Bridging the gap
Playing bridge, from left are Eric Campbell, David Young, Kim Chung and Catherine McKibbin.
By Dan Hutchinson
Taupo Bridge Club is experiencing unprecedented interest from new players.
Club president Sheryl Righton says more than 30 people have registered for upcoming beginner classes following a recent campaign and improvements to the club’s facilities.
She says the response has far exceeded previous recruitment drives, which typically attracted around eight new players.
The surge in interest comes after the club completed significant renovations to its clubrooms on Tahara Road, overlooking the golf course near the AC Baths.
The improvements include a new roof, exterior paint, new toilets, and a relocated office to accommodate modern scoring technology.
"We've only got the kitchen left to do, really, and it's nowhere near needing to be done. It's just with technology these days, we needed an office off the main club room because we do all the scoring that way."
The club now boasts 160 to 170 members with facilities that can accommodate up to 100 people at once.
The building, owned by the club but situated on council land, also serves as a venue for hire when not being used for bridge activities.
Bridge appeals to players for its mental stimulation and strategic elements, says Sheryl, who describes it as "the world's number one game”.
"It's good for mental stimulation. It's good for logic and strategy and teamwork and partnership. It's got some math’s in it and that sort of thing."
The game's reputation for supporting cognitive health adds to its appeal, with research suggesting regular play may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
The club maintains an active social calendar beyond regular bridge sessions, hosting four tournaments annually and a mid-winter dinner. During winter months, the club also runs Sunday bridge sessions to maximise use of the facilities.
"We utilise the clubrooms a lot."
For existing members, the influx of new players represents an opportunity to refresh the club's ranks and ensure its continued vitality.
The club offers a series of 12 beginner lessons in 2026, followed by a supported introduction to playing at the club’s junior sessions.
Lessons commence on April 14 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, with a second class beginning on April 16, from 10am-noon.
The programme runs over 12 weeks, with the first two lessons free of charge and subsequent lessons just $10 each.
Bridge is a partnership game, and following the lessons, new players are matched with more experienced members for junior sessions.
The club’s aim is to ensure new players are comfortable, and well-supported.
Sheryl says bridge is often described as a “game for life”.
The Taupō club’s history dates back to September 1970, when play began at the Lake Hotel, on the site where Cobb Co now stands.
In 1972, when the former Taupō Golf Club rooms became vacant, the committee arranged to rent the premises.
With its own clubhouse, the club was able to expand its programme and by 1973 was hosting tournaments.
Tragedy struck in July 1990 when the clubrooms were completely destroyed by fire.
Sheryl says through determination, extensive planning and community support, new clubrooms were built and following negotiations with the Golf Club, the Taupō Bridge Club secured outright ownership of the new premises.
The club is affiliated with New Zealand Bridge.
In 2023, the committee raised funds through a variety of initiatives to repaint the exterior of the clubrooms, upgrade bathroom facilities and relocate the office.
Members enthusiastically supported the project, including fundraising through plaque sales, with additional funding secured through grants.
Sheryl sys the club is grateful to NZCT, Pub Charities, Lions Foundation and Grassroots for their support.
Exterior repainting was completed in 2023, followed by bathroom renovations in May 2024, resulting in modern, high-quality facilities and a spacious new office the main clubroom.
The club runs a monthly teams event, with recent learners already participating enthusiastically.
Regular tournaments provide further opportunities to become involved and to meet players from other clubs.
Regular playing sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm, Tuesday afternoons at 1.30pm, and Friday mornings at 11am.
Thursday teams meet monthly at 1.30pm, with afternoon tea and bar facilities.
Sunday sessions (monthly during winter) are at 1.30pm.
The club invites anyone interested to join in 2026 and discover the enjoyment, challenge and camaraderie that bridge offers.
Contact the club on its website www.taupobridge.co.nz or phone Sheryl on 021 0891 8652.