International series – the Lady Milne – is being held on April 21st – 23rd in the Mercure Hotel, Perth. The Welsh team is: Gilly Clench & Aida Aris; Ceri Pierce & Mia Deschepper; Joan Marray & Jo Copping; npc. Maggie Pierce. A list of all the players and their conventions can be found at Player List. You can kibitz (with a delay) via kibitz link. We wish our team all the best.
Wales finished fourth – see Final Results and Team Photo.
11.4.23/24.4.23
100 Years – congratulation to Roy Holmes who was 100 years young on 3rd April. He’s still playing bridge in the Monty club, and celebrated his special occasion with his fellow players last week.
18.4.23
Laszlo Pairs – the North Wales Bridge Association are holding their Championship Pairs on Sunday 23rd April in Wrexham Garden Village. If you wish to enter this event, please email Rod Sheard – rsestates1@hotmail.com.
15.4.23
StepBridgeUK – many of you are still enjoying the four weekly StepBridgeUK tournaments. Following consultations with members, there are a number of changes as we enter the second year of operation – a) £50 monthly prizes; b) Master Points being awarded (from 1st. May); c) slight tournament changes to the Friday events (reverting to matchpoints rather than x-imps). The even better news is that table-monies are being retained at £1 per session. See the StepBridgeUK notice board for details.
New members always welcome.
Congratulations to the winners of the April monthly draw – Vineshchandra Shah and Edward Hylton – £25 each.
26.3.23/2.4.23
Scottish Cup – this weekend Paddy Murphy and Mark Roderick are playing in the final of the Scottish Cup – we wish them the best. You can view the match on RealBridge.
1.4.23
WBF Womens Bridge – the WBF are holding a Women’s Online Spring Festival on BBO (sponsors) from April 10th – 16th. Up to seven tournaments per day with numberous prizes. See WBF/BBO Women’s Bridge for details.
24.3.23
World Trans-National Open Teams – the WBF are holding the event in Marrakech from 28th Aug – 2nd Sept. Players from different nationalities are invited to enter (…but there is no funding available from the WBU). See Event Details and Accommodation Details, or see Simon Richards’ article on the event WBU Forum – Selector’s Resumé
12.3.23
Sorry Partner – Richard Plackett has recently posted a podcast on ‘Play Every Card As It Comes’. View this and all ‘Sorry Partner’ podcasts at Sorry Partner Podcasts
17.3.22
Subscriptions – the WBU would like to remind all members that WBU subsriptions are due from April 1st. The fees are: – £15 via an affiliated Club (incl Area Subscription); – £20 Direct Membership; – £1 Juniors (under 25). Please use the Online Renewal Form. Alternatively send directly to WBU Membership Secretary mpmsec@wbu.org.uk with payment via cheque or BACS .
New members can join by submitting a WBU Application Form (members who joined after Jan 1st will have their membership automatically renewed at no charge). Clubs can also submit a bulk membership renewal on behalf of their members – Bulk Renewals via Club.
8.3.23
Camrose – Wales played well in finishing runners-up to England in this year’s Camrose trophy.. Our team – (Julian Pottage & Tony Ratcliff; John Salisbury & Tim Rees; Gwynn Davis & Sue Ingham; npc. Paul Denning) actually won the second weekend. For full results see – Final Results
6.3.23
Womens Pairs 6th March at 6.45pm. – RealBridge Link
3.3.23
Online League – the 9th Geoff Evans Online League has now completed. Congratulations to the Division winners: Div 1 – Mike Tedd, John Salisbury, Gary Jones, Paul Lamford, Julian Pottage, Tony Ratcliff; Div 2 – Gilly Clench’s team; Div 3 – Andrea Knox’s team; Div 4 – Pauline Chapman’s team Final Results.
Once again our thanks to Liz for organising such a successful event.
Session 10 has now been scheduled – see League Details, Team Instructions, and a Guide to Competitive but Friendly and Enjoyable Bridge
2.3.23 (revised 3.3.23)
Camrose – the final Camrose weekend is on March 4/5th in Gormanstown – Ireland. After the first weekend Wales are lying second: the team is unchanged – Julian Pottage & Tony Ratcliff; John Salisbury & Tim Rees; Gwynn Davis & Sue Ingham; npc. Paul Denning (for full details see Selectors’ Bulletin), and to follow the match via RealBridge see Kibitz Link.
We wish our team all the best.
Results – Wales retained their second position, with England winning the trophy – Final Results
1.3.23/6.3.23
Juniors – Bridge4Schools is holding its first Spring Camp since Covid in Shropshire in the Easter Holidays over the weekend of the 15th and 16th April. Its aim is to teach bridge and to provide competition for Young People between the ages of 8 and 21. Take your children or grand-children; they will have a great time. You can play socially, enter competitions or leave them and have a day out. See Junior Bridge Camp for more details.
