Source: English Bridge Union

Born in London on 31st December 1953 you can see I am just starting my second half century. This was celebrated by a New Year's Eve party at my local bridge club followed by an amazing trip to Australia in February.Not known for taking holidays like normal people this naturally included a week of Bridge in Surfers Paradise!

My whole life now revolves around Bridge. That might sound boring to some folk but I feel lucky that I am able to exploit my talent in such a pleasurable way.  My parents were responsible for introducing me to the game and I must also thank my big sister for painstakingly teaching me the rudiments at the tender age of 14.  I spent many hours perfecting my newly acquired skill in the 6th form at the Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London.

Scraping through my A-levels to get me a place at Manchester University in 1971 (to ostensibly study Italian) I continued to hone my skills at the university bridge club with the help of John Holland, Barry Myers, Gary Hyett, Robert Ferrari, Mike Ash, Steve Eginton, Boris Ewart and other very talented individuals who also now play the game at top level. Unfortunately my tutors were not impressed and I was booted out of college in 1973 with little to show other than the ability to count up to 13 in four suits.

Thomas Cooks took pity on me and gave me a job in their  Foreign Exchange department for which I gave them 17 years service.

During that time I got lucky on the bridge scene. In 1977 I entered the Women's trials with Rosemary Hudson on the off-chance of gaining some valuable experience. We finished 3rd and we were given our first 'cap'. The rest, as they say, is history. We got a bronze medal in the Common Market ladies pairs in Ostende that same year and the Gold medal in the ladies teams with Nicola Gardener, Sandra Landy, Pat Davies and Sally Carpenter.

That same squad went on to claim the Silver medal in the European in Elsinore a few months later. In 1979 we got our revenge and landed the Gold at the European in Lausanne. My partnership with Rosie disolved and in 1980 I had an outing with Pat Davies in the Olympiad where we won the Bronze.

Since then I have had a glorious selection of lady partners who have all contributed to make my international bridge career both colourful and successful. Sandra Landy (silver, 1988 Olympiad), Rita Oldroyd, Elaine Pencharz, Nevena Senior, Gillian Scott-Jones (gold, world championship in Brazil 1987)

I have also had the honour of playing several tournaments with the legendary Rixi Markus. However, it is my partnership with Rhona Goldenfield that has given me the most pleasure. At last, I have found a soul mate for a partner who, as only a true friend can, uncomplainingly tolerates my criticisms and bad moods. Our crowning glory was to win gold as part of the England ladies team at the 2000 European in Tenerife after which followed a bronze medal in the last European in Salsomaggiore 2002.

Earlier that year we were also lucky enough to have been 'sent' to Salt Lake City where the World Bridge Federation staged a competition to impress the International Olympic Committee. Rhona & I have also had success in several Lady Milnes and been priveleged to participate in two world championships in the last five years.

Not least, we are especially proud to have represented England on the Open team in 2002 at the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Another extraordinary highlight in my life was the invitation to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 1992 to commemorate a number of sporting personalities in celebration of the Queens 40th reign.

As if all this were not enough for any girl I rate my bridge partnership with John Holland above all else. He has put up with me for some 30 years at home as well as the bridge table. Not only has he been instrumental in helping me to chalk up 6 Hubert Phillips and a Crockfords title we also have a couple of Portland Pairs wins to our credit. Oh, and I nearly forgot, 2 Camrose victories in 1997 and 1999 against Wales and Scotland. In 1995 I turned professional.

Along with our friend, Kevin Comrie, John & I run a very successful mobile school of bridge. 

Now, if anyone out there would like to buy one or both of the bridge books I have written (Bridge with Brunner, Acol bidding for Improvers, or Acol bidding for budding experts) you will make me a truly happy bunny.