About the West of England

Where the West of England came from
What bridge we play
How to find us

Where the West of England came from

The West of England Bridge Club was founded in 1984 in St. Paul's Road by Jane Preddy, with David Carlisle, John Gallagher and Arnold Taylor as co-directors. It was felt that there was room for another club in Bristol - not a bridge club but a club for bridge players, which should encompass other activities in addition to bridge. The emphasis at the West of England Bridge Club has always been, and still is, not primarily on winning the game but on enjoying it. Initially Joe Amesbury was appointed as the club's professional, but Andrew Thompson took on this role after a short time.

The club became a members' club when owner Jane Preddy retired in 1988 and the St. Paul's Road premises were sold. Initially it moved to a temporary address in Colston Street, but soon moved to the premises we now occupy in the comfortable hall attached to the Polish Catholic Church, Our Lady of Ostrobrama.

How can you find or contact us?

From the M32:
Come off at Junction 3 and turn right (or left if you are coming from out of Bristol). At the traffic lights, bear left and keep going, straight