The rain stopped for a few hours and a somewhat wintry sun peeped out from behind the rain clouds, which made for a pleasant afternoon of bridge.

You all know the hoary old saying “You can please some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time”.

This afternoon was a classic case in point. Was it too hot or too cold in the hall? Should the doors be open or cold? Should the fans be put on? At times like this I just retire into a little cocoon and let it ride right over me.

The above commentary is based on what I observed at close quarters this afternoon and what I saw across the hall. We come to bridge to play this beautiful game, to compete, to be the best we can be. We’re all competitive, it’s in the nature of man to be this way. The way in which we compete, however, should be within the spirit of the game and within the spirit that all reasonable people should navigate. I make no apology for raising this issue today, but I have been subjected to various levels of unpleasantness while playing bridge, some of it two weeks ago in a tournament out of town. I don’t want this at Benoni Northerns. I am saddened by such events. We are all reasonable people at heart, let us accept the ups and downs, the ‘rub of the green’. And, finally, this applies to every one of us.

This afternoon belonged to Margaret and Anne, as worthy winners, with Neels and Peter following closely. Hans and Albert were also close in third spot.

Remember that next week is our last bridge week of the year, so let us get together on Tuesday and Thursday, in competitive comradeship and see the bridge year out on a happy note.

That’s all for now from your sometimes serious chairman.

From your committee, I would like to wish everyone who won’t be there next week a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Roy

Results

Hand Records