Frome Bridge Club is celebrating the centenary of the game being played in the town, with the club hoping the milestone will attract a new generation of players.
A ladies’ bridge club was first set up in Frome in 1925 with just a handful of players. One hundred years on, today’s club has more than 100 members, some learning the game and others playing up to three times each week. The centenary will be marked with a celebratory Bridge Day on Saturday 27th September.
The club was first set up at the Literary and Scientific Institute. However, when the institute closed its doors in 1937, Frome did not have another bridge club until it re-formed at the British Legion Club in 1974, by local couple Jenny and Pat Hazelgrove. Jenny, now 102, still lives in Frome.
Over the years, the club struggled to attract new members and was nearly forced to close in 2012 due to low attendance. “The average number of tables in 2010 was below 3.5 and fell even further the following year,” said club member Simon Westerman. “By 2012 just over 12 players turned up to play on Monday nights, with even fewer in 2013.”
To save the club, Club Captain Marianne Lewin and Secretary John Perry launched a teaching programme in September 2013, advertising in libraries, cafes and on bulletin boards. Twelve beginners and 12 improvers joined the first lessons, supported by regular club players. Within two years, the initiative had revitalised the club and attracted a steady flow of new members.
Today, the club has more than 100 members and participates in regional competitions, including the West of England Congress. “We are slightly amazed and gratified at the way the club has grown from just eight to 10 members back then to more than 100 now. We are hoping to grow it even further to ensure the club’s long-term future in the town,” said John Perry.
Centenary celebrations
To mark the milestone, the club will hold a celebratory Bridge Day on Saturday 27th September.
“If you’ve ever thought about learning how to play bridge or returning to the game after years away from it, the club’s forthcoming teaching programme could be what you’re looking for,” said club member Sarah Miller. “Friendly lessons for beginners, improvers and intermediate level bridge players will get underway at the club’s Frome HQ in the first week of October, at a cost of just £3 per week.
“The weekly sessions on Thursday mornings or Tuesday evenings are aimed at all ages and levels and provide a comprehensive introduction to the game for those who’ve never played it before, as well as refresher lessons for those with some previous knowledge. No card game experience is required and the lessons – including play practice – are an opportunity to meet new people whilst acquiring a skill that provides a good workout for the brain.”
Frome Bridge Club member Jessica Rutt-Slater said, “I joined the beginner course in October 2024 as a complete newbie. I wanted to learn Bridge in order to play online with my parents who live in Canada. The lessons have been incredibly helpful and Elaine Rutland is a very friendly and informed teacher. A major bonus for me turned out to be the new friendship group I gained. I would highly recommend learning to play bridge for anyone who enjoys a challenge while having a laugh.”
Frome Bridge Club is affiliated with the English Bridge Union and those delivering the lessons are all experienced bridge players. Each year, some 50+ beginners and more experienced players travel from 20-plus miles around Frome to join the lessons for what is a very social, as well as educational, occasion. Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided.
The lessons take place in the Wesley Methodist Church, Wesley Slope, Frome, BA11 1HA, starting at 9.30am on Thursdays and 7pm on Tuesdays.
For more information, contact: John Perry on 01373 467508 or email jp007g9418@blueyonder.co.uk or contact Elaine Rutland on 07809 163705 or visit the website www.bridgewebs.com/frome
