Blogs

Impressive number of hits to the Te Aroha website last month ...

Month Hits
January 37
February 300
March 597
April 571
May 665
June 179
July 1846

No doubt driven by holding the Spa Teams event in mid July but the website editors (ie me and Jane) also take heart that people are logging in regularly to check out the latest news and pics.

Three teams from Te Aroha played in the inaugural Cambridge Sixes event today. 24 teams of 6 took part in a packed playing room. Coming 6th in their junior section were Anna and Guy Kalma. Winner of the best T-shirt competition was Jane Stearns with the Brit Babes. No podium finish but a lot of fun as you can see from the photos.
Te Aroha Diamonds plus 1 Brit Babe
The Bitzers have 2 Cambridge midwives keeping them in order!
Mr President and Jane
Bitzers rear view
Tim and George having well earned cup of tea
Anna top placed pair for Te Aroha - 6th in juniors with Guy
Guy on fighting form
Greg studying the form
Arthur and Beth Mann - our intrepid duo starring in the Te Aroha Intermediate Top Teams event
Brit Babes winners of best T shirt
Brit Babes finished 11th - costumes did not distract enough!
Tim Jane and George - Team Bitzers with their "Bit"

The Mini Moos newsletter is out - see our dynamic duo Jillian and Rochelle on the front page and our stunning Class of 2013 inside. Next Mini Moos Sunday 25 August - register with Jane if you would like to take part.

10 of our 11 graduates were present on Graduation Day. We will make a special fuss of Sue Pothecary when she returns from overseas. Congratulations to all our new members and here they are pictured with their buddies who are going to guide them in their first steps at club bridge.
Alison and Tim
Alison and Ross
Jillian and Anna
Judy and Hermanna
Philip and Jane
Rochelle and Jake
Sheila and George
Shirley and Joan
Victor and Arie
Carolien and Greg

HermannaCongratulations to Hermanna, flying the Te Aroha club flag at the WAPs yesterday in Cambridge. In the last of 6 rounds of the Waikato Area Pairs, which boasts some of the best open players in the region competing, Hermanna teamed up with Rita Van Den Einden and showed the field their paces. With a 53.54% in the morning, just a whisker away from top spot North South, they followed up with a stunning afternoon result of 58.33%, second North South. Overall they came third for the day. A fantastic result in strong competition. We are all proud of you Hermanna - well played!

Our 2013 graduates from lessons played their first game of Tuesday night club bridge. All survived ... well played!
Class of 2013

Some shots from the tournament

Morrinsville: Ensuring etiquette and sensible bidding is upheld - our Director Jane Stearns!

Morrinsville Cream: "Bring it on" said Alison

morrinsville Cream: A formidable duo prepare for battle

morrinsville cream: Jillian Rubbing her hands with glee at the idea of calling a slam ... and making

Morrinsville Cream: what 1NT with 10 points????

Three brave pairs from lessons stepped forward to take part in a relaxed afternoon of bridge at the Morrinsville Bridge Club this afternoon. Whilst the Cream of the Country were battling it out in the main room, the Mini Moos played 9 boards in a separate playing area. Six tables, 24 beginners from lessons at Hamilton, Cambridge, Morrinsville, Te Awamutu and Te Aroha took part. Crib sheets were allowed and Phone A Friend. Carolien van Reekum and Judy Eichblatt finished a very commendable 5th out of the 12. Remember just 12 weeks ago, Carolien had never even held a playing card in her hand. Runners up were Alison Jones and Victor Kooter. The winners were our very own Rochelle van Heuven and Jillian O'Neill, the only pair in the room to be brave enough to bid and call a slam. All this, and they haven't even graduated from lessons and played a session of club bridge yet. CONGRATULATIONS to all of them. Full results in the pdf attachement.

Tuesday night sees our 11 brave students graduate from class to become QBPs (Qualified Bridge Players) Come along to join the celebrations this Tuesday at 7pm. Wine and nibbles to start, a short graduation ceremony, followed by their first night of club play. Come and meet and support your newest club members.

Anna still managing gremlins in the works but you can see the result for Tuesday night, although ladder for overall result of the 2 week series not yet available.