Celebrating 50 years of classic cards and developing deep friendships

(Contributed Photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

Keeping their minds sharp and enjoying social connections are side benefits to a game they all love to play.

The Tillsonburg Bridge Club gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion to celebrate their 50th anniversary on June 19. Members circulated, conversing and sharing memories before dinner, catered by the Legion.

"The game was incredibly popular in the '50s, 60s and early 70s," current Club President Rick Martin said. "It has dropped off in the age of TV and video games, but tabletop games are still being played. Bridge requires very little expense; all you need is a deck of cards."

There are currently 50 active members in the club, down significantly since the pandemic. Many bridge clubs across the country didn't start up again after lockdowns.

"Membership is down significantly, but we're doing alright," Martin said. "My goal is to break down some of the structural impediments to people learning to play. It's been an interesting 50 years. Before COVID there were twice as many tables as we are now. I'd really like to get back to that status."

Martin learned to play the classic card game during high school and played during his university years. He describes the game as a mind sport, similar to chess.

"It's exercise for your brain," Martin said. "It stretched my mind and I approached academic study more intently. It's a great way to fire up those grey cells."

The Tillsonburg Bridge Club rents space at the Tillsonburg Senior Center but is separate from their bridge program. When they meet on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., it's less formal and beginner friendly. They also meet on Friday afternoons at 1 p.m. for more serious, dedicated, and competitive structured duplicate games. Players must arrive early for Friday games, Martin added.

Long-time player and club member Robert Burns learned to play bridge from instructor Terry Morris, who taught bridge during the 80s and 90s at evening enrichment courses at Glendale High School.

"My wife gave me a choice between bridge or ballroom dancing," Burns said. "With my two left feet, it was going to be bridge. I got immersed in it. It takes about a year to really get into it and be competitive, but you can learn in eight lessons. You have to have the patience to gain experience."

Mary Alice Reid remembers watching her mom and dad and aunt and uncle gather around the card table every Saturday night to play bridge when she was 6 years old and she was mesmerized.

"When I was at university someone asked if I wanted to play bridge, but I had no idea there were any rules," Reid said, laughing. "I fell in love with it and I've played all my life. My daughter used to ask me 'Why do you play every week? Do you get money?' And I said, ‘You get honour. My daughter is now 64 and she wants to take bridge lessons. It's never too late’."

Many members commented on how friendly the club is, and the bonds that develop over time, the camaraderie, and good times. Long-time member Deb Wycherley affectionately shared memories of players who are gone, and added, "I just love the game. I'll never give it up."

Club member Nettie Ferrell moved here from Burlington 15 years ago. She had played with clubs in Burlington, Hamilton, and Oakville. She and her husband Robert had six children in eight years, and they learned to play bridge from their babysitter. She eventually earned a prestigious Gold Master coin.

Member Maureen Flynn offers lessons at Baldwin Place every Monday afternoon. She didn't learn the game until she retired from teaching elementary school.

"I took 10 lessons and went to play at a bridge club thinking I knew how to play," Flynn said. "My mom laughed when I told her that. She taught me how to play better bridge."

She doesn't claim to be a skillful player, but she loves the game, and that's why she teaches it. She offers 10 lessons for learners and at the end she encourages them to attend the Wednesday night bridge club so that they can continue to play and learn.

"I think that would be the equivalent of going to my mother," she added with a laugh.

"If I had learned to play bridge when I was a teacher, I would have taught my students," Flynn said. "Kids who love to play Dungeons and Dragons, those are the kinds of thinkers that would love it. It's a thinking game. It helps you organize your thoughts. You don't need amazing math skills, it's more about problem solving."

"Some people play bridge online," said President Rick Martin. "But that's not the same game at all, there's no social aspect or human aspect at all. The face-to-face game is a whole different experience and that's what we offer."