Bridge Clubs
The Graham Spicer Institute hosts two bridge clubs; Gemini Bridge Club and Malden Bridge Club
Gemini meets on Thursday afternoons from 1.30 to 4.30pm: Malden meets Tuesday evenings from 7.30 to 10.30pm.
The clubs are quite separate and independent, although there is a fair amount of co-operation between the two. Some of the equipment for example is shared by the two clubs and some players belong to both clubs.
Both clubs are restricted to 11 tables by virtue of the size of the room, and both only offer duplicate bridge.
Gemini Bridge Club
Thursdays 1.30 to 4.30pm.
Gemini Bridge Club has been in existence since 2002. It is a very friendly club with a fairly relaxed rate of play. It is not affiliated to the English Bridge union (EBU).
The club was started because a group of people who were learning bridge at the local evening institute, were keen to get more practice than was possible within the classes. The driving force was a certain Mrs. Olive Gems. This gave rise to the name of the club, which derived from "Gem 'n I" which quickly evolved into Gemini. Unfortunately, the club does not cater for beginners.
A Host system was introduced to encourage single players to come along, and hence boost the numbers playing and ultimately the membership.
The number of members has increased over the years, and now stands at around 55. The Host system still operates, but it is worth checking up if you want to make sure of getting a game. There is also a central pair-finding service for members.
Visitors are welcome and will only be turned away if the physical limit on table numbers is exceeded, this happens very rarely. Visitors are currently charged £4 each for the session.
If you are interested in playing, please contact John Harris: jah28@hotmail. co.uk or ring the office (020 8942 2157) between 10am and 2pm on any working weekday.
Malden Bridge Club
Tuesday evenings 7.30 to 10.30pm.
Malden Bridge Club is affiliated to the EBU and has been in existence in some form or other for over 50 years. It is rather more competitive with the level of play a little higher and certainly faster, than that in Gemini.
There is no Host System, so players must come as pairs. Members can usually find partners via a central pair-finding service. Visitors are welcome, and are currently charged £6 each for the session. If you are interested in playing at Malden Bridge Club, please contact John Harris: jah28@hotmail. co.uk or ring the office on 020 8942 2157
Malden Players can park in the Waitrose car park without charge. The two-hour restriction does not apply to Tueday evenings. The gates are open to 11.00pm, well after the store has closed, just so that Malden Bridge players can leave without having to pay to park.