SCCBA Youth Bridge Festival

2026 Spring Congress 

At the Sussex Spring Congress on May 30th/31st, the heat was fierce and the competition was strong.  The winners of the Swiss Pairs were Paul King and Colin Holehouse of Hertfordshire who ended twelve points clear of the top Sussex pair, David W Green and John Hazard.  The top 10-high pair was Lawrence Goldberg and Clive Hardebeck.  The bidding competition was won by Gary Hyett; the highest non-expert was Dev Jaffe.

The teams trophy was retained by Matt Smith, Giles Faulkner, David Benjamin and Matt Read, who held off Andy Briggs, Milli Fawssett, John Williams and Dudley Edwards.  Congratulations to all the winners!

Many thanks to Stephen Kennedy for directing on a weekend that produced quite a few scoring anomalies and to Charlotte Setahul for producing a delicious lunch despite the heat.  Also thanks to Martin Pool for dealing the hands and to John Hardy and Mervyn Wotton for managing the entries.

Sussex League 2025/26

The Sussex League competition is now complete for another season.  25 teams have participated this season in 4 Divisions and congratulations are due to the winning teams in each Division, captained by Julian Mitchell, Alan Gillespie, Thea Sydenham, and Mark Elliott.  This popular competition will start again in September, running through the autumn and winter months, and entries for the new season will be invited in early August.  New teams, of whatever level of experience and ability, are always welcome to join the competition, please contact the organiser, David Galpin, if you would like more information.

Norman Hardy

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Norman Hardy passed away on 27th April.  Norman was a great supporter of Sussex bridge and was Chairman of the Tournament Committee from 2006 until 2011, a very successful period for competitions and tournaments in Sussex.  Norman had the foresight to support many competitions for newcomers and novices, opening up Sussex bridge to many less experienced players.  He was also a qualified county tournament director for numerous Sussex competitions. 

Norman loved to play bridge, especially at West Sussex Bridge Club, of which he was a founding member.  He was a kind and affable presence at the bridge table and often played a system called Blue Club, developed and played by the famous Italian Blue Team in the 1960s with which he had some success.  He played with many partners and teams over the decades including Heather Barker, Tim Greenhill, Joy Mayall and Carol Watson.  Norman’s contribution to the SCCBA was extensive and transformative.  He was held in great affection and will be missed by many, especially by those of us who counted him as a friend.  His family are in our thoughts.

Norman's funeral took place on Wednesday 3rd June at All Saints Church, High Street, Lindfield RH16 2HS.  For details of donations to the Salvation Army and the National Trust, please see Masters & Son.

Sally Bugden
Chair

2026 SCCBA AGM - Appointments and Thanks

I just wanted to let you know of the organisational changes approved at the county AGM on Sunday April 26th and the special thanks earned by :-

• Dick Wheeler, retiring from various roles (including Honorary Secretary) and being appointed Vice President of SCCBA in recognition of his sterling efforts over many years, and
• Peter Clinch, stepping down after 5 years of immeasurable contributions as Chairman, but remaining as Tournament Manager.

See attached for details.

Sally Bugden,
Chair

2025/26 Gladys Hakki Trophy Winner - Thea Sydenham

The Gladys Hakki Trophy is awarded annually to a Sussex member who has given outstanding service to county and/or club over a number of years.

Hearty congratulations are due to this year's winner, Thea Sydenham.  Thea's outstanding service as Secretary, Teacher, Director and Dealer over more than ten years illustrates the huge contribution she has made not only to the success of Chichester BC but also more widely, including her support for a flourishing Minibridge club at a local junior school, regular card sessions at a local nursing home and a cafe bridge event highlighting the social benefits of bridge.

Thea was presented with the trophy at Chichester BC by outgoing SCCBA Chairman Peter Clinch.

SCCBA Management Committee

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