The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Contract Bridge Association hold regular events on Sunday afternoons at Crosfield Hall in Romsey. The hall is situated near the old Waitrose site and there is plenty of parking at weekends.

Naturally enough, players enjoy a tea during the break. Rather than paying an outside supplier as had happened in the past, the management came up with the idea of offering ‘catering slots’ to voluntary organisations such as ourselves. SYO are thereby allocated 4 or 5 teas a year spaced between Sept – July. The photos show the dedicated husband-and-wife team of Ann and Michael Fenner, who ran the Bridge Teas on behalf of FSYO for many years.

Income varies according to the number of tables (of 4 players) involved, but it is typically £200 or more per session.

The Bridge Teas ‘catering crew’ now consists of a central co-ordinator (Ann Smith), and a pool of ‘front line’ volunteers who between them can set out, serve and clear up the teas. Behind the scenes are two other groups of helpers, one making the required quantity of sandwiches in the morning, and the other baking biscuits and cakes.

Overall we have a good pool of volunteers. However, another pair of hands or three would never go amiss for this very valuable fundraising venture.

Not surprisingly, the bridge players at Crosfield Hall welcome both the home-made food and the personal service. (One gentleman was reported to have said of some flapjacks: “Ooh, these are so delicious! Tell me who made them?  Is she married?” – to which the flapjack-maker later quipped, “Is he rich?”)

As you will have seen, helping with Bridge Teas doesn’t have to be a major overhead – but it’s good fun, a way to make new friends, and it’s really appreciated by the players. To have a chat, and perhaps ‘shadow’ a session, you can contact Ann Smith directly at ann_smith@lineone.net. Otherwise, you can fill in the attached form and return to any of the refreshment helpers are SYO rehearsals. Please note that while Ann has retired from the Committee, she has kindly offered to continue organising Bridge Teas.