The Chester Congress took place over the weekend and attracted players from all over the North West, North Wales, as well as regular Deva players. We had more entries over the two days than last year, but not as many as when the Congress was held in the Blossoms, Westminster and Queen Hotels in Chester - although it is more than a few years ago since we used those venues! We played 95 boards over 2 days and enjoyed good quality and friendly bridge, as well as Sophie's excellent catering.

Saturday's pairs event was won by Alec Smalley and Tom Slater - they can be seen below holding the two Capel Cups (with prize money inside) being congratulated by the club president. The runners up were Jackie Pye and John Holland (not pictured). The top 3 pairs in the qualifying session and in the top 2 pairs in the consolation final are pictured below.

Sunday's teams event was won by Alan Mould, John Hassett, John Holland and Jackie Pye (pictured below with the Latham Knox Trophy and the club president). The 2nd and 3rd teams (Nick Sutcliffe's and Tom Slater's teams) are pictured below.
 

Thank you to our visitors who helped make the event a success and to James Vickers for competently directing the sessions.

The next NGS10+ session is to be on Thursday 6 February. Those wishing to play in it should register their and their partner's names on the website by clicking here. We will then email those registered on the Wednesday before saying if there are enough pairs to go ahead. 

Hi everyone, monthly Prizes for December go to::

• Monday              Vanessa James
• Wednesday        Simon and Miles Anderson 
• Friday                 Gill and Bernard Farrell

Well done all of you.

Friday 10th January 2025

Start time 17.30 – online via BBO

$8 per person entry – pay on the day but pre-registration to play is essential.

Please support your county and enter this competition. The event will run as a single long session with a 30 min mid-way break. It will operate as an all play all arrangement (Howell movement) of 36-39 boards using standard pairs scoring.

As always, green points are awarded to the top half of the field & the top three eligible pairs also get the chance to represent the county in the national pairs championship in May.

To register to play please complete the entry form which can be found on the county website at: https://www.bridgewebs.com/merseysidecheshire/.

Please note that entries will close at 22.00 on Wednesday 8th Jan as we need some time to set up this event on BBO.

For any queries please contact Chris Raymond - drcjr56@gmail.com or 0151 334 5206.

The table below shows Deva opening times over the Christmas period. Apart from Christmas Eve/Day and New Year's Eve we are open for regular sessions as usual. Arrangements for lessons, supervised play and funday tournaments are as indicated in those sessions.   

We had 20 tables for the Christmas Party this year, the most we have has since covid. Philip's cryptic quiz proved a bit difficult to begin with, but after a few hints throughout the session became a little easier. Sue kept us on our feet and amused with a bingo competition after the bridge and before we tucked into a splendid meal. Here are photos of the 1st N/S&E/W, 2nd N/S&E/W, the mystery prize winners (closest to 48.5%), and our club room with Christmas decorations.