23.2.23
Turkey/Syria Earthquakes– the World Bridge Federation in conjunction with 52Entertainment are promoting a number of Bridge Events to raise funds to donate to Turkey and Syria to assist in healing the wounds from the recent earthquakes. Events are being run on BBO and Funbridge platforms (their fees are being waived), and all nations are encouraged to participate. For details see Event Links
23.2.23
East Wales Congress – congratulations to the winners at the recently held Congress. Pairs – Tony Haworth & Kevin Maddox Results; Teams – David McAndrew & Pat Shields; Mia Deschepper & Richard Plackett Results
19.2.23
Lady Milne Trials – following the Lady Milne trials, the following team has been selected to represent Wales in Scotland (21st – 23rd April): Gilly Clench & Aida Aris; Ceri Pierce & Mia Deschepper; Joan Marray & Jo Copping; npc. Maggie Pierce. Final Rankings. For detailed results see the WBU Results site.
26.1.23
Junior Camrose – the Junior Camrose team to represent Wales is: Joseph Bentley. Sophie Akers, Jamie Brindle, Steph Dux, with npc. Soozy Nesom. The event will be held in Altrincham on February 18th and 19th. You can view Event Details via the EBU website, and all the Player Biographies. Play can be followed via RealBridge Kibitz Link.
Final Result – Wales finished fifth – see Results
16.1.23/10.2.23/20.2.23
Welsh/Cambria Cups (2022)- Congratulation to the winners of both the Welsh Cup and Cambria Cup competitions – Paul Denning & Diane Kurbalija; Pat Shields & Dan McIntosh.
In the Welsh Cup, they triumphed against Adam Dunn’s team in ‘extra time’, having overcome a substantial deficit from the first half of the match.
In the Cambria Cup they defeated Maggie Pierce’s team in ‘straight sets’.
19.1.23/21.1.23
Newspage – our President – Gilly – has now published her third WBU Newsletter – Newspage 3. In this issue, Gilly discusses the benefits of WBU membership, and what the WBU does for its members.
(You can also view via the WBU Forum, and when registered you can add any thoughts or comments – WBU Forum (General Discussion)).
20.1.23
West Wales Mixed Pairs – West Wales are running their Area Mixed Pairs on January 29th at Llanarthne. This event is open to all WBU members. See Poster & Entry Details
18.1.23
East Wales Congress – the ever popular East Wales Congress (Green Pointed) will be held on 18th – 19th February at the Gwent Bridge Academy. The format will be Swiss Pairs on the Saturday, and Swiss Teams on the Sunday. See Poster and BESS Entry Form
16.1.23
Hirst Kurbalija Swiss Teams – Cardiff Bridge Club hosted a highly successful Swiss Teams event in memory of two of the ‘greats’ of Welsh Bridge. A truly international, high quality field, was fitting for Mike and Filip. Thanks to Ann and Diane for their sponsorship, and to Cardiff BC for their excellent organisation. This is will now be scheduled annually. Full Results
15.1.23
Welsh & Cambria Competitions 2023 – the draw for the WBU Welsh and Cambria Cup competitions for 2023 has now been finalised. See Welsh Cup – 2023 or Cambria Cup – 2023 for full event details.
14.1.23
Camrose Team – the selectors have announced an unchanged team for the second Camrose Weekend in Ireland – Julian Pottage & Tony Ratcliff; John Salisbury & Tim Rees; Gwynn Davis & Sue Ingham; npc. Paul Denning. (for full details see Selectors’ Bulletin).
14.1.23
Talking Bridge – the WBU have launched a new initiative, whereby a team of experienced players can visit Clubs to give presentations on various selected Bridge topics. This will be done as a service to its members with no fee being charged. Presentations will be at a time mutually agreed between a Club and the presenter – for full details on how Clubs can avail themselves of these talks, see “Talking Bridge”
25.1.23
Camrose – The Camrose Home Internationals return face-to-face, starting this weekend – hosted by Northern Ireland. Wales are represented by: Julian Pottage & Tony Ratcliff; Tim Rees & John Salisbury; Gwynn Davis & Sue Ingham; (npc Paul Denning).
RealBridge are providing a Kibitz Link
Wales ended the first weekend in second place – England in first place. First Weekend Results
3.1.23
Womens Pairs 2nd Jan at 6.45pm. – RealBridge Link
2.1.23
Welsh & Cambria Competitions – the closing date for these events has been extended to 13th January. Welsh Cup – 2023 or Cambria Cup – 2023, or contact the event organiser Simon Gottschalk
1.1.23