Bridge players raise funds for Ukrainian mother and children’s hostel

Bridge players have raised £1,000 for a mother and children’s hostel in Poland, where a local man delivers much-needed supplies to those displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.

A total of 44 members from the Frome Bridge Club and Warminster Bridge Club competed in a series of games at the event, held at Wesley Methodist Church.

Organised by Frome players Ray Nicholson and Margaret Donkin, the afternoon tournament supported charity trips to Poland by Tommy Sprangle, who opens up Warminster Rugby Club for Warminster Bridge players each week.

Before play got under way, Tommy gave a brief talk about the mother and children’s hostel in Bydgoszcz, northern Poland, where he delivers much-needed supplies. The hostel houses and supports mothers and children displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.

Sarah Miller, a member of the group, said, “The tournament was a fantastic success, with donations and a generously supported raffle raising more than £800. This sum was then rounded up to £1,000 by the organisers. Thanks were given to everyone who took part and supported the event, and also to Wesley Methodist Church for allowing free use of the hall for the occasion.

“The winning pair on the afternoon were Roger Andrews and Ray Goddard with 63.27%, closely followed by John Perry and Veronica Kilroy on 62.32%. Prizes were awarded to winners and runners-up. The only black marks of the afternoon were for those players who unwittingly snacked on the delicious bonus prizes in the kitchen before they had been awarded.”

Pictured: Bridge players competing in the charity match