Hylda Townsend

1913 - 2014

by Darren Evetts & Colin Lang

Hylda was a doyenne of bridge who, until recent times, was a keen and active bridge player, as well as being a committed and capable bridge administrator.

At National level, Hylda became a Vice President of the English Bridge Union in 1997; was the recipient of a Dimmie Fleming award in 1993, and had been a long serving Member of the English Bridge Union Tournament Committee.

At County level, Hylda served as Chairman and a Shareholder of Warwickshire Contract Bridge Association, being made a Life Member for her services to the County in 2009. Hylda always kept a keen eye on the affairs of the County, and over many years Chairmen have found her insight and support extremely valuable.

At Club level, Hylda was a Founder Member, Life Member, and President (1979-1981), of Moseley Bridge Club. She was also a Life Member of North Birmingham Bridge Club where she was instrumental in helping the Club to acquire its premises. A Life Member of West Midlands Bridge Club, Hylda was heavily involved in many aspects of the Club’s management and, well into her nineties, ran an assisted play session, from which a number of enthusiastic bridge players emerged.

Hylda, unfortunately, stopped playing bridge a few years ago, but will now be taking her seat at the Eternal Bridge Table where all her finesses, endplays and squeezes will be fruitful, and where during the bidding she will always be on the same wavelength as her partner.

Hylda’s personality, sense of humour, and all-round presence, will remain forever in the hearts of all those who knew her.