More Bridge on the cards for 99-year-old Betty

At the age of 99, Betty Thompson of Orewa has been playing Bridge half her life.

Her love of the game was rewarded on October 4 with the surprise presentation of a Life Membership of Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club – an honour that moved Betty to tears.

Her name will be the 21st added to the Life Members board on the wall of the clubrooms in Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Club president Jocelyn Avery says just three of those Life Members are still alive.

Betty joined the Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club 30 years ago when she lived in Manly, and still plays weekly. Jocelyn says she is still a very competitive player and is never short of a partner. Betty now lives in Maygrove and members give her a lift to make sure she can still attend Friday afternoon Bridge.

The social aspect is one of the reasons Betty says she still loves the game.

“I enjoy the companionship, as well as the challenge to your brain and memory,” she says.

Sherry and cake rounded off the celebrations of Betty’s Life Membership. “Betty has a great sense of humour and loves a social event,” Jocelyn says.

Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club welcomes new members. Info: hbcbridge@xtra.co.nz, phone 424 1252.