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Enthusiastic Bridge player, the late Kitty McDougall, is credited with the formation of Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club.
Fifty years ago, when Kitty moved to the area, she found there were no Bridge clubs locally – so she started one herself. The club’s records show that the first game was played on July 14, 1972.
Current members Pat Porter and Jocelyn Avery say finding a permanent base was key to ensuring the longevity of the club.
“They had to lug all the tables and cards around for years to various places – it wasn’t ideal,” Jocelyn says.
The first venue used was Peninsula Golf Club and others over the years include Stanmore Bay Community Hall and Manly Bowling Club.
Eventually, through fundraising that included cake stalls and donations, the money was raised to build clubrooms in Edith Hopper Park in Manly. The building which remains the club’s base went up in 1990 and was declared debt-free nine years later.
There is still a trophy in Kitty’s name that is keenly contested at the club.
A lunch and drinks celebration marking the club’s 50th anniversary was held on Sunday, July 17. A number of special guests attended, including past presidents and past committee members.
Currently Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club has around 100 members and there are four sessions per week of games, as well as once a month on Sundays. It welcomes new members – contact Treasurer Helen Briant, email helen@gobake.co.nz
