The original club was formed by Peter Soutar in 1962, he was the manager of the YMCA in Norwich at that time and a keen Bridge player. He decided to give Bridge lessons to a number of friends and acquaintances, using the YMCA as a base. This was followed by a second group and from these two groups the YMCA Bridge Club was formed, meeting every Thursday evening.
As time went on the club became more popular, the committee in those days being President - Chris Jewson; Chairman - Stephan Cooke; and Secretary – John Baker.
Philip Cozens took over as secretary in 1971, and shortly after that Peter Soutar was transferred to Newcastle. His place was taken by a Peter Littlewood who had no interest in Bridge, and the relationship became rather cool. In October 1974 the club (now 80 members strong) was able to find much better accommodation at the Assembly house, and the name was changed to the Noverre Bridge Club (after the Noverre cinema there).
The club prospered very well and membership rose to about 120 and regularly had 12 tables plus. Philip relinquished his post in 1977, having seen the transition through, and was succeeded by Charles Watson, who then handed on the reins to John Stobart in 1980. By the 1990’s the club had grown even more and over 20 tables were regularly in play.
Then in 1996 disaster struck – the Assembly house was burnt down. All the old records were destroyed and the club had to find a new home, as did the Norfolk & Norwich club (who met on Tuesdays & Fridays). First stop was Carrow Road, home of Norwich City FC where we did a deal jointly with the N&N. However the football club increased the room rent to an unacceptable level, and both clubs decided to move on, the N&N to the University Sports Centre and the Noverre to the Royal British Legion. However, this venue was not popular, and attendances fell to the point where we couldn't afford to stay there. Thus on Thurs 2nd June 2005, we moved to our current premises at the Norfolk Snowsports Centre.

Thanks to the late Philip Cozens for supplying this information – Les Carver is the last of the 1962 group still playing regularly at the club.

Congratulations to Ivan Green & John Stobart for winning the Soutar Trophy.

Also congratulations to John Hovell for winning the Amies Trophy (New Partner)

Tables showing these results are under "Membership" on the Menu

NOVERRE BRIDGE CLUB

TROPHY WINNERS – SEASON 2011/12

(NB – Trophy season runs from September to August)