MEET McTAVISH

Large as life, Arthur McTavish was a brash and sometimes, an abrasive character, but as a bridge player he was in a class of his own.

His business took him away quite frequently but when he was at home, I certainly, did not lack for great material for my newspaper column.

Someone cruelly remarked that McTavish was a legend in his own mind, but just maybe, that was a slight exaggeration. He certainly had a confident and fascinating ambience, and every time he buttonholed me, I experienced a distinct feeling of uneasiness but felt drawn, like a moth to the flame.

Some of his exploits at the table, of which I have kept a record, were gleaned at first hand, but others were tales of woe which fellow members were kind enough to pass onto me for my column, at the same time swearing me to silence as to their identity.

In this part, you will find what I think are the best of the McTavish stories and I hope you will find them interesting and above all, entertaining.