An Ode to Stansfield bridge club

by Richard Langridge

There was I with a pack of cards, and not a partner in sight!

Then I heard a cry from Richard nearby,

"Are you free to play bridge tonight?"

Well, as you all know, that was ten years ago,

And then there were only four.

But time has passed, it goes so fast,

And now we're a hundred or more.

And it's all due to him, sitting over there.

Still looks the same, maybe not so much hair.

But always calm, relaxed, gently cruising.

Personally I put it down to his boozing!

And he sets a certain sartorial tone, with his brightly coloured socks,

Which are offset, mixed and matched with that ghastly pair of croques!

But we must not be snide, we ought not to deride

Or even think ill, of one who's not only over the hill,

But well down the other side.

But without Richard, Mary as well,

How on earth could we ever tell, what it was there was to do

On a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday too.

So now I propose to play the host,

And, with your indulgence, propose a toast.

And, so there's no misunderstanding,

Please fill your glass, get off your arse,

And let's all be upstanding!

Here's to good friends, good bridge, good food,

And all at a jolly good sub:!

So now let us stand, glass in hand,

And, Thank Evans for the Stansfield Bridge Club!! 

6 September 2017