Last updated 15 May 2007

As you may be aware, in October 2006 we distributed over 2,500 copies of a bridge survey via clubs across Essex. We received 85 responses – thank you for taking the time and effort to complete the survey and return to us. We have discussed the feedback at recent ECBA meetings and thought it useful to share a summary with you.

 The demographics of responses show that we have slightly more male players (58%) than female (42%). 72% of responses were from people aged 61 or over and there remains a key challenge in bringing new younger players into the game. Chelmsford was the largest centre with 40% of responses followed by Southend with 28% and Romford 25%.

 It was good to hear from the 26% of respondents who are not currently ECBA members. It is important to understand what ECBA can offer to encourage these players to join (see later). 51% of the responses indicated that they have been members of ECBA for over ten years and we have to make sure that we continue to provide services they appreciate.

 Bridge seems to play a large part in people’s lives with 48% of respondents already playing bridge three or more times a week and another 35% playing twice a week. It is hard (but not impossible) to imagine more bridge for these groups! Or looking at it another way, 17% play bridge once a week or less and maybe we need to consider how to increase this.

 The sample size is not quite large enough to extrapolate fully, but it appears that about 22% of ECBA /EBU members do not participate in any ECBA event each year. A similar number (23%) play in one or two ECBA events a year and 28% play in three or more. It was excellent to hear that 42% of responses indicated that they were either very satisfied or quite satisfied with the organisation and administration of ECBA events with only 5% indicating that they were very dissatisfied or quite dissatisfied. Somehow, we need to spread the word that ECBA competitions are fun and satisfying.

The last set of questions sought feedback as to possible additional activities which ECBA could provide. The responses show that whatever ECBA does may appeal to some, but that also a large proportion of ECBA would be uninterested and apathetic. Looking at the proportion of respondents who replied that they were either very or quite interested: newsletter (50%), ECBA magazine (43%), more bridge competitions (30%), bridge lessons (21%), quiz nights (19%), teaching bridge to others (16%), social events such as cheese and wine (14%). We will need to tread carefully with any new activities but the alternative of doing nothing is equally risky!

 In addition to all these numbers, we received many comments as to reasons why people didn’t play in ECBA and EBU events, why they were satisfied or dissatisfied with ECBA and general thoughts. If you’d like to know more about this or any part of the survey, feel free to contact me.

Po Shing Lee (07788-518318, poshing_lee@yahoo.com)