The offices of the CBAI will close on Wednesday 23 December at 13:00, and will reopen on Monday 4 January at 9:30.

We would like to wish all the members of the CBAI a happy and healthy Christmas season. On behalf of all the office staff, it has been our privilege to help all the members and clubs, including a number of previously unaffiliated ones, to navigate the very choppy waters that 2020 has thrown at us, and we extend the hope that 2021 will be a better year.

Who would have thought this time last year that the vast majority in our community, most of whom are used to seeing each other every week, would have gone from mid-March to December without being able to meet in person? Hopefully this will change soon. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that for lots of bridge players, it is the SOCIAL aspect of the game that is most important, and indeed for some, that bridge provides a vital element of sociability within their lives.

We remember those in the bridge community who have passed away this year, and we thank all the many volunteers, local, regional, and national, who have stepped up to ensure that we have been able to play bridge virtually this season.

We will be back in the new year with more virtual online competitions – check the website for dates for the Men’s and Ladies’ Pairs & Teams weekend, the Novice & Intermediate Congress, and the Holmes Wilson Trophy. And if you need a bridge fix over the Christmas break, the Regent Bridge Club is offering Open Swiss Teams on New Year’s Day, and Open Intermediate Pairs on 3 January, both starting at 1 p.m., as well as lots of other open competitions – check their website for full details.

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