South Bucks Bridge Club
 The Laurie Champniss Bridge Centre.

In 1990, bridge enthusiast Laurie Champniss was looking for suitable premises to convert into a full-time Bridge Centre. He received details of a property known as "The House of Prayer” which had originally been a farm but for the past 70 years had been a convent. The possibilities became apparent as soon as he entered the barn, and the property was purchased by the Champniss family Company, Panstar Properties Ltd.

 Renovation of the Barn

Extensive renovation and rebuilding was needed after purchase to bring the premises up to modern standards. The outer structure of the barn was stripped completely to leave just a skeleton of original beams. Most of the original beams were retained but those completely rotted were replaced with modern oak, every care being taken to ensure that the appearance of the original method of assembly was retained. Insulation was then installed to modern standards before the roof was lowered back on and the walls re-plastered in the original style.

Under-floor heating by means of circulating hot water was installed. In addition, thermostatically regulated warm air is introduced through hidden vents under staircases to the new mezzanine floors which were added at each end. Cooled air can be introduced by means of chillers to allow the barn to be cooled on the few days each summer when it becomes too hot.

The care put into the restoration to keep the buildings with as much of the original character as possible, but with modern standards of comfort, convenience and ease of access resulted in an environmental award from the Burnham Society.

The adjoining farm house was extensively modernised internally to bring it up to modern standards and it now offers several comfortable and attractive small office suites. It is known as Brightwell Grange after a local well (commonly shortened to Britwell in local names).

The Bridge Centre

The new Bridge Centre was opened in 1994 by Peter Stocken, Chairman of the English Bridge Union. Eminent bridge players who have given seminars since then have included Zia Mahmood, Ron Klinger, Andrew Robson,  Tony Forrester and Brian Senior. All agree that this must be one of the world’s outstandingly attractive bridge venues.