OAKINGHAM BRIDGE CLUB HISTORY
In the autumn of 1984, among the Further Education Classes on offer at Montague House in Wokingham was a BRIDGE class run by VALERIE HURST
Under her expert guidance, the course succeeded not only in greatly enhancing play but also in encouraging a very considerable enthusiasm for the game.
Valerie found herself with about forty very keen players at the end of the course. She kindly offered to establish a regular bridge club at Montague House. The students contributed ideas towards the name.
It was decided to adopt Oakingham, the old name for Wokingham. - The first session was on Wed, 25th Sept 1985, at the back of Montague House.
♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ OAKINGHAM BRIDGE CLUB WAS BORN ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣
Initially, Valerie ran the club single-handedly. The club, of course, had no initial funds so a Building Society a/c was set up to allow the weekly table fees to build up. Such funds were, of course, inadequate to purchase playing equipment. Valerie generously donated the playing cards and wallets for the ten tables, whilst a member typed, photocopied and trimmed the travellers and score cards.
In 1987, The Founder’s Trophy was presented for the ‘best pair’ during the year
The parking was limited at Montague House, so the club moved to Pinewood.
The first session was on Wednesday, 22nd June 1988.
The club rapidly became more formalised with an elected committee, membership fees and professional table documentation.
The club decided to introduce a second session on Fridays
This was introduced in January 1992
In 1994, the Chairman's Cup was donated
There was now a trophy for each of the two sessions. (See Roll of Honour)
Over the years, Bidding boxes were introduced and the scoring was no longer done by hand.
In 2005 the club celebrated its 20th anniversary
A very enjoyable party was held where Mementos were presented to all founder members who had maintained continuous membership for 20 years.
The club moved into a newer era in 2009 when it introduced its own website.
In 2010 the EBU introduced its Pay 2 Play system and the club voted to affiliate.
This new technology was further enhanced in 2012 when a member very kindly funded the purchase of all the equipment required to allow the club to enjoy wireless scoring. In 2013 a dealing machine was purchased giving computer-generated hands which could be viewed online after play.
2020 and Covid meant members could no longer meet face to face. Realbridge was introduced and the club members voted to continue playing online when the Covid restrictions were lifted.
The Club now attracts members from a wide area. It continues to move with the times, and members enjoy playing in a friendly and well-organised environment.
Further contributions from members would be warmly welcomed as they may have memories they wish to share. Please send them to the club Secretary.
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