A LITTLE CLUB WITH A LOT OF HISTORY AND FRIENDSHIP

BRIBIE ISLAND CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB INC, THE OLDEST BRIDGE CLUB ON THE ISLAND, HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTING ITS WEEKLY SESSIONS FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS.

Bridge, an enjoyable card game is played by people of all ages, as was the case when people met at various locations prior to 1982, then they found a permanent home at the RSL club where 31 members chose to call themselves Bribie Island RSL Bridge Club. Unfortunately, due to renovations, they had to move to Bribie Island Golf Club then a fire forced them to move to the Community Arts Centre. The name was changed in 1997 to Bribie Island Contract Bridge Club Inc.

The Moreton Bribie Bridge Club constructed its custom-designed airconditioned clubhouse on First Avenue and shortly afterwards we were invited to rent these premises from them. We moved there in April 2000, but we remain a separate identity and are unaffiliated. Today our Club continues the rich traditions of fellowship by offering a friendly way to play bridge every Monday morning. Our annual membership fee is only $5, and our daily session fee is also $5 which includes tea/coffee with biscuits and cheese (and if you are lucky scones). Contrary to a common belief, bridge is not a difficult game to learn or to play. Bridge is for fun and friendship. Like any other sport or pursuit, we all play to our ability and level. It also has a competitive edge that adds to the enjoyment.

For the last several years our club has held a Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council with a bring and buy day in May, we have raised more than $10,000 through the sale of baked and bottled goods, plants and produce during this time.

It is a common problem with most clubs that membership is

CRAFT THERAPY— GOOD FOR THE SOUL, CRAFTING HAPPINESS AND MEMORIES

The Handicraft Club is a Chat Club with the bonus of learning a craft! The club was started for people to meet and learn from one another crafts that are both new and old and the members can be young or old, men or women.

The Handicraft Club was started in Nov 1982 at Congaeu House but when the numbers grew, and the venue couldn't accommodate the numbers it was decided to move the meetings over to the local bowls club as they now have 47 financial members.

The crafts made are the property of the people doing them, not the clubs and they don’t sell the crafts. People do these crafts for themselves for keeping or as gifts. They teach each other crafts and chatter with occasional “Show’ n’ Tell” and shares.

The Handicraft Club were able to donate funds to the following local charities on the Island at their morning tea last Thursday.

The Funds were donated to:

• B.I.K.E. S

• Hospice

• Community Transport and maintenance scheme

• Toc H

The Club has formed beautiful friendships over the years as the members are friendly and very helpful. Some members have been coming for 40 years! Jan Donovan used to come with her mother (and original founding member)

Jean Winnett, and she has continued as she had children and they also all participated in the Club.

Another member Helen started coming for the company to keep her sanity after her husband passed and she became housebound. Now she is learning and sharing patterns and different ideas to make. It provides mental stimulation for lots of members dwindling, from our high of 107 in 2003, our membership is now only 40, but due to illness and holidays etc., we are only averaging 22 players on our Monday mornings. We would encourage and like to invite anyone who has had lessons or has played in the past but has not continued TO GIVE US A TRY. We have many members who have taught Bridge and others who would be keen to help you gain confidence. when they feel alone. This is not just a club; it is key to their sanity. The group meets every Thursday to have a cuppa, craft & chat from 8am to 11am Come get crafty with us!

Playing Bridge is good “brain food”. We draw your attention to the wonderful article in “The Bribie Islander” Issue 190 “8 Reasons Why Humans Need Consistent Brain Stimulation”. Our game helps in that regard, we also offer you the opportunity to make new like-minded friends in a pleasant setting.

We are offering a 2-week free trial to all newcomers; you can bring a partner or we will pair you off with an experienced player to get you started.

Please give our President Noreen Everson a call on 0438144106 if you would like further information.