BLOG (7 August 2012)

Good luck to all the teams competing in Lille. Tim Cope has prepared convention cards to be utilised against opposing teams. For those wishing to follow, the results link is  http://www.worldbridge.org/tourn/Lille.12/microSite/Results.htm . Roz Bernstein will be attending the World Bridge Association meeting and we await her report. I would like to thank Larry Chemaly for organising shirts on an Investec sponsorship. Unfortunately our team received no assistance from SASCOC but the SABF will be engaging an agent to apply for funding in the new year from the Lotto to assist development and the National teams. Carol has also been invited to the Paralympics Gala Dinner (I get to go to the SASCOC AGM the day before). 

Heidi Atkinson was invited to attend as an observer. Heidi has agreed to conduct a Tournament Directors seminar the day before the Interclub on 7 November 2012 at the Orchards. Further debits will be provided, but we urge, where possible, Clubs to take advantage of this course.

The inter-provincial in unfortunately clashing with the World Mind Games but it is disappointing to note that only four unions are represented in both the Medwin and the Berkowitz competitions.

Di Pennington has prepared the Red Point calendar for next year and the draft calendar will be posted on the web shortly. As soon as the World Bridge calendar is published, we will finalise our calendar to ensure that no important events clash.

The next SABF meeting will be held in November, coinciding with the Interclub teams. One issue that needs to be clarified pertaining to my last blog pertains to clubs utilising their discretion regarding “swallows” from overseas. If clubs could hold this issue in abeyance as it was never intended to grant a wide unfettered discretion to who can belong to the SABF. This issue will be finalised in November and I apologise for any inconvenience caused therein.

I also urge clubs to keep an eye on the promotion list published by Ann Sturrock each month. Cards will be printed and delivered to members obtaining new status. These promotions should be announced at club evenings.