Spicers Guesthouse - Hunter Valley

Tuesday 20th to Friday 23rd May

Joan Butts three day NSW bridge holiday is returning to the Australia's older wine region, the Hunter Valley's Spicers Guesthouse. Ground-floor rooms open onto the terrace, whilst first-floor rooms provide elevated views of the property and bushland. The venue is surrounded by local cellars, local produce tasting, hot air ballooning, golf, and an exquisite on-site pool.

This bridge holiday is suitable for all skill levels of bridge players, with or without a bridge partner.

Your bridge holiday package includes:

  • Three nights accommodation at Spicers Guesthouse, Polkin 
  • Three full days of bridge, including:
    • Six multi-level bridge lessons taught by Joan Butts
    • Four bridge games, ABF masterpointed
    • A workbook, featuring lessons and hands analysis
    • Time to ask Joan your bridge questions
  • Three a la carte breakfasts, including barista coffee, tea and juice
  • Three lunches served on-site in the éRemo restaurant, including a share style menu of two generous main dishes with a side, bread and oil.
  • Morning tea including a selection of sweet and savoury treats
  • Complimentary all-day coffee, tea, still and sparkling water
    Continuous fresh whole fruit, mixed nuts and fruit water
  • Attendance at the Wednesday three-course Group Dinner 
  • Fun, laughter and the chance to make new bridge friends

Pricing (accommodation and bridge): 

  • Single Package (1x person, single room and three days of bridge): $2,350
  • Twin Package (1x person, shared room and three days of bridge): $1,750

Holiday Topic: The Bridge Conventions Guaranteed to Improve Your Game

Lesson 1:  Transfers (Majors and Minors) 
Lesson 2:  Blackwood and Key Card Blackwood (Slam Bidding) 
Lesson 3:  Cue bidding to Slam (The Best Way to Reach Slam)
Lesson 4:  Splinter Bids (Jump with Big Fits) 
Lesson 5:  Michaels Cue Bids (Two Suited Overcalls)
Lesson 6:  Fourth Suit Forcing (A Forcing Bid for More Information).
Frequently Asked Questions
Our cancellation policy exceeds our the obligations of the Australian Consumer Law and venue and event organisation requirements. By purchasing a package offered by Joan Butts Bridge, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy. We recommend you secure travel insurance appropriate for your circumstances before purchasing. Joan Butts Bridge is not responsible for your expenses incurred in preparation for any cancelled retreat. Cancellation between 45 and 16 days out from event - 50% refund. Cancellation less than 15 days out from event - 0% refund.
While our courses are multi-level, the 2025 lesson topics Joan has chosen will require players to have at least one year of bridge experience to benefit. So, they are not suitable for absolute beginners.
To keep your payment secure, we only accept payment using a debit or credit card.
Joan curates each event to match the skill level, knowledge, interests and motivations of the guests who join. This means that she choices the topics closer to the date, once she knows who will be attending. Be assured that all of our past guests have been very happy with the topics Joan specially chose.
Please list any allergies or dietary requirements on your booking form. The hotel will be notified of these and if they are unable to accommodate your needs we will let you know.
You can! We'd love to have you join us. When you register, make sure you share your skill level with us so Joan can match you with a suitable bridge partner.
We can only accept full payment for our events, so that we can meet our contractual and financial obligations with the venues who host our events.
We will happily facilitate your additional night/s booking. The cost for extra night/s depends on the day of the week and the venue. When you purchase the event you will be asked if you would like to book extra night/s and what dates. We will then confirm the availability and cost with you, before issuing an additional invoice.