At the well attended AGM (approx 100) Peter Langston was re-elected as Chairman of the Bridge Club with the vote standing at 70 with 30 for Martin Haigh, after this vote the elections for the remainder of the Committee which are as follows:- Doris Strauss (Hon.Sec.) Evelyn Ransom (Hon.Treas.) Roy Greenbaum (all re-elected) with new members Claude Fleurent, Sonny Katz & Janet Potter.

Martin Haigh has decided he wishes to be the Chairperson of the Club and therefore we will have a ballot at the AGM on 10 May.
I have been nominated to continue as Chairman by Ian Macgregor and seconded by John Burton.
John Burton is our President and is a founder member of the Club. He was our first Chairman and was instrumental in laying the foundation of a successful club. He passed the role to me to further develop the club.
Ian Macgregor spends a lot of his time teaching and mentoring new bridge players ensuring we have a regular flow of new members. He believes that Patcham offers the ideal opportunity for his members who wish to spread their wings.
In the last year our membership increased by 15% as we offer a large number of events from which our members can select.
Each of our sessions have their own unique features and attract a cross section of members. We appreciate that the Club is run for the benefit of members and we will not change the format of any session unless over 50% of the participating members vote in favour.
A number of members do not realise that we are a subsidiary organisation of the Patcham Community Centre which has its own constitution regulated by the Charity Commission. Our relation with the Community Centre is currently very strong and it has enabled us to reduce our premises cost marginally during the year. It is essential that we maintain the trust of the Community Centre if we are to continue to enjoy the current level of freedom with funds and equipment.
I am happy to endorse the view that a Chairman should be re-elected every year with a maximum tenure of five years in line with the County.
Those of you who have belonged to other clubs will appreciate how over the years their popularity has fluctuated dramatically and I believe currently Patcham requires stability to further build on its success.
If you enjoy playing bridge at Patcham and consider the Club is well run it is important that you attend the AGM to help ensure its continued success.              Peter Langston

Most members will no doubt agree that Peter Langston is a great asset as Chairman of Patcham Bridge Club, attracting a host of new members and holding extra events on a Tuesday evening. He has also been responsible for running the SCCBA Autumn Congress at Patcham for the past 2 years.
Peter regularly directs on Thursday evenings, some Wednesday evenings and usually runs the monthly teams event on the first Sunday of the month, ably assisted by his wife, Marit, who provides a splendid tea.
During his time as Chairman he has been active in promoting bridge competitions, particularly encouraging the less experienced players.
He was awarded the Dimmie Fleming award (this award is presented by the EBU for long term and outstanding service to bridge at club and/or county level) - a considerable honour for Peter and Patcham Bridge Club.
Peter deserves our support to continue as Chairman and we urge you to attend the AGM - now to be held on Tuesday, May 10th at 7 p.m.
A bridge session will follow.              Monique Jones (member)