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Last Updated on Saturday, 22 October 2011 19:47

The SBU North District plays an active role in promoting and teaching bridge in the North East of Scotland.  We run classes for all ages and abilities as well as running competitions and events at a local and national level for learners.

Adult Classes

Classes for adults are generally run from autumn to spring (giving you something inspiring to do through the winter!) and are run in Aberdeen, Banchory, Aboyne and Ballater.  All levels of ability from complete novice to improving club player are catered for.

Beginners

In Aberdeen city, 1st year beginner's classes are held once per week from 19:00 to 22:00 on Mondays starting 12th September 2011 and 2nd year beginner's classes are held once per week from 19:00 to 22:00 on Wednesday evenings in the Aberdeen Bridge Club from the 14th September 2011 until mid-June 2012, costing around £50 to £60 per term. This cost includes one year's Probationary membership of the SBU, associate membership of the Aberdeen Bridge Club and also covers the costs of all teaching materials.

Improvers

An Improver's class is also held in Aberdeen Bridge Club, on the first Wednesday of each month. It is aimed at those who have attained the standard reached at the completion of the two-year beginner's course.  Fees for Improvers are on a per-evening basis and cost £5 per instruction night. This is a course of 9 lessons held on the first Wednesday of every month, starting on the 5^th of October 2011. The Improvers also get the chance to play on the interim Mondays with help from the teachers and the cost for that is £2.50.  Monday Improvers will also be encouraged to play TEAMS BRIDGE to enable some of them to enter the Gall Cup - the North District Teams of Four Event. Any players who are unsure of TEAMS play are most welcome to join the group.

All Beginners and Improvers take part in the National Hugh Kelsey Competition in March. In 2003 Stuart Ralston and Douglas McGuire came first in Scotland and this is the second time the trophy has come to Aberdeen. 

During the summer months (June to September), there is a Club for all Beginners and Improvers in the North District.  This is run by a rota of SBU teachers and aims to provide both practice before the next winter session and continuity between the winter sessions.  This is an ideal opportunity to play in an informal and friendly atmosphere while having access to advice and help from the teachers.

School Classes

A number of school pupils from around the North-East have already started learning bridge as an extra-curricular activity.  The Hugh Kelsey, the Annual National Competition which takes place in March, has a Junior Section in which school pupils from Aberdeen have participated over the last few years. We wish our enthusiastic young players all the best for the coming season.

Some of the Secondary pupils have been invited again to take part in a coaching session with the Scottish Junior Team, during the Christmas Holidays.

A number  of the primary schools represented hope to go down to Stirling in March 2012 to take part in The Schools Minibridge National Competition. 

For the past three years Aberdeen Secondary Schools have won the prestigious Scotsman Cup for the best school team in Scotland.  Harlaw Academy has won this trophy over the past two years.

A wide range of ages have already joined these classes at both primary and secondary school levels.  Classes are held for school pupils from Primary 6 to Secondary 6th year, inclusive and are free (including refreshments, courtesy of Aberdeen Bridge Club).  The classes are run on a Wednesday, after school, from 15:30 until 17:15, in Aberdeen Bridge Club, starting on 14th September, 2011 by a rota of qualified SBU teachers.

If you would like to join these classes or, for more information, please call Aberdeen Bridge Club and leave a message for Mrs. L. Findlay, who is the Education Officer for the district. Alternatively,  for more information, please email education.