In our newsletter this week...
Vale Nola Church
President's Message
Useful Links
CBC Charity
Community Rewards Program
ANC
New Players
Cardplay Wednesdays!
Youth News
Results
Lighter Moments
Nola Church (25 Dec 1932 – 22 June 2026)
Nola, who died this week, was a stalwart of Canberra bridge for many years.
Like many Army wives, she spent much of her life moving around with her husband, John, an Army officer. Before I knew her, Nola spent a long period in Townsville, part of which coincided with John’s active service in Vietnam. If I ever dared to challenge her view on a procedural matter at the table, she would remind me that she had directed in Townsville - only in jest as she was very pleased to have made the complete transition to player once she and John had settled in Canberra.
What a player she was; many learn to play the game effectively by various means but Nola was gifted. Evidence for this was her ability to judge highly competitive auctions accurately and this was backed by her courageous approach – after all, fortune favours the brave. As well as these skills she treated her partners and opponents kindly, ensuring everyone enjoyed the game as much as she did.
Her talent earned her a place on the Australian women’s team and fourteen appearances for the ACT women’s team. Her successes included three wins in the Interstate Women’s Teams, a win in the Interstate Women’s Pairs, a win in the Spring National Women’s Teams and a win in the National Women’s Teams in 2006. As I feared she might, she retired from competitive bridge very soon after that success – like Ash Barty, she knew when to go.
There was more to Nola than just the successful bridge player we all knew and admired. She also pitched in and helped in the running of the game. She shared my enthusiasm for golf, had a boundless sense of fun and was a great hostess. What more could you want in a bridge partner?
Vale Nola.
- Julia Hoffman
President's Message
Website Update
Our website remains unavailable due to an ongoing technical issue. In the meantime, an interim page has been established through the BFACT website to ensure members can continue to access important information and RealBridge links. Please be assured that we are continuing to work with our webmaster and hosting provider to restore full website services as soon as possible. While the issue has proved more complex than initially anticipated, bridge activities and email communications continue as normal. We thank members for their patience and understanding and will provide further updates as progress is made.
Volunteer thanks!
We have a lot of volunteers in our club that do a lot of wonderful work! I would like to give a “shout out” and extend our heartfelt thanks to Meurine Thomas for her wonderful “baking” contribution to our Friday morning sessions over the last few years. Her efforts have not only brought smiles to our Friday mornings, but have also made a remarkable contribution to our fundraising efforts. Thank you so much!
Congratulations to Our New Grand Master
Congratulations to Steve Geddes on achieving the distinguished rank of Grand Master. On behalf of the Canberra Bridge Club, we congratulate Steve on this significant milestone and thank him for sharing his knowledge and experience with members through his teaching at the Club.
Tune in to ABC Radio This Afternoon!
Don't miss the opportunity to hear all about bridge on ABC Radio this afternoon at 3:20pm!
Our Youth Co-ordinator, Suz Wilkinson, and one of our International Youth Representatives, Zara Chowdhury, will be chatting about the Canberra Bridge Club, our upcoming Beginner Lessons, Youth Bridge, and the many benefits and opportunities that bridge has to offer.
Good luck to both of them, and thank you also to Alison Russell-French for organising the interview and helping to promote our Club and the game of bridge!
If you're curious about what makes bridge such a great game - or would simply like to support our representatives, be sure to tune in and listen.
- Mary Tough
Useful Links
BFACT’s webpage for CBC links:
To view results:
RB Links for upcoming Sessions including this afternoon:
myABF:
Pianola:
Club Charity
The club is seeking nominations for the Club Charity for the 2026-27 Financial Year.
This year, our club supported Dementia Australia and has so far raised $3,685.35 to support an organisation that represents so many impacts on the CBC community.
Dementia Australia have been given fundraising updates through the year and are extremely grateful for our support – please be extra generous as we push through the final days of our efforts for them!
If you would like to nominate a charity for next financial year, please send your nomination to CJ by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
The committee will consider all nominations, but in particular will consider charities which: are focussed on impact in the Canberra, ACT and surrounds; and, reflect CBC’s values of social inclusion, participation and connection.
Community Rewards Program
A reminder that the Canberra Bridge Club (CBC) participates in the Canberra Southern Cross Club (CSCC) Community Rewards Program. Through this initiative, CSCC members can nominate the CBC to receive 7.5% of the money they spend on food and beverages at participating CSCC venues.
