icey

Hi all! I am Raija and this is the first time I write to you. Our dear hobby has gained a lot of new interest, these days people have so many hobbies to choose from. But if we do not want to make the bridge community an old guys club, we have to promote it. BBO is offering a great service for all the bridge players around the world. Fred, Sheri and Uday have worked very hard to make this all possible for us. Roland has been devoting most of his sleeping time I guess for organizing the vugraphs. There are tens of commentators who volunteer their time without any other pay but the thanks of the specs, just because we all love bridge. If tournament organizers do not want to get this great good will and publicity for their own are bridge. I think they want to be a part of the old guys club. In a big tournament it is just a fraction in the costs to get an operator, I am sure there are able and willing people who do not ask for a lot of money, they just need their expenses covered. I am very saddened by the EBU meeting news and PABC decision to cancel the vugraphs.

Ece and Steve! You have been doing a wonderful job and planning on starting the most important job, work with and for the juniors! It is not done yet, pls stay and continue! Please ask for help and assistance, I am sure that many of us will be willing, able and wanting to help and support you! Raija