Phyllis Whyte

Phyllis Whyte - elected Life Member 2011

Phyllis started playing bridge in 1999. When Pat Deighton stood up at exercise class and said she was going to bridge Phyllis went too. Phyllis had played cards all her life though not bridge but had always wanted to. So, at 68 she joined BWBC and took lessons conducted by Lorraine(Lindsay). She then volunteered to help with these lessons and did so for 15 years, assisting Lorraine, then Christine Hadaway then Caroline Molloy. This required numerous skills, enthusiasm, a knowledge of bridge, a personality to show ‘how’ with encouragement, patience, warmth and a good sense of humour. She encouraged the new learners to join the club and progress as playing members.

Phyllis also has a reputation as a wonderful cook, and regularly provided fruit cake, German apple slices and other goodies to the class members.  She had a regular recipe column in the club newsletter. She was very energetic in helping to cater for the club’s Congresses and parties over the years, investing many hours.

She speaks very warmly about those she’s played with and against over 20 years in the club as well as the challenge and fun travelling to other clubs’ Congresses such as Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and Canberra.

Not one to grab the limelight, Phyllis describes her efforts to help beginners, as willingly given to the members and club she has treasured, and she highly values the friendships that have grown from it. She doesn’t play these days but maintains an interest in the club and its goings on while the friendships continue.

Phyllis is a Silver Life Master.