1945-2021
Margaret was born in Canberra to John Cumpston, a career diplomat, and Helen Cumpston, a university administrator at the ANU. For her tertiary education she moved to Melbourne where she became involved in bridge, and met her future husband Tim.
Success came early, representing Victoria at the ANC for the first time in 1973. By the time she and Tim moved to Canberra in 1989 to join the Commonwealth Public Service, Margaret had represented Victoria in the Women’s Team 13 times at the ANC plus once as non-playing captain, winning 6 times, as well as a win in the State Mixed Pairs in 1981, and the State Open Teams in 1982.
Once settled in Canberra, success continued at the ANC with 8 Women’s Teams for two wins, plus a win as NPC, 10 Open Teams for 2 wins, plus one win as NPC, and 4 Senior Teams for two wins, plus twice as NPC. As well she won 7 State Open Teams, 1 open Pairs and 7 mixed pairs.
Margaret was proud of her 47 continual years of attendance at the ANC. However, her best performance was representing Australia on 31 occasions, currently more than any other player. These included 15 at World Championships, and 15 times at Asia Pacific Championships, including 3 wins. As well she won 74 wins in other national tournaments.
Over the years Margaret had many partners. However, her favourite partner was Lidia Beech with whom she won many events.
Once retired, she threw herself into voluntary work, both at ABF headquarters in Canberra, and the Canberra Senior Citizens book fair for which she was the chief organiser for many years.
