| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Contact: | |
| When: | On Monday afternoons 13:30-15:00 2nd & 4th Monday of the month |
| Venue: | Bowburn Community Centre |
Inaugural Meeting Recap
The Canasta Cards Group convened for the first time on January 2nd, 2025, with a notable attendance of seventeen members. Co-leader Mike Forrest initiated the gathering by swiftly explaining the fundamental rules of Canasta. It was evident that all members had at least some familiarity with the game, whether from experience dating back over four decades or independent research.
To make playing the game easier, the group has purchased an automatic card shuffler to shuffle the two - pack deck. Felt table covers make it easier to handle the cards.
And refreshments are on a self serve basis, available at any time throughout the session.
The next scheduled Canasta session is set for Monday, June 9th, at 1:30 PM, to be held at Bowburn Community Centre.
Sessions 6/ 7 - June 9th/23rd
This was the first month where we started having 2 sessions a month, on 2nd and 4th Mondays.
There were 11 members attend, including one new member who had never played before..
Although light in numbers, those that did play had an enjoyable two hours, honing their playing skills and strategy.
At the session on the 23rd, another two new members attended, joining 11 regulars. One of the new members did not play, but "helpfully" (open to debate) assisted his wife in playing.
I predict at the next session they may be playing at different tables.
Refreshments were on hand and the 'serve yourself' system appears to be to everyone's liking.
July's dates are the 14th and 28th, 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm at Bowburn Community Centre.
Session 5 - May 26th
Although 26th May was a bank holiday, fourteen members attended the session and enjoyed an afternoon of Canasta.
All members had been polled over the month regarding the length and frequency of the playing sessions.
As a result, it has been agreed to have sessions 2 hrs in length and to add an extra session, on the second Monday of the month, for a trial period of three months.
The Beacon Calendar has been updated accordingly and group members informed by email.
An article announcing this change will also appear in the next edition of Drumbeat.
New members, players and non-players are always welcome. Very few of the group members had played before our first session.
Session 4 - April 28th
The Canasta session, this month, had twelve members attend. Holidays and grandparent duties took its toll. Nevertheless, three tables were in use for the full 90 minute session.
Group members are being canvassed as to whether the Canasta Sessions should be extended by 30 minutes, to two hours and also whether to have an additional monthly session, on the second Monday of the month.
Replies to be sent to Mike Forrest by Monday 12th May.
The next planned session is on Monday 26th May, 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm.
Session 3 - March 24th
Our third session saw 19 members come along to Bowburn Community Centre. Participants were allocated a table on a random basis, that way you have a chance to play with different players each session.
Rather than have a set break for tea / coffee and, this session, chocolate sweets, a table was set up with cups, milk etc and two catering flasks of hot water were provided. This allowed players to get refreshments whenever it suited them and appeared to work well.
It was noticeable that there was less discussion about the rules, players now understanding how to play the game. Now comes the difficult part of learning the tactics needed to win.
Join Us
If you are enthusiastic about participating in an enjoyable and engaging card game, please contact Mike Forrestor Jennifer Banks, the leaders of the group.