Crombie learned to play Bridge at Glasgow University where he played for them in the Glasgow league. On leaving university he played competitively in Stirlingshire for two years before moving to Ayrshire, where he also played competitively and became North region Competition Secretary.

After becoming a Scottish (SBU) two-star master in 1980, work took him to Ontario, Canada where he played competitively in the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) becoming a Life Master in 1992.

Since returning to the UK, he prefers to play socially and is chairman of his local bridge club and endeavours to encourage novices and intermediate players in their knowledge and enjoyment of the game.

He has been a helper in training with Bernard Magee and Mr Bridge for the last year, awaiting retirement from his job as a Chemical Production Manager. Now fully retired, he has qualified as an EBU Club Tournament Director and an EBU Associate Partner Teacher. He is teaching bridge locally to beginners and assisting Mr Bridge on a more regular basis.

Helen retired from her high-level personal assistant's job in London, which involved all aspects of arranging Company conferences in many countries.

She is a linguist, speaking French and German, and is currently working on her Italian.

Helen started to play Bridge about ten years ago and has been a helper in training with Bernard Magee and Mr Bridge since 2006. She particularly enjoys explaining the set hands, playing with clients, and meeting interesting people. Since retirement in 2007, she has qualified as an EBU Club Tournament Director and one of her aims is to encourage people to enjoy the game at all levels.

Crombie and Helen are also bridge partners.