The recent John Gill Pro-Am Shield bridge tournament delivered a memorable and highly valuable experience for players of all skill levels, successfully bringing together 24 teams in a dynamic teams-of-3 format.

A key highlight of the event was its exceptional focus on learning and development. The tournament provided an invaluable opportunity for less experienced players to gain practical experience and insights directly from professional bridge players, fostering a supportive and competitive environment.

The competition saw strong performances from several teams. First Place was claimed by Anna Irminger's team (Barry Smith, Janelle Grady, Eileen Nielsen). Second Place went to Gayna Ryan's team (Gilbert van Kerckhoven, Lesley Cobb, Corinne Pryce), while Third Place was earned by Judith Hope's team (Susan Schofield, Sue Sayers, Penny Roberts).

The tournament was expertly organized under the leadership of Tournament Director Mark Miller, whose dedication and attention to detail were instrumental in creating a smooth, enjoyable, and highly successful event. The club extends its deepest gratitude to the dedicated volunteers whose essential behind-the-scenes work was crucial in making the John Gill Pro-Am Shield a true success.

This event exemplifies the club's commitment to nurturing bridge talent and providing accessible pathways for players to learn from the best, all while celebrating the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that defines our game. Well done to all participants and organizers!

We are sad to announce that our dear friend, bridge teacher , mentor and club member John Gill died on Friday morning.

John grew up in Sydney in a bridge playing family , so there was always a 'four for bridge' available.

His amazing bridge record speaks for itself, and he was known at the table for his sharp memory and great card play whether holding a grand slam, or a difficult hand. However teaching was one of his greatest joys.

He had a passion for bridge and a belief in sharing this with others.

John taught his beginners to give things a go and not be scared. He taught them to think for themselves and to be brave. His legacy will live on because of the countless lives he touched, and we now have the John Gill Shield for the winner of the pro am event.

John left us far too early as he had so much more to share, he will be remembered fondly as someone who knew that life, much like bridge ,should be played with courage, a good partner, and an open mind.

John is pictured enjoying our Christmas party, and winning the pro am one year, plus playing bridge for the Australian team in 1976, against Omar Sharif.

Our thoughts are with Claudia and his family, he will be sorely missed.

On 17th & 24th July, the Club held the Teams Championships, bringing together skilled players and passionate competitors.

The contest saw some of the most skilled teams in the region vying for the top spot, with the final results being a clear reflection of their prowess and dedication. Team Ridley emerged as the champions, securing the top position with their consistent performance and strategic brilliance throughout the tournament. Their victory was a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and team synergy.

Coming in second place was Team Mooney, who demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience throughout the competition. Their strong showing highlighted their commitment to excellence and their ability to perform under pressure.

Third place was claimed by Team Power, who showcased their strength and determination, proving that they are a formidable force in the world of bridge.

The event was expertly directed by Mark Miller, whose leadership and organizational skills ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants. Mark's guidance was instrumental in creating an environment where players could focus on their game and enjoy the competition.

The success of the Teams Championship would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the volunteers, whose efforts were the backbone of the event. Among them, Robbie Date stood out for her thoughtful gesture of providing commemorative pens for all participants, adding a personal touch that made the event even more memorable. Thank you to all who contributed.

At our recent Swiss X-imp pairs congress, organised by Jo McCarthy and directed by Mark Miller, we had a record number of entries. Previous years have attracted around 36 pairs but this year we reached 58 pairs. A fabulous turn around for Bridge. We celebrated our overall A grade winners Di Stagg and David Harris in style at the end of the Congress. Lesley Power and Susie Lee were 1st in the B category Liz van Vugt and Julie Scott featured 2nd in B category Prue Adams and Marylou Shaw placed 3rd in B category Kerry Rutter and Julia Caldwell were 2nd in C category Michelle Behrens and Jane Kitchen placed 3rd in C category Notable "leapfrogging" was done by Lorna O'Donnell and Derek Nankivell, from their initial seeding of 58 to 36th at congress end. Congratulations to all of these prize winners and to all who competed on the day. A big shout out to Jo and Mark, who so capably steered the days event.

