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About Me and My Approach

Two people who influenced me enormously were my parents, Dan and Pat Crowley. A wonderful Irish/Scottish combination. After boarding school and a brief flirtation with clerical banking, followed by a stint with Ansett Airlines, I took flight on an overseas holiday. Staying a little longer than most, I returned several years later, settling in Sydney. In 1990 I returned to Brisbane with my son Jamie, then aged eight. I discovered my capacity and love for teaching bridge after my first exposure to it when conducting workshops in 1991-1992 with my bridge partner Khokan Bagchi. I was the official Queensland Bridge Teacher at the time.

In 1997 I was invited by Tony Jackman, prolific bridge achiever, friend, bridge partner and Courier Mail Bridge Columnist, to assist in the setting up of a Social Bridge club within The Queensland Irish Association. Very quickly I realised there were a lot of people who simply wanted to play a social game. Hence my logo, "Seriously Social". Although I left the Irish Bridge Club a few years ago, it continues to flourish under Tony’s expert guidance.

I had lessons in 1980 from the late Dick Cummings (one of Australia’s all-time great players.) At that time there was little follow up for beginners. I ventured into rubber at the Double Bay Bridge Club. They sold me my first bridge book (besides my Ron Klinger manual) Watson’s “Play of the Hand”. I still have both. For a whole year I played rubber bridge.

I have represented Queensland several times in three categories: Seniors, Open and Women’s. In partnership with Tony Jackman, I was a member of the winning team at the Australian National Championships in 2000. I have represented Australia in the New Zealand zonal play-offs. I occasionally play some “serious bridge”, however, my main priority is teaching. Bridge is my passion and it is tremendously satisfying to spread this joy to others.

The first person who ever encouraged me to take up Bridge was my late husband David, who took great delight in my few early successes. He was supportive in so many ways, including looking after our son Jamie whilst I spent many hours practicing my new found passion.

During my Bridge career I’ve had the opportunity to meet and observe several great players including Tim Seres, Dick Cummings, Paul Lavings, Paul Marston, Larry Cohen, Eric Rodwell, and Zia Mahmood. The person from whom I learnt the most was Khokan Bagchi. He was a hard taskmaster (ask any of his bridge partners!) a gifted player and educator.