Bridge Section

Northern Arts Club provides a range of other classes and activities for both members and non-members, this includes our Bridge sessions on a Monday evening. You can find out more about our weekly sessions and how to get involved by contacting Royan Fettes at: royfet@gmail.com


 

Bridge at Northern Arts Club

A bit of history . . . . . .
The Northern Arts Club was founded in 1907 and moved to its current premises in 1919 and contributed greatly to a very successful and popular Arts scene in Aberdeen and Shire. This was maintained for the early part of the century despite 2x world wars.  After the 1939-45 war there was a significant decline in the number of artists who attended the club. However, at that time bridge had gained popularity and the club became a well-respected centre for local bridge players.

Had that not happened it is entirely possible that the club may have closed. The Bridge members continued to manage and contributed to running the club from that time until around 2015/2016 when numbers fell to around 25/30 active members.

Over the years, the Bridge club has had several excellent bridge players including those of international standing, those ranked as Grand Masters of the Scottish Bridge Union and those who won several of the National trophies. The club flourished and also performed well in local bridge tournaments with many trophies to show for their efforts.

The membership of the Bridge section increased over the latter years of the 20th century and early years of 21st century. In the heyday there would have been over 100 players on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Bridge classes for beginners were also held on a Monday evening.

By 2010 onwards however, playing of bridge was in decline with numbers falling both here and in many other clubs throughout Scotland.

The Northern Arts Club, by necessity, to protect the liability of its council members, became a Private Limited Company, Limited by Guarantee in 2016. This change was not accepted nor fully understood by some of the membership and several left the Bridge section in summer of 2016.
 

Bridge on a Saturday had been in decline before this time and had ceased shortly beforehand. Bridge continued successfully on Tuesday evenings albeit with fewer numbers but stopped around 2018.

A small number of players from the Monday classes continued to play on Monday evenings until Covid stopped all play in 2020.
 

On resumption of normal activities post Covid, the bridge membership numbered 10 players, who would welcome others joining them.
If this is something that may interest you, please contact Royan on royfet@gmail.com  who would be delighted to introduce you to the intricacies of bridge.