After the excitements of the Association’s diamond jubilee in 2006, 2007 was expected to be rather quiet by comparison. However, the EBU’s proposals to introduce “Pay to Play” generated a flurry of activity, and a number of members turned up at the AGM to voice their views on it. There was a need to keep individual members and member clubs fully informed of developments and, along with other counties, the Association was involved in the consultation process by which the EBU aimed to optimise their proposals.
Anniversary celebrations were still evident this year, however, in that one of our leading clubs, the Young Chelsea, reached its 40th anniversary in May. During the course of the year, it has been holding a variety of celebration events for all types of players.
Meanwhile, after two losing years, we recovered the Committee Cup from Surrey by winning the annual teams-of-twelve match, while our team in the Metropolitan Cup finished in a creditable runners-up position. That was the only good news as our team in the Tollemache Cup failed to qualify for the second successive year and our team in the new National County League event finished bottom of its group.

People
Christine Duckworth has, as always, continued to shoulder the bulk of work for the Association as county secretary and editor of the newsletter. Simon Cochemé has continued to do sterling work organising the Lederer Memorial Trophy and the “play with the stars” event that runs in parallel with it, but is intending to take a back seat this year. Roger Morton now has our membership records fully under control and integrated with those held by the EBU and has continued to develop the Association’s website. Finally, Stefanie Rohan, although relinquishing her role as treasurer, is taking on the organisation of the Lederer Memorial Trophy and has still found time to play some serious bridge, helping England to win the Lady Milne trophy.
After serving the Committee for 12 years, including 3 years as its chairman, David Martin is standing down. In that period, he initiated a number of changes and built a closer relationship with the EBU, serving on its Board for 6 years. Pressures of work and family have increasingly limited his involvement recently but our thanks are due to him for the substantial contribution he made during his time on the Committee.

Finance
The underlying financial position seemingly remains stable. However, in the short term, we are somewhat exposed in that, in 2006, Steve Eginton handed over the role of treasurer to Stefanie Rohan and she has now handed the role on to Marijke van Beesten. Both handovers left loose ends uncleared, so we do not as yet have final, approved accounts for 2006 or 2007. This is not satisfactory but I am confident that the new treasurer will soon rectify the matter.
A longer-term concern is the impact of the EBU’s “Pay to Play” proposal. The Association’s unique position tends to give it a significant membership to service but few clubs within its aegis to generate its income so, when the new proposal is implemented, London’s financial position will tend to become less stable.
Sponsorship remains a critical part of the Association’s finances. The Lederer could not take place without generous sponsorship from our President, Bernard Teltscher, and the Young Chelsea Bridge Club. Similarly, the Fox Shammon Trophy and the finals of the London Trophy and the Della-Porta Plate continue to benefit from venues being provided by Queen’s Club and the Royal Automobile Club. In addition, the Royal Automobile Club is providing a venue for the new pairs event linked to the London Trophy. Our thanks are due to them all.

The Future
“Pay to Play” was the first step in a strategy for a complete review and overhaul of the EBU’s activities and practices aimed at revitalising the game in England. The Board of the EBUI has seen a number of changes over the last two years and there is a much more positive attitude to change at that level. Now that the “Pay to Play” proposal has been approved, the Association is committed to being part of the ongoing process, and it is to be hoped that all members will come together again and that even those who opposed it will put their efforts into helping make it work.
The Committee will, over the coming year, be undertaking a review of the Association’s activities and the services it provides to its members, and the means of funding them. This is necessary in order to be prepared for the impact of the implementation of “Pay to Play” on our finances.

M. R. D. Hill
July, 2008