Susan Norton (nee Stockdale) first learnt to play bridge under the tutelage of her parents, Brian and Sheila, but her bridge quickly progressed from the occasional game at the school lunchtime bridge club to entering the junior trials with ‘some boy’ from the school down the road. This ‘boy’ was Duncan Happer who became Susan’s good friend and bridge partner for many years.
After her junior international debut at the age of 14, Susan went on to represent Great Britain and England at junior level in many home internationals, Junior Channel Trophy teams and European Championships.
Susan attended Oxford University to read physics where she managed to juggle her studies and bridge in order to continue with her love for other sports, especially athletics, korfball (which is a game best described as a cross between basketball and netball).
Aged 22 Susan formed a successful partnership with Bryony Youngs with whom she made her debut for England Ladies playing in the victorious Lady Milne team. Unfortunately their partnership disbanded when Bryony moved to the USA to continue her studies.
Susan went on to partner her good friend Fiona Brown with whom she has had many successes and international appearances for both England Ladies and at junior level. Most recently being part of the England Womens team which won the 2012 European Championships, earning them qualification for the 2013 Venice Cup where they won a silver medal, and also the World Mind Sports Olympiad 2012 in which the team took the gold medal.
Susan now resides near Loughborough, working as a Director of a company that markets and distributes products to the veterinary and animal healthcare sectors. She is currently taking a break from international and 'high level' bridge. She got married in June 2015, and had a daughter in April 2016.
Last updated: June 2016
Major International Appearances
Women's European Championships: 2010 2012*
Venice Cup: 2011 2013
Women's World Olympiad: 2012*
European Junior Championships: 2000 2002 2005 and 2007
* = 1st place
Lady Milne Trophy Selections: 2005 2006 2007 2009 and 2010
Junior Camrose Selections: 2007 and 2008
Peggy Bayer Trophy Selections: 1999 2000 and 2002