SUFFOLK
EMBRACES P2P

THE SUFFOLK REGION has embraced the English Bridge Union’s new Pay-to-Play (P2P) and Universal Membership (UM) regime that started on 1 April.

Suffolk has 15 affiliated clubs. Overnight on 1^st April the EBU membership trebled in Suffolk rising from 350 to 1,000. Nationally membership will probably rise from 25,000 to 40,000.

The county has been asked by the EBU to pilot a nationwide scheme aimed at attracting new and younger members. Suffolk was chosen because of its “very positive” county committee. And notably, Alan Green, Suffolk’s new Youth and Education officer has been chosen to coach England’s under 19 squad.

Four clubs in the county disaffiliated rather than take on Universal Membership. They were the Colchester Castle, Stratford St Mary, Tally Ho and Woolpit Friendly bridge clubs.

Universal Membership makes extra demands on club officers and scorers. Some clubs were not willing to take on the extra duties.

Colchester Castle has indicated that it may reconsider its position in the future.