As I write this to you, our President is flying to the United Kingdom on family business following the death of her mother at the end of December. I am sure we all wish her well.
It is with sadness that I also note the passing of long term member, Barbara Austin. She was a Gold member with 30 years as a member. She last played at the club on 30 November last year, where she scored close to 60%.
We are now in the full swing of 2018 with all of our sessions back in action. Some of our members have had fantastic holidays, some have already done well in the ABF Summer Festival in Canberra, and some are planning to do so at the Gold Coast in February. Our 2018 learning program for members of all types and levels is also now underway and I hope you avail yourselves of some of the learning options. We are also soon starting our beginners classes for new players - please invite your friends and family members so that they might enjoy the social mind game of bridge.
Your committee has started the year with vigor. This has included making the hard decision about the concession renewal category, and also investigating other options to ensure that we are as well placed as possible to retain the advantages we currently experience with our dedicated playing room when our lease expires in three years and if and when the Council reviews the future of the Nelson Heather Centre. We have spent some time considering where and how the club might be in five years - and what issues we will need to manage well over that time. We continue to pursue our goals of a professionally run friendly club that meets the needs of all our members and promotes bridge in our community.
I wish you all the best, both in bridge and elsewhere.
