Meeting Details
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Time | 1.00 pm every Friday |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Location | Abbot Hall Social Centre |
| Coordinator | Anthea Craggs |
What we do
We meet to play Bridge, to improve our knowledge of the game and share our enthusiasm with others. Above all we simply aim to enjoy the most wonderful game in the world.
We have about 50 members and the average attendance is about 30 to 35. We welcome new members, whether they already play Bridge or would like to learn to do so.
We start with an optional 30 minute seminar, led by Philip Wraight, to help improve our playing skills. The majority then play informal "Chicago" (a form of bridge where you change partners and opponents every four hands). The less experienced players have structured teaching and supervised card play instead, conducted by Philip Wraight.
A new beginners class is started in any September when there are enough new members wishing to learn the game. We have dabbled in "teams" bridge, where two pairs play as a team, mainly at the annual Christmas party, and have started to play informal matches against other U3A Bridge groups.
Why is bridge so popular?
Bridge is such a fascinating game that it is not surprising that it is played by all ages.
However for the retired it is a very important part of their lifestyle keeping them mentally alert. It stops them spending too much time in front of the television and as a social activity it helps them to meet friendly people with a common interest. Many people have been helped through serious illnesses by the thought of getting back to bridge! It also proves to be a great reinforcement of the spirit during the greyness of bereavement
Reports
July 2008:
We resume on Friday 12th September and look forward to our enjoyable afternoon sessions. Philip Wraight will give us a lecture for half an hour before we start playing, this is much appreciated. The Christmas Lunch will be on Friday 5th December at the Riverside Hotel when we shall gather at 11.30 for lunch, and play in the afternoon.
Anthea Craggs
June 2008:
I will be starting a new class for beginners (or near beginners). Classes will be from 1.30 to 4.00 pm and the first will be on September 12. Registration for the class can be at the coffee morning (3 September) or by turning up for the first class. In the latter case it would be helpful to inform me or Anthea Craggs of the intention to join the class. Anyone unable to come to the first lesson can still join later, by arrangement.
Philip Wraight
March 2008:
Numbers remain good for our Friday afternoon sessions which we all enjoy. Philip Wraight gives a half hour lecture before we start playing which is much appreciated. We continue through the summer until 22nd August.
Anthea Craggs
November 2007:
A very enjoyable Jacob's Join lunch was organised as a tribute to Joan May and her team in July.
Numbers attending have been good for our weekly session which is preceded by a much appreciated half-hour lecture from Philip Wraight.
The Christmas lunch will be at the Riverside Hotel on Friday 7th December. Term ends 14th December. We recommence on 4th January 2008
Anthea Craggs