March 31, 2024

Dear Members of the Edmonton Bridge Centre, Happy Easter and welcome to April Bridge, Thank you for your participation at our AGM in February. Members chose 2 new members to the Board of Directors. Welcome Kathy Dekker and Doug Riopelle. Members also showed concern for our financial position. To get closer to break even, it was decided that card fees and memberships will rise gradually. The first increase will occur in April as card fees will go to $9.00. A monthly duplicate pass will be $90. The Board is concerned that some members will feel they will have to play less as prices rise. We want you to play as often as you can. If you or someone you know find our membership or card fees are a financial hardship, talk to Matthew or any member of the Board in confidence, as we have a pool of donated funds to help break the cost.

More discussion at the AGM and after was about our afternoon start times and possible changes. Some want it later, while others, earlier. The Friday start time will continue for now, as we assess the impact of other changes. Know that your voices are being heard, and we will have a full discussion at the Semi AGM in July. Any changes will be voted on then.

One new change at our club will be the re-opening of our kitchen. Josephine has retired, but we have found a wonderful baker and cook to run the kitchen. Pauline will be setting up and starting her menu sometime in April. We will have a full launch and let you know more soon.

Memberships for 2024 are still available. We now have a list of non renewed and we will let you know if you still need to renew. Membership for 2024 remains at $75 each. Lifetime memberships is $1000. Thanks to Margo Kolada and her kind donation in the memory of Richard, we have purchased new bid cards and new playing cards for some of our board sets. Also, we are planning a special ‘Play and Learn Duplicate’ game for beginners and those under 100 mps. The date to circle on your calendar is Saturday May 11. More details to follow, but we will have a wonderful time playing duplicate and remembering Richard’s joy of bridge. Another event for learners will be the Paula Nowlan Unit Rookie Master game on Saturday June 1. Circle that date too.

Special events in April include a Charity Bridge Week April 8 – 12. Only $1 extra and Charity Championship points. And the week of April 22 – 26 is Stardust week. Most sessions again are $1 extra, but points are 25% GOLD at these club games. Thank you, everyone, for your interest, participation and support.                            Matthew Greenways Manager