Gary Conrad is a Senior EBU Panel Director and Chief Tournament Director for Hertfordshire, as well as a trainer for EBED, where he has helped more than 200 players gain the skills to direct bridge at their own clubs. Alongside his wife Lesley, he has hosted holidays for us both here in the UK and further afield. Home is a charming Hertfordshire village where open countryside views begin at the garden gate. We caught up with Gary to talk about four decades at the bridge table, the grandest rooms he has played in and the advice he offers anyone weighing up their first bridge holiday...
How did you start playing bridge?
“I learned at university but didn't play seriously for another 12 years. Lesley and I were running a children's toy manufacturing company at the time, and it was once our children had grown up and we had sold the business that I came back to the game.
I started directing in local clubs and hosting holidays aboard cruise ships. Lesley learned more recently, when we started hosting bridge holidays about 12 years ago – she came along on those early trips and soon caught the bug herself.”
Where is the most interesting place you've ever played?
“Definitely the First for Bridge unique holiday at Blenheim Palace, that has to top any other venue. But I have also played in the Long Room at Lord's, and at Eton College.
For a holiday destination, the Royal Kenz Hotel in Tunisia is a favourite of ours and somewhere we are always glad to return to. The Cape Verde Islands are top of the wish list – we would love to play bridge there one day.”
What do you enjoy about leading bridge holidays?
“We just enjoy helping guests to enjoy themselves, and maybe give them a few tips to improve their game. Meeting new people is the real pleasure of it, and it is what keeps us coming back.
Lesley is the social heart of our team. She looks after solo travellers, keeps the bridge room beautifully prepared and takes care of all the scoring and hand preparation, which leaves everyone else free to concentrate on the cards. Away from the table we like to walk, we like to eat and there is usually a half-built Lego model somewhere in the house, but hosting bridge events is what we love most of all.”
What advice would you give to someone considering their first bridge holiday?
“Choose the type of holiday carefully. First for Bridge have different levels for different standards of play, so take care to choose a holiday that suits your level. If you are a relative newcomer, choose a Relaxed Bridge or Play and Improve and you will love it. Let your level lead the choice rather than the destination, and you will get far more out of the week.”
If Gary and Lesley's answers have you reaching for the diary, you can see the holidays they are hosting next here. Or browse our full collection of bridge holidays and find the level that suits you best.
