76 English Bridge February 2016 www.ebu.co.uk
JEAN WIGHTMAN (Leicestershire): It is with great
sadness that the LCBA has to announce the death of
Jean Wightman who became the LCBA's first ever
lady grandmaster in 2001.
Jean was one of the founders of Oadby BC in the
late 1960s where she encouraged the development
of students at the local school.
In 1975 she joined the LCBA committee as
Bulletin Secretary and remained on the committee
for the next ten years.
A regular player at national congresses she also
won several LCBA trophies including the Olga Cup,
Gimson Trophy, Joyce Cup and Otto & Edith
Trophy. She played regularly for the 1st team in the
Midlands County League.
A full obituary can be found on the LCBA website.
BERYL ABSALOM (Surrey): Beryl, who has died aged
85, was a highly talented player with great table
presence. She won many county and national events
and was a delight to partner.
She also won every prize - some more than once -
at Selsdon Bridge Club. She will be sadly missed
both there and at Coulsdon where she played every
Monday.
TOM GUNN (London): We are sad to report the
death of Tom Gunn after a long battle with cancer.
Tom was a host at the Young Chelsea Bridge Club
for many years and was always a popular and sought
after partner, both for his excellent bridge skills and
his cheerful demeanour. He will also be
remembered fondly for his care and kindness to
Warwick Pitch, the club's founder, in his failing
years.
AILEEN BRYANT (North-East): Sadly we report the
sudden and unexpected death of Aileen Bryant on
18th November 2018 at the age of 77 years. Aileen
played at a number of clubs, but more recently she
had served as a proactive member of the Morpeth
Bridge Club where she had been Treasurer for the
last seven years. In earlier years Aileen achieved
much success dedicating a lot of her time to
teaching bridge. Aileen was a delightful lady who is
greatly missed by all her bridge friends.
LESLIE ROWE (Norfolk): Les Rowe who died on 3rd
November joined the Norfolk & Norwich Bridge
Club in 1978 and had given valuable service in his
time as a member. Les was Treasurer from 1989 to
1997 and President in 2002-3. This impressive
contribution was recognised with his being elected
an Honorary Member in the following year.
As a partner or opponent Les was ever courteous
evincing the same competence and forbearance as
was evident when carrying out his duties as
Treasurer. In his time as an active player, Les joined
in formidable partnerships, particularly with Philip
Cozens and Ron Binks winning trophies and
representing the Club in both the Allwood Wharton
and the Committee Cup. On the very rare occasions
that Les had taken an overly optimistic view of a
hand which he was about to table as dummy he
would say, 'partner you may be a trifle disappointed
with this.' This remark was typical of his dry but
ever kindly wit.
Les was never a man to push himself forward but
was always ready to lend a hand and, when asked,
always gave sound advice. Someone as dependable
and generous as Les will be greatly missed.
JOHN MASSEY (Norfolk): Sadly we report the death
of John Massey, who died on Sunday 18 October
after a long, stubborn fight against cancer. He was a
long-standing and active member of the Norfolk
and Norwich Bridge Club. As a player, John was
very competent, easy to play with, and at all times
courteous to both partner and opponents. He had
a lovely gentle wit and could usually make even the
most dour of opponents smile.
On two occasions, John represented the Club in
the team which won the Allwood-Wharton Trophy
- the County Inter-Club Teams Championship. He
also played regularly in the County BC teams over a
number of years.
As well as being an active player, John served on
the Committee for several years, including terms as
Chairman and Treasurer. As Chairman, he
provided sensible and efficient leadership at a tricky
time for the Club. It was during his chairmanship
that exchange visits were arranged with a Bridge
Club in Koblenz, one of Norwich's twin cities. John
and his wife May led the intrepid travellers. Teams
In Memoriam
In Memoriam