About Us
History
Christchurch Bridge Clubrooms
1954
The foundation members of the Christchurch Bridge Club were former members of the Crockfords Club committee who, when faced with continued rent increases, decided to purchase their own Club rooms. When a motion to this effect was narrowly lost at a special General meeting, the committee resigned and met on 24 April 1952 to form the Christchurch Bridge Club. In May a property at 319 Cambridge Terrace was purchased for $3,800, and in July, having more than the requisite 50 members, the club became affiliated to the NZ Contract Bridge Association.
In the latter half of 1968, with a vastly increased membership, the club purchased the site at 21 Nova Place. Here the first purpose-designed bridge club building in New Zealand was constructed, at a cost of $41,000, and occupied on 21 August 1969.
It is interesting to note that the 319 Cambridge Terrace and 21 Nova Place sites are diagonally opposite each other, on either side of the Avon River and are a mere 700 metres apart. Coincidentally, the Maori name for the area is Ōtākaro, "the place of a game", so called because Maori children played on the river banks while the adults gathered food.
In November 1975, during extensions and alterations, fire destroyed the clubrooms. However, Bridge continued over the fence in the Christchurch Rugby Club’s gymnasium through to April 1977 during the reconstruction period.
During the 22 February 2011 earthquake the clubrooms were completely destroyed again. With no rooms to operate from, members played at Bowls Papanui, Condell Avenue, until May 2013 when the newly constructed building was opened on 1 June 2013.
Christchurch Bridge Clubrooms
2021
This modern, architecturally designed facility, located just off Barbadoes Street, can be divided into three playing spaces. In addition, there is a teaching room, an administration office, a dealing room, a director’s platform and a well-equipped kitchen and bar. Carparking in front of the building is attractively landscaped with a well-planned traffic layout. Less mobile users can either be dropped off under cover of the portico at the front door or park in reserved spaces nearby.
Annual Reports
To see our Annual Reports and Financial Statements, please refer to the link below.
Club Committee
The committee consists of three officers: President, Vice President, and Treasurer; with six elected committee members.
Marilyn Copland
Vice President
Portfolios: Welfare, Communication, Supported Learning
Mark Paget
Treasurer
Portfolios: Finance, Insurance
Ian Southen
Committee member
Portfolio: Tournament
Club Constitution
The Christchurch Bridge Club Incorporated is a registered charitable organisation governed according to its rules as set down in the Club Constitution, registered with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies
Latest News
Club Newsletter Scroll down on the "About" page to access the link to the "April 2025 Newsletter". Canterbury Congress Dates: Saturday 17 May/ Sunday 18 May There are events for all abilities. We would love more entries from the Junior and Intermediate Players. Further details on the Club’s website. (View either the flyers on the "Home" page or the event information on the "Events" page.) We also need spare players/ pairs for this event. Let the office know if you can help. We have a visiting open grade player wanting a partner to play in the open pairs and teams. Let the office know if you would like to play. Added 2-May-2025 Canterbury Congress Dates: Saturday 17 May/ Sunday 18 May There are events for all abilities. We would love more entries from the Junior and Intermediate Players. Further details on the Club’s website. (View either the flyers on the "Home" page or the event information on the "Events" page.) Can you help with: Spare players/ pairs being available for this event. Volunteers to help Thea in the kitchen Volunteers to tidy the rooms after play. Person to volunteer as a support player for a player who requires help with writing the bids down and playing the cards on the Sunday. We have a visiting open grade player wanting a partner to play in the open pairs and teams. Caddies- helping the director If you can help with any of the above please let the office know.
Wednesday Supported Play: Please note that this session has moved to Wednesdays, starting at 6.50pm. Session Time Change: Tuesday Afternoon sessions will start at 10.20am from Tuesday, May 6th. Thea will be making her famous scones for morning tea! Session finishes approximately 1.10pm. Please Note: The regular Friday Bridge session will not be held tomorrow as the Anniversary Pairs tournament will be running. Club Working Bee: This Saturday 26th April, 9.30am start to midday. Next set of Beginner Lessons: Start Wednesday 30th April. Tutor: Shirley Newton.
Easter Bridge at the Club: The regular bridge sessions will be on as usual for the Friday, Sunday and Monday sessions. Anniversary Pairs: Date & Time: Friday 25th April at 10am. This is a handicapped tournament. See flyer on the 'Home Page' for more information. Entries can be made by email or sign up at the Club. NOTE: Please pay the entry fee ($25) into the Club’s bank account by Wednesday 23rd April. This is to allow the payments to be checked on the Thursday before the tournament. Please note: The regular Friday bridge session will not be on that day. Session Time Change: Tuesday Afternoon sessions will start at 10.20am from Tuesday, May 6th. Thea will be making her famous scones for morning tea! Club Working Bee: Saturday 26th April, 9.30am start to midday. Volunteers: The club is always looking for volunteers especially at tournaments eg, helping in the kitchen, tidying up, caddies. Contact the office if you are keen to help. Beginner Lessons: Next set of Beginner lessons: start Wednesday 30th April. Tutor: Shirley Newton The Club also has a set of beginner lessons starting on Tuesday, July 22 at 10am-12.30pm. Tutor: Fiona Temple
Christchurch Bridge Club Sponsors and Advertisers
These businesses are supporting our Club:
- Airentals
- Apex Car Rental
- Cunningham Taylor Law
- David Lawrence Real Estate
- Fox & Associates Ltd
- Hamilton Hindin Greene
- John Rhind Funeral Directors
- Maxwell Plumbing
- Papanui Press
- Westende Jewellers