How the Program Works
- The Contribution: For every dollar you spend on food and drinks at CSCC locations, 7.5 cents goes directly to the Canberra Bridge Club.
- Earning Cap: The Club can earn up to a maximum of $20,000 per financial year through this program.
- Venue Eligibility: Participating venues include CSCC Woden, Tuggeranong, Jamison, Yacht Club, and Snapper & Co.
House players needed to play in the ANC
The ANC (Australian National Championships) will be played at the Canberra Labor Club in Belconnen, from Saturday 4th July to Thursday 16th July. We need players able to form house pairs or teams to even up the numbers in an event, as well as reserves who can play at short notice if there are last minute cancellations. Players are needed at all levels from novice to open. House players, and those who are called in to play at short notice will get free entry into the event. If you can help out, please email Jenny Bell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Belinda Moss at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the days/events you are available, and your contact details.
ANC is also looking for :
- a portable projector screen, with stand to borrow for two weeks
- volunteers to help with tasks such as meeting & greeting, administration, setting up and dismantling the playing rooms, and preparing the room for the Presentation Dinner
if you can help, please contact Lyn Carter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New Players
Canberra Bridge Club welcomes the following new and returning players:
- Jillian Hay
- Josephine Martin
Cardplay Wednesdays! - A new teaching initiative at Canberra Bridge Club
Starting on Wednesday the 1st July, CBC will be running a series of workshops dedicated to the fundamental principles of Cardplay. We can each learn all the clever systems we like, but having bid to Four Spades, how do we follow up and be sure to make our contract?
- How Often? First Wednesday of Each Month, starting 1st July 2026.
- What Time? 5-00 pm Until 6-30 pm (hopefully accessible to both daytime players and workers).
- How Much Does it Cost? $15 per session (charged through MyABF or paid by cash on the day).
- Who is it For? It is aimed at players who have recently transitioned from Supervised Play to B-Grade as well as B-Grade players who may find that they have a clear understanding of system but have received less assistance in how to actually play the cards. In terms of difficulty is it intended to be slightly easier than the workshops William Jenner-O’Shea runs from time to time at the club.
- What is the Format? There will be a brief (ten minute) introduction to a topic of cardplay followed by six to eight hands where the bidding will be provided and participants will be able to put the lesson to work at the table. There will also be handouts with a half-page discussion on every hand explaining the relevant tricks, tips and principles.
- Who is giving the lectures? Initially, Steve Geddes will be providing the lectures for the first few months, although it is likely that down the track other teachers from the Club will run different sessions.
You can come with a regular partner or on your own – players will be accommodated as necessary. Any questions? Please ask either Elizabeth in the office or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Youth News
YOUTH EVENTS
This Friday, 14 pairs are entered in the BFACT Online Youth Butler Pairs. There are players from SA, VIC, NSW, QLD and ACT. We especially welcome the players from Mollymook and Tea Tree Gulley, SA and wish every good luck and more importantly to have fun.
We also wish our ACT ANC team the best of luck. The players are:
- Dev Shah - Diya Shah
- Jess He - Byron French
- Alexis Wilsmore - Jade Wilkinson
- Max Ashurst (NPC)
Next Youthish Night is on Friday July 17.
Next RealBridge Youthish Night is on July 24.
Contact CBC Youth Coordinator Suz Wilkinson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions
Cootamundra Congress - 29 & 30th August
Subsidised accommodation is being organised for Youthish players (youth players, and chaperones) to attend the 2026 Cootamundra Congress.
- Register your interest HERE (same form as the Youth Triathlon)
Youth Triathlon - 27th Sept to 1st Oct (Sunday - Thursday)
3 days of Competition
2 days of Training
1 Winner Crowned
- Register your interest HERE (same form as the Cootmaundra Congress)
A strong Youth Bridge program can only occur with dedicated people supporting us. This week I'd like to say a particular thank you to Julia Hoffman and Pam Crichton for attending last weeks’ Youthish Night and helping the 14 youth players in attendance who ranged in age from 8 to 28.
Results
Albury Congress Winners
1st Restricted Pairs and 3rd in the Open Pairs:
- PAUL BIRKBY - DEBRA BIRKBY
