About Us
History
Christchurch Bridge Clubrooms
1954
The foundation members of the Christchurch Bridge Club were former members of the Crockfords Club committee who, when faced with continued rent increases, decided to purchase their own Club rooms. When a motion to this effect was narrowly lost at a special General meeting, the committee resigned and met on 24 April 1952 to form the Christchurch Bridge Club. In May a property at 319 Cambridge Terrace was purchased for $3,800, and in July, having more than the requisite 50 members, the club became affiliated to the NZ Contract Bridge Association.
In the latter half of 1968, with a vastly increased membership, the club purchased the site at 21 Nova Place. Here the first purpose-designed bridge club building in New Zealand was constructed, at a cost of $41,000, and occupied on 21 August 1969.
It is interesting to note that the 319 Cambridge Terrace and 21 Nova Place sites are diagonally opposite each other, on either side of the Avon River and are a mere 700 metres apart. Coincidentally, the Maori name for the area is Ōtākaro, "the place of a game", so called because Maori children played on the river banks while the adults gathered food.
In November 1975, during extensions and alterations, fire destroyed the clubrooms. However, Bridge continued over the fence in the Christchurch Rugby Club’s gymnasium through to April 1977 during the reconstruction period.
During the 22 February 2011 earthquake the clubrooms were completely destroyed again. With no rooms to operate from, members played at Bowls Papanui, Condell Avenue, until May 2013 when the newly constructed building was opened on 1 June 2013.
Christchurch Bridge Clubrooms
2021
This modern, architecturally designed facility, located just off Barbadoes Street, can be divided into three playing spaces. In addition, there is a teaching room, an administration office, a dealing room, a director’s platform and a well-equipped kitchen and bar. Carparking in front of the building is attractively landscaped with a well-planned traffic layout. Less mobile users can either be dropped off under cover of the portico at the front door or park in reserved spaces nearby.
Annual Reports
To see our Annual Reports and Financial Statements, please refer to the link below.
Club Committee
The committee consists of three officers: President, Vice President, and Treasurer; with six elected committee members.
Marilyn Copland
Vice President
Portfolios: Welfare, Communication, Supported Learning
Ian Southen
Committee member
Portfolio: Tournament
Club Constitution
The Christchurch Bridge Club Incorporated is a registered charitable organisation governed according to its rules as set down in the Club Constitution, registered with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies
Latest News
Canterbury Holiday Pairs: There is no requirement to pre-register for this tournament. You can play all or anyone of the sessions. Note: No concession cards for these sessions as it is a tournament. Partner wanted? Please contact the office if you are wanting a partner for the holiday pairs in January. Sat 3rd, Tues 6th, Thurs 8th January. Holiday Bridge: please refer to the website Home Page and scroll down for session times. Volunteer players wanted for 2026: To be helpers at the beginner lessons or to be a spare player for the sessions. A roster will be made up once we get enough volunteers. See the foyer noticeboard or email the office if you can help. Sessions are Monday and Wednesday evenings Juniors/Tuesday Mornings /Sundays Beginner Bridge Lessons starts Wednesday, January 28 for 13 weeks. Tutor: Shirley Newton Back to Bridge refresher course: Starts Monday, February 2nd for six weeks. Tutor: Leon Meier Need a partner for 2026: Please contact the partner finder for your session: If you require a partner for any session, the following people might be able to help. Please leave a message so that they can return your call. Monday afternoon: Ian Familton - 027 480 1514 Monday night: Peg Butterfield - 388-4286 or 021 0298-4534 Tuesday morning: Players can come without a partner Tuesday night: Janet Keen - 027 463 2005 (ring or text) Wednesday night: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (text only) (Juniors can come without a partner) Thursday night: Sue Southen - 027 489 8572 Friday daytime: Norma Loomes - 027 403 9339 Sunday afternoon: Lizzie Thompson - 384-3636 or 027 647-8215 (All players can come without a partner) If you arrive without a partner, the Club will guarantee a game at the Monday Junior, Tuesday morning, Wednesday Junior and Sunday sessions only. Other grades should use the partner finder. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sharp Defence by Christchurch players in international competitions by Jan Alabaster. Click on the following link to read the article: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/36d370eaw0vv0kiw0n9p5/Sharp-Defence-Updated.pdf?rlkey=obh81hltduoayhrrud7iw0i2p&st=qdznsbo6&dl=0 . (The full article didn’t appear in the last newsletter.) Holiday Bridge Sessions: Open to all! Friday 19 December: 10.20am. BYO Lunch. Sunday 21 December: 1pm Monday 22 December: Afternoon 1pm & Evening 7.20pm Tuesday 23 December: Morning 10.20am & Evening 7.20pm Sunday 28 December: 1pm Monday 29 December: Afternoon 1pm & Evening 7.20pm Tuesday 30 December: Morning 10.20am & Evening 7.20pm Canterbury Holiday Pairs: Proudly sponsored by: Maxwell Plumbing Saturday 3rd, Tuesday 6th, Thursday 8th Jan. All sessions start at 7.20pm No prior entry required. Friday Bridge starts back on January 2nd, 10.20am. BYO Lunch.
Canterbury Regional Committee: The Canterbury Regional Committee is seeking two more volunteers to be part of the Regional Bridge committee. Please contact Sarah Garland (Club member) if you are interested. Club Subscriptions: Invoices have been sent out to members via email. If you have not received an email, please let the office know. Reminder: the sub is $90 if paid before the 31st January, 2026 otherwise it will be $100. Canterbury Charity Pairs: Date: Saturday 13th December. Enter on-line. Canterbury Holidays Pairs: Proudly sponsored by Maxwell Plumbing; Dates: Saturday 3rd, Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th January. Please Note: there is an error in the Match programme book under the Tuesday and Thursday sessions with the Saturday date to confirm it is the 3rd not the 1st Jan as stated). Christmas Bridge Sessions: Monday 22nd and 29th December: 1pm and 7.20pm Tuesday 23rd and 30th December: 10.20am and 7.20pm Sessions are open to all. Handbags: Please can members hang their handbags either on the back or completely under their chair. A member tripped over a handbag strap which caused an injury. 2026 Match Programme Books: These are now available to be picked up from the club. One copy per member. Ron Klinger Seminar: this Friday at 2.15pm. Please contact the office if you are wanting to attend. Cost $25 Friday Night Rubber Bridge: this Friday at 6.30 – 8.30pm, last one for the year. All welcome, no partner required.
Club Newsletters
Christchurch Bridge Club Sponsors and Advertisers
These businesses are supporting our Club:
- Airentals
- Apex Car Rental
- Cunningham Taylor Law
- David Lawrence Real Estate
- Fox & Associates Ltd
- Hamilton Hindin Greene
- John Rhind Funeral Directors
- Maxwell Plumbing
- Papanui Press
- Westende Jewellers
