This company sources new and pre-loved vehicles for individuals and organisations by dealing with an established network of car dealers across Australia.

They take care of all the details, up to and including delivery, using their networks and experience they negotiate on your behalf to save you time, money and stress!

This service is FREE - their commission is paid by the car dealership. Their website can be accessed here.

They can be contacted at (07) 3252 8865, mobile 0410 772 472 or email enquiries@redplumautomotive.com.au .

Let your members know about this service.  Support those who support our sport! 

Rob Ward (organiser) with winners Berri and Ross Folkard.

They led an experienced contingent of players from across New South Wales - challenged by some capable and experienced locals.

2015 saw the inaugural NSW Veterans Pairs hosted by the Bowral Bridge club over a long week-end (10-12 July) in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

This tournament had been on the calendar for some time but was overwhelmed by the host of other events on the State program.  

The Bowral Bridge Club thought that a cross between a bridge tournament and a bridge holiday might attract some interest - which it did!   26 enthusiastic pairs enjoyed three days of fierce competition interrupting their visits to local wineries, antique stores and restaurants.  Although played at the historic Bowral Golf Club (established 1901) it was a little on the cool side to attract the golfers so they made the most of the indoors.

A photo gallery of the event can be viewed here.

This initiative is something other Regions could consider - turning a bridge competition into a bridge event.

Congratulations to the Bowral Bridge Club on their success.

Reminder: The Noosa Bridge Club did something similar in 2013 with the introduction of a mid-week event which coincided with the Noosa Long Weekend.  Check out their success story here.

For the 2015 ANC (Freemantle) the ABF decided to provide a subsidy for eligible pairs from each State / Territory to play in the event.This subsidy was $2,000 and the entry fee into the event. The players were required to have less than 300 masterpoints on 1 January. Total funding allocated for this initiative was $23,000.

States and Territories were encouraged to run qualifying events, including for people in their regions, to identify their representatives.

48 pairs played in the Restricted Butler event and the subsidy is thought to have made a big difference to its size and overall quality.

Accordingly, the ABF Management Committee has decided to continue to encourage the participation of Restricted Players at the Brisbane ANC.  A subsidy will be given to 2 eligible pairs from each State/Territory other than Queensland to play in the Restricted Butler Pairs.  The subsidy will be for $2,000 for each of the 2 pairs and entry fees into the event.  The entry fee for Queensland pairs will also be paid.  Eligible players will have less than 300 masterpoints on 31 December 2015.

The 2016 ANC will be held in Brisbane from 25 June - 7 July.  Mark your diary now!

Note:  It is a great time of year for people to escape a cold winter by coming to sunny Brisbane.

Revised Policy

At the last ABF Management Committee meeting a revised Teachers' Accreditation Program policy was endorsed.  To view the revised document click here.

More 2015 Workshops

Two sessions now scheduled in Brisbane:

1. A Teachers' Training Program (how to teach) will be held on 10-11 October.  Attendance at this workshop will accrue 15 points towards your accreditation.
2. A Continuing Professional Development Program (what to teach) will be held on 21 November.  Completion of this workshop will accrue 10 points towards teacher accreditation.

All enquiries and/or registrations should be directed to either Joan Butts (teaching@abf.com.au) or the Queensland Bridge Association's Manager (manager@qldbridge.com) .

Accredited teachers

Three more teachers have achieved their Certificate of Achievement in Teaching from the ABF President.  They are Paula Lennon (Goondiwindi, Qld), Wendy Rissler (Maitland, NSW) and Anne Reilly (Toronto, NSW).

View their 'stories' here.

Congratulations.

Reminder:  this full page promotion is in the August issue of the Australian Teachers' Magazine.  Let schools in your area know when you are holding your next beginner course!

View the promotion here (page 43).

As a successful applicant under the 2015 ABF Marketing Grants (Special Projects) program the Ballina Bridge Club will, on Sunday 20 September,  be conducting a Friendship Day for people with 0 - 50 masterpoints.  Prizes will be awarded, including free entry to the 2016 Summer Festival of Bridge for the first two pairs, and a fun day is planned for participants.

The objective is to encourage new players within the region to participate more widely in club congresses and special events. Participants will get to experience a double session of bridge and an opportunity to interact with other restricted players in both a social and competitive manner.  This event is designed to build their confidence.

Interestingly, 51% of the club's members have less than 50 masterpoints.

Please encourage your newer members to attend if you are located in the area!

Details about the event can be accessed here.

The Bridge Association of Western Australia and the ABF are sponsoring seminars where I will be presenting strategies designed to help club administrators to 'grow' their membership base.  

These are designed for interested club administrators and details are as follows.

Seminar 1

When: Sunday 27 September from 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

Where: City of Melville Bridge Club, Applecross

To Register:  Contact Noel Daniel on 0418 910 255 or noel25@iinet.net.au

Seminar 2

When:  Monday 28 September from 10.00 am - noon

Where:  Bunbury Bridge Club, Bunbury

To Register:  Contact John Ferguson 97283094 (H) or 97913177 (Club)