PERI WING WRITES ABOUT HER EXPERIENCES OF LEARNING TO PLAY BRIDGE

IN THE Seventies I worked for a publishing company in London’s Trafalgar Square where at lunchtimes all work stopped and some played cards or darts. We saved our 15p daily luncheon vouchers and on Fridays “feasted” at the Charing Cross Lyons Corner House. A few of us started to play bridge, with the odd wink and touch of the ear lobe to indicate certain cards, all highly irregular play of course.

I married, started a family and life chugged along nicely, but with no serious bridge play other than an occasional kitchen session with wine. Years later with retirement looming – how to fill my time? I reviewed things I liked doing and bridge was a natural choice. I found there was a bridge school not too far from me and as I worked part-time, I was able to attend classes for three years. By the time I did retire I was ready to play with the grown-ups, and that was around 15 years ago. Bridge has become a key part of my life, and the Cyprus group are very good friends who I look forward to seeing when we are there.

During the lockdowns in the UK, bridge has been a godsend. I have been able to play online with friends both in Cyprus and the UK, which has been a lifeline when most activities are off limits. After many months’ enjoyable play, time has now come to give a little back and I’m pleased to be able to help the continued smooth running of the brilliantly organised sessions by training to be a director online. I hope the old brain cells don’t let me down!