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Waitemata turns 50!!
WHAT A STORY
On Saturday the 22nd I had the honour of attending the 50th Anniversary of the Waitemata Bridge Club in west Auckland.
The Club’s humble beginnings came about after the Auckland Bridge Club decided to move from the city to a new home in Remuera.
The commute to Remuera was considered too much of an effort. They should try driving in Auckland now.
Initially the Club played out of the Te Atatu Women’s Bowling Club. It wasn’t long before those rooms proved to small.
The Club shifted to the Te Atatu North Community Centre. Logistical issues soon forced the Club to have its own club rooms and a decision was taken to build in Covil Park.
Good things take time and it wasn’t until 1973 that the building costs of $12,000 were confirmed and the project was underway. The club rooms were officially opened on the 8th June 1974.
Due to growing numbers an annex was added in 1977. Some interesting tit bits.
- The table and chairs were made by prisoners.
- 50 years ago annual subscription was $5 and table money 30 cents.
- The Club hosts over 600 hours of competitive bridge annually.
Once again bridge has to be thankful for a group of volunteers who toiled away to create something that still stands today and serves a growing membership.
The Club very much recognises its roots but equally has an eye to the future. Like most of Auckland the west is continuing to expand.
The Club with the support of Jan France, RBM Auckland Northland are putting plans in place to run special programmes to attract new members from the rapidly growing areas in the North West, notably Hobsonville, Kumeu and Whenupai.
We wish them every success
Allan Morris
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