2024 Presidents Report

The 2024 Committee year began with 11 members. Me, Bruce, Kaye, Trish, Clare, Ian, Geoff, Leigh, Margaret, Annette, Anne W and Mediator and Associate member Brian. A team that has worked cohesively throughout the 12- month period.

Much has been achieved in 2024, the EGV room, Bar room, corridor and back area have all been painted, new vinyl has been laid in the kitchen and surrounding areas, this has given a modern and fresh look to the area. The old commercial stove and dish washer have been removed and the carpets cleaned. The overall cost has been about $21,000 achieving an improved amenity. The garden area has been well maintained giving a welcoming approach to the facility.

We said goodbye to Pat Fisken this year as she has relocated to Torquay, but her influence and love of the garden will remain our guide to continuing her legacy.

The alarm/monitoring system was upgraded with new sensors installed throughout.

A Covid outbreak occurred in May with 16 members affected. This resulted in the closure of the Club for 2 weeks causing consternation from a small minority of members who sought to undermine the decisions made by the Committee. The Committees decisions were made after consultation with the appropriate authorities.

Player numbers at the club have shown some stability: 8-10 tables on a Thursday, 5-6 on a Saturday, generally resulting in the necessity of a Howell movement (which Bruce and Dianne have now perfected).

Supervised play on a Tuesday has proved very popular with 5 or more tables each week. Lesson graduates, keen to develop their bridge knowledge and prowess predominately attend these sessions. Thanks must go to the members who help mentor at these sessions.

Lessons were commenced in March by Clare and me: 11 attended, 7 completed and joined the club. The future of the Bridge Club lies with the graduates and their involvement in lessons. We currently have 4 waiting for the commencement of the next lessons.

Ballarat Bridge Club members have shown little enthusiasm for travelling to participate in competitive interclub play as have the members of bridge clubs in our Western Region cohort. The Friendly Pairs held in Geelong in February had 1 team, Ballarat/Bendigo Ashes held in March had 5 teams (Ballarat lost the Ashes). The WR Friendly Pairs held at Ballarat in August had 14 tables overall with 11 pairs from Ballarat 5.5 tables, 17 pairs 8.5 tables from the other 7 WR Bridge Clubs (not huge participation). Online bridge is continuing to draw members away from face-to-face club play.

Social events at the club prove successful with Cup Day attracting 28, Christmas breakup 22, New Years Eve 9.

A workshop was held in March by Martin Willcox to elicit interest in Team Play was not well attended. With little interest being expressed, no further workshops have been held.

Sincere thanks to the BBC members who have contributed this year.

Diane Bulman as Director with Peter Wells and Anne Fennell also on hand if required:

Colleen Ludbrook and Mary Oswell who welcomed members at the front table each week:

Vicki Bennett always on hand to assist Kaye with the dealing of the cards.

The Committee is only part of the success of the Ballarat Bridge Club - it is the interest and commitment from the members that makes it what it is.

My thanks to the Committee members for their contribution throughout the past 12 months -

Bruce Morley - director, in charge of play each session, liaising with ABF and Bridge Victoria for all reports and results, assisting on Tuesday with supervised play.

Kaye McFarlane - secretary (BBC absolutely could not function with out her) responsible for all card dealing.

Trish Farney - treasurer responsible for all the financial reports.

Clare Beer - teacher of lessons with me, tireless worker for the club.

Margaret Whitefield - responsible for welfare, card dealing, general help.

Anne Woods - responsible for the website and keeping the webpage up to date.

Leigh Dunne - health and safety, liaison with the Ballarat City Council, assists on Tuesdays.

Ian Gunn - assists Bruce and helps on Tuesdays.

Annette Pearce - responsible for purchase of kitchen supplies.

Geoff Dwyer - maintenance duties, response person for alarm monitoring, BBC Cleaner.

Brian Hassett - club mediator and doctor.

The BBC currently has 93 members (includes 4 associate members). We will continue with the same Committee for the next 12 months and endeavour to maintain status quo.

The future of the BBC needs to be explored. With an ageing membership and the choice made by some members to play online bridge in preference to club play - the question needs to be asked.

Anne Beck