PUTARURU AND TOKOROA JOIN FORCES

An exciting 12 months lie ahead for the two South Waikato bridge clubs. Long-term supporters of each other they have decided to collaborate more closely over the coming year and share ideas and resources to the advantage of them both. Their first step is the launch of their joint website. It is a one-stop shop for anyone local wanting to know about their clubs and the game of bridge as well as providing news and results to the existing members.

Jane StearnsAt the helm of the rejuvenation process for the next 12 months is Cambridge-based Bridge Babe, Jane Stearns, fresh from her work with the Te Aroha and Matamata Bridge Clubs. Te Aroha has gone from struggling to find 3 tables to play once a fortnight to 8 tables weekly over the space of two years. Jane said, “When I saw how the Matamata club were supporting Te Aroha I realised what potential was available from two neighbouring clubs working in collaboration. Twice the people halves the load and I am looking forward to an exciting 2015 working with both clubs.”

A planning meeting with representatives from both clubs was positively buzzing with enthusiasm and excitement. The clubs are exploring a revamp to their 2015 playing schedules, a revitalisation of lessons combined with a big recruitment drive as well at a joint entry to the Waikato Bays Interclub competition for the first time in both clubs’ history. Electronic scoring and dealing are also under consideration with sharing those resources a possibility between the clubs to halve the costs involved. As both clubs take up the challenge of encouraging more people to take up the fascinating game of contract bridge they open up their window to the world through their new website here today.