chairman08

Chairman's Report for Year to 31st March 2008

This is the 24th Annual General Meeting and my first full year as Chairman - an office that I never expected to be filling. Taking over from Malcolm was a hard act to follow and I apologise for the mistakes that have been made. Namely the setting out of the boards in the Dorothy Williamson which occurred because they had been put back in the box out of order. Also the January Newsletter was sent out a little late to some members because of a handover distribution problem due to Committee members being on holiday. As there was a quiz in the Newsletter where the prize was to go to the first correct solution received, it was decided to award this to all correct solutions received (3 out of 5). It had already been decided that this was an unfair way to award the prize as those with email addresses would have had an advantage over other members.

The sad news during the year was the passing of Dicky Phillips at the age of 95. His contribution to bridge over the years was enormous both to Surrey as the founder member who held the posts of President and Secretary and who was an honorary member, and to the Mayfield particularly when we set up as a members club in 1984. He was instrumental in finding our first premises at the Drift Bridge and was on the Committee for many years. He was a true gentleman and we all missed him when he had to give up bridge. We sent a letter of condolence to Liz on behalf of the club.

Despite efforts to urge our slow players to quicken up, there are still the same few who take far too long over hands. This is unfair to other players, not only to those kept waiting but also to those playing against the slow ones. The latter lose concentration and then have to play quickly at the next table. Would those of you who know that you are slow, and remember that the rest of the members also know of your reputation, please make an extra effort to speed up this year. You are gaining an unfair advantage over other players by not keeping up with the speed of play. Whilst it is accepted that bridge is a thinking game and there are some hands which everyone will take some time over, it does not give players the licence to spend an interminable time over most hands.

Many of you will have seen my plea for greater politeness at the table and particularly to visitors. This problem was highlighted in the Daily Telegraph and I put round copies of their two articles and they are also on the notice board. On the Committee's part we decided that visitors to the club should be welcomed personally by the Committee and welcomed publicly by the Director or another member of the Committee. Once again please remember that not all players are aware of the rules and if you need to call the director do so politely explaining that there may have been an infringement.

The subject of a dress code was raised at the last AGM by Pam Hoskins as she felt that some of the shorts that were worn were too short. This was discussed in Committee and it was agreed to allow knee length shorts and so far this has been complied with.

The highlight of the year was the Xmas Party which was well attended and much enjoyed. My thanks to Chris who directed, Ron who was in charge of the bar with his team of boozers and Rosemary who organised the food with her team of cooks! Thanks also to Roger Morton who took photos which are now on the web site along with those of previous years.

The playing highlights of the year were Peter Lee and Bob Rowlands winning the National Pairs, Peter and 3 team mates winning the Brighton Teams and Bob and partner winning the Senior Pairs.

Next year sees three milestones. Kathleen Hewitt will be 100 in February, Kath Coward reaches the same milestone in July and the Mayfield will be a modest 25 years old. Consideration is being given as to how to commemorate these events. Any ideas will be welcome. .

Sylvia Timberlake
Chairman