SCOTTISH BRIDGE UNION
Dear Members
I hope that this finds you well, and that you are continuing to enjoy your bridge, whether online or F2F. The purpose of this Newsletter is predominantly to update you on our progress towards the inauguration of the new SBU Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. But first an update on other items.
Returning to face- to- face bridge.
A number of you had sought an update following recent changes in Scottish Government Covid guidance. Alan Officer has posted new information on the SBU web site, with an attached updated SBU risk assessment template, dated 24/01/22. Bill Whyte had already circulated same to Club secretaries. I hope that you have found/ will find these helpful.
I have already had feedback from a few clubs who have since issued reopening dates and times. One or two clubs, of course have already been operating f2f sessions with varying success for varying periods of time.
The Scottish Government did not consider that the use of Perspex Screens would be an acceptable mitigating feature at the table. Neither is the wearing of a face shield accepted by them as a substitute to a face covering.
SBU Secretary
The SBU has made two temporary Secretary/ admin appointments.
Juliet Vivers has been appointed to be attached to the Operational side and Julia Scott Barnett to the Board. Juliet will “take on” the
Chief Tournament Director
Angus Macdonald has assumed the role of Chief Tournament Director, with a remit to lead, co-ordinate, and manage the National TD function.
SBUNews and ezine
Two editions of SBUNews have now been posted. It is great to see a number of new contributors. So far, feedback which has reached my inbox has been to a “man” complementary and enthusiastic. I know that Liz McGowan, editor would welcome further feedback and contributions.
Future Landscape of competitive bridge activity in Scotland
The working party set up to consider all the various parameters and variables which are likely to affect this, has started to meet, chaired by Chris Goode. I expect that we all shall be given the chance to input into their deliberations but meanwhile, Chris can be contacted here
Congresses
I am pleased to confirm that both the Peebles f2f Congress on the 11/12/13th March and the Majorca f2f Congress from the 4th to 11th May are now being actively promoted. Look on the SBU Web site, under Events/ SBU Congresses. Entries for Peebles on the Events/ upcoming events/ enter online Tab. Look out for updates from Bill Whyte too!
Towards SBU:Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO)
Following the EGM held on the Dec 1st., where members voted overwhelmingly for all 3 motions to proceed, the inauguration date is now closer, as we work through the critical pathway of dependencies. In order to best be assured that we can actually make any announced deadline, we have decided to aim for 1st March 22 rather than the 1st February.
BBO has agreed terms for the New Org which include an increased Revenue share of 75% to the SBU.
As I stated in my last Newsletter, until the appointment of the General Manager I shall continue as the Interim General Manager, and the start date of the SCIO is not dependent on this appointment. You will have noticed the advert placed on the SBU Home page for the post. I hope that members will consider whether or not they feel they have to skills to take on this pivotal role to lead the Operational Group. Alan Goodman would welcome a conversation with you about the role.
With best wishes.
Joan Forsyth,
President, Scottish Bridge Union, January 2022