Inter Livery Bridge Competition
On a rather dull day in early March it was a pleasure to enter the warmth of Drapers’ Hall for the annual Inter Livery Bridge Competition hosted by the Makers of Playing Cards Company. Carolyn Phillips and I had formed a new partnership to represent Feltmakers’ at this event and we were very much looking forward to a sociable evening.
We were welcomed on arrival by the Master Playing Cards Maker Michael Davis-Marks and shown into the Court Dining Room where tea and biscuits were offered. Play began at 5.30 p.m. in both the Drawing Room and Court Room with players of differing standards and experience in each. We played 24 boards in two sessions, breaking off in the middle to dine in the magnificent Livery Hall where the impressive collection of royal portraits sits under the splendid pre-Raphaelite ceiling painted by the 19th century artist Herbert Draper. The competition momentarily put aside, the conversation with our fellow players over a delicious dinner was friendly, lively and entertaining.
At the end of the first session Carolyn and I were placed in the top half but managed to reach a top position (E/W) at the closing of the second session. Overall we finished 9th out of 56 pairs, which was a very pleasing result. The occasion was great fun, albeit mentally challenging, and made all the more enjoyable by our winning the Improvers’ prize presented to us by Sheriff The Hon Elizabeth Green.
Elaine Howard
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