May Newsletter from Matamata

Hi everyone,

The last few weeks has seen a lot of activity at the club.

Sonia Crawford Grand Master

Sonia sportingly allowed our club to share in her success and acknowledge this milestone on Thursday evening of the 9th.

Anna Kalma presented Sonia with a superb gold plaque on behalf of NZ Bridge. Lesley Quilty regaled us of good times with Sonia and presented her a lovely bouquet of flowers on behalf of the club.

The individual bridge play resembled chaotic bumper cars between movements and partner evaluation could be best described as speed dating. A lot of fun and laughter though and a great night was had by all, with supper enough to feed a small nation!

Click link below to article in Scene page 3

https://sceneonline.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PDF-Complete-1.pdf

Tournaments & competitions

Thanks to everyone who have helped hosting our tournaments.

Whether it’s supplying and preparing food, washing dishes and cleaning up, moving tables & chairs and room preparation, dealing cards, sorting prizes and entries, donations and selling of raffles, directors and scorers, sponsors, administrators, standby players.

All of your help is very much appreciated in running these events.

· 8B Open

April 13th our 8B Open sponsored by Williams Jewellery attracted fifteen tables.

Click link below to see report and handsome couple in Scene page 11.

https://sceneonline.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PDF-Complete-3.pdf

· WAPs

April 28th Waikato Area Pairs held in Matamata with Lynette & Ian Bond coming out on top.

Please note the next leg of WAPs on Sunday 26th May has now been transferred from Cambridge to Morrinsville.

· Junior

Saturday May 11th our Junior tournament saw the clubrooms adorned with sponsor Matamata Real Estate signage. Fifteen tables entered with a large contingent of novices taking part in their first tournament. Congratulations to Luda Watts & Heather Sharp for taking out first place.

Click link below to see brief report in Scene page 10

https://sceneonline.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PDF-Complete-2.pdf

· Quilty Tray

Monday 27th May will see the culmination of three Monday evenings of teams vying for the Quilty Tray. Ten teams are taking part this year with participants travelling from Tokoroa, Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Aroha making for some stiff competition.

· Spa town tournament

Te Aroha are holding their Spa town 5A Open Teams concurrently with their 8B multi-grade Swiss pairs Saturday June 8th.

Please support this tournament if you’re looking for a day of bridge a short drive away. Go to NZ Bridge website and enter as a pair for the Swiss pairs and if you need a partner, Richard may be able to help you out. See attached flyer.

Regional Committee nominations

The current term of office for regional committees ends on 30th June and it is time to call for nominations for a new term.

If you would like a nomination form for the WaikatoBays Regional Committee please contact me, Ella Gray or a committee member before 31st May.

For further information please see page A6 in the NZ Bridge Manual - January 2022 edition.

Directors Forum

A reminder to all current, learning and aspiring directors of the upcoming Directors Forum being held at Matamata Bridge Club Sunday 9th June.

Alan Joseph is the main speaker. See attached flyer for details.

Craft for a Cause – A Pink Ribbon Event

Monday 27th May Matamata Bridge clubrooms have been booked for a Pink Ribbon fundraiser.

Wear pink – supper – prizes – speaker – creativity – contact Rhonda 027 5962730

Clink link below for advert details Scene Page 13

https://sceneonline.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PDF-Complete-2.pdf

Covid

While it has never really gone away, Covid seems prevalent again in our community presently. Obviously this virus likes the bridge playing environment more than we do, so just a reminder that if you’re feeling unwell or have any symptoms it is probably best for everyone that you stay home.

An ode to the stove

In my day I was shiny and new

I was hot and my fan bake blew

I had a classy stove top – four ringed

And a snazzy timer that singed

Now alas

I’m an antique Atlas

I still remember being installed and hard wired

But now I’m just another appliance fired

All my bits are overcooked

My insides grilled and overlooked

I’ve seen too many hot dinners

Although sausage rolls have been the biggest winners

Through the years I’ve been loyal

Ensuring everyone was fed and felt royal

And in high heat I’ve toiled

Warmed all manner of foods tin foiled

Now I’ve been shown the door

Because I can’t even work my warming drawer

I’ll miss the bridge club

Its kitchen has been my hub

Though I’ll have the last laugh when they remove me from my recess

For after all these years I may have left a little mess

So welcome the new stove – it has an important job to fill

With functioning oven, elements and fancy fan grill

Cheers

Colin