 In September, Dounby Bridge Club reached its 20th Anniversary and on Friday, 15 November celebrated the occasion with a special bridge evening.
The club was formed in 1993 and the founding players, providing just one bridge table of four, were Pauline Bowden, Hugh and Sheila Lyon and their son Graham Lyon. Since it began the club has been led in turn by Pauline Bowden, Dave and Mina Malarky, and Don Auston with Graham second in command in each of those periods but about twelve years ago Graham took over and now leads with support from other members.
The twentieth anniversary marks another milestone. Over the years the number of players has varied, building up to four tables but then declining again with the risk of folding. There were times when only three players were available on a Friday evening so they all went home or there was frantic last minute ringing round to find a fourth to make up a table. Trying to keep going in those circumstances must have been tough and disheartening,
Thankfully, Sheila, Graham and the remaining members persevered and fortunes have reversed. Now the club regularly sees three or four tables filled and once in a while five. This is in no small part due to a merry band of players from Kirkwall who organise themselves to car share and trek out to Dounby on Friday evenings, bringing with them their playing experience, good humour and sometimes fancies.
Twenty eight people came along to the 20th anniversary celebrations to enjoy six rounds of bridge, supper and a raffle. Graham welcomed everyone and reminded them of the friendly and relaxed nature of the club by citing the tongue-in-cheek Ten Commandments for bridge players. Jean Tulloch had baked a special cake for the occasion and before play began it was ceremonially cut by Sheila.
At the end of the each of the first two rounds there were special prizes and after the third round a supper break during which everyone did their best to eat their way through the absolutely splendid buffet to which many had contributed.
At the end of the supper break, Roger Davies gave a short vote of thanks: first, to everyone who had contributed in any way to making the event happen, in providing supper and in donating the playing and raffle prizes; then, to everyone for coming along and making it a very enjoyable evening; and, finally, to Sheila and Graham who were presented with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of good cheer, respectively.
After two more rounds with special prizes and a final round, the evening drew to a close with the raffle and the award of prizes for blue and pink scorecard holders down to third place, with a consolation prize for each colour. The top points scorer from the blues was Margaret Mainland but as she had provided the prizes she opted to award the winner’s prize to the next best scorer, Clinton Rendall. The winner from the pinks was Gladys Marwick. Well done and thank you to all for taking part.
Bridge at the club is taken seriously but not too seriously. We play as individuals, rather than in pairs, and depending on numbers may play either rubber or board bridge. Playing as individuals makes it easy to accommodate new players. So if you are a bridge player, even an inexperienced one, and would like to join us, just come along to the Dounby Centre any Friday evening at 7:00 pm (except between Christmas and New Year), pay the very modest fee which is currently £1 a week and you will be very welcome.
By Iso Tipler
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