Lymington originally started out as a gentlemen's social club in 1877 where one might comfortably find cards being played, usually whist or a variant known as 'quadrille' (similar to a Spanish trick taking game known as 'ombre' using a 40 card deck). It was with great pleasure that I received an invitation along with EBU CEO Gordon Rainsford and then Vice Chair of the EBU Cathryn Fox. We were invited down for a duplicate match the evening before the anniversary celebrations and it was my delight to partner Cath. The evening itself was extremely enjoyable and the company most pleasant at a wonderful historic venue. We were kindly hosted by Graham "Fozzy" Foster and Frances "Cesca" Alexander (who won the duplicate with her partner Philippa Bates, well done!), in Barton - On - Sea.
On Friday 25th November it was the true 150th Anniversary so the club hosted a glorious lunch at the South Lawn Hotel where the club came out in some force to celebrate! The Chair of the club, Julia Wood, spoke about the rich history of Lymington (Bridge) Club and how it has survived through the toughest of times (not only Covid, but through two World Wars and the Great Storm no less!). The Mayor of Lymington was also present and awarded a finely designed painting of the club to the winner of the anniversary raffle. A copy of the club history (as written by Roger Needell) was given to all present which covers any events occurring from 1877 right up to the present day. After a very scrumptious lunch it was time for dessert! A cake had been made for the day which was presented with a toast from Gordon Rainsford with thanks to Lymington and its spectacular heritage - indeed Gordon noted that the club had been playing bridge before the rules had been officially recognised! I had then been asked to provide a brief history of bridge (the original rules of Rubber bridge are still to this day written on a table in the Portland Club) with a few mildly amusing stories -- for example I have met one player who has had the auction 1H - 4H intended as a splinter!
Overall, the celebration was brilliant, well thought out and planned and I must thank Lymington for running such a great day and inviting us to partake! Congratulations on their 150th Anniversary, and as was said more than once on the day, here is to another 150 years!
All pictures from the event can be viewed in the gallery.