Len Parsons, who turned 100 on May 9th 2026 – one day after Sir David Attenborough – has been a West Country lad through and through. His Dad had a dairy farm where he spent much of his childhood on horseback corralling cattle. Len subsequently joined what is today the North Cadbury Farm under the auspices of the Montgomery family. He was there when the daughter of the then owner, Sir Archibald Langham, married into the Montgomery family starting the dynasty that today makes some of the best cheddar cheese in the world.
In his younger days, whist was the game played in pubs and clubs all over Somerset and Len became a devotee. It was but a short step to the bridge table, where for more than 60 years, Len has been a keen and talented player. Today he remains as sharp and crisp as ever, taking part in at least 4 games a week in and around Crewkerne and Yeovil. Like many before him, Len credits bridge with enabling him to ‘retain his marbles’ well into his second century.
Yeovil Bridge Club has a long tradition, however falling membership and subsequent COVID-19 put its viability in the balance. In 2022 encouraged by the Somerset Contract Bridge Club the club dissolved and successfully reinvented itself as the friendly, modernized Yeovil Phoenix Bridge Club. This financially secure club meets every Thursday afternoon, with an average of 6 tables enjoying competitive, yet social bridge. New players are always welcome; we operate a standby rota that way ensuring partners for all!