The Noosa Bridge Club's Novice Pairs Championship was held on 3 June 2026, attracting enthusiastic competition from our newer players. Congratulations to Ian Davis and Penny Roberts, who claimed first place with an excellent performance throughout the event. Finishing in second place were Carol Smith and Glenn Chapman, while Barb Allen and Mark Cordato secured third place after a closely contested tournament. The event was expertly directed by David Reid, whose smooth management ensured an enjoyable and successful day for all participants. The Noosa Bridge Club congratulates all prize winners and thanks everyone who took part in making the tournament such a rewarding occasion.

We were very lucky today to have a visit from "bridge royalty", aka Peter Gill and Liz Sylvester. Both Peter and Liz are frequent members of the Australian Open team, but today they teamed up with Di Blount and Prue Adams to compete against brother John with his partner Mike Stawski.

Even before play started , sibling rivalry was evident with both brothers sitting East in direct competition. Peter and Di ended up the winners with John and Mike a close second, Liz and Prue had an enjoyable afternoon, and we all benefitted by their lovely friendly company and willingness to share their expertise. Thank you both for coming and we look forward to seeing you at our club again.

NBC hosted the exciting annual Pairs Championship for its members over 30 April and 7 May. The event brought together dedicated bridge players for a day of strategic competition, friendship, and fun.

The tournament featured a series of well-organized rounds in the Swiss format, allowing players to face opponents of similar skill levels throughout the day. This format fostered a competitive yet welcoming atmosphere, encouraging players to showcase their best skills and teamwork.

The top honors went to David Harris and Tim Ridley, who claimed first place with impressive performances across the rounds. Taking second place were Christine Baynes and Susan Rodgers, while Philippa Barnett and Maureen Jakes finished in third position. Additionally, the Most Improved Award was presented to Carol Smith and Glenn Chapman, recognizing their significant progress by advancing an astounding 28 places from their original seeded position throughout the tournament.

The event was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of Director Mark Miller, volunteers, and the enthusiastic members who participated. It not only highlighted the skill and sportsmanship of the players but also reinforced the strong sense of community within the Noosa Bridge Club.

Noosa Bridge Club is proud to announce that proceeds from this year's Charity Day will be supporting The Sing Thing, a local therapeutic choir designed for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions to improve voice production, speech, and swallowing. Led by a speech pathologist and a singer, it combines vocal exercises based on the Parkinson Voice Project with group singing and social interaction.
See you at the Club on 12 June. Save the Date!

The QBA Mixed Teams Congress, held on February 28 and March 1, brought together top-level bridge players for an intense two-day tournament at the Noosa Bridge Club. With 24 teams competing across two categories, A and B, the event showcased fierce competition and thrilling moments, leaving even the most seasoned players in awe.

A Tournament Full of Strategy and Surprises

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the tournament saw a series of challenging and puzzling hands, testing the skill and resilience of all participants. Despite the complexities, teams brought their A-game, and the stakes were high as the clock ticked down on each round.

In the A Category, the Dawson Team emerged victorious, claiming first place with exceptional play and consistency. Close on their heels were the Liu Team, securing second place, while the Ridley Team rounded out the top three, taking home third place.

Meanwhile, in the B Category, the competition was just as fierce. The Caldwell Team claimed the top spot, proving their skill and teamwork throughout the event. The Gibbards Team finished strong in second, followed by the Reeve Team in third, completing an impressive podium finish for all.

A Weekend of Bridge and Camaraderie

Beyond the intense gameplay, the event also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, as players from various backgrounds came together to celebrate their love of bridge. The Noosa Bridge Club provided a welcoming environment for all participants, with organisers ensuring the smooth running of the event.

As the tournament came to a close, the QBA Mixed Teams Congress proved once again to be a highlight of the bridge calendar. Congratulations to all the winners and participants, and we look forward to seeing even more thrilling competitions in the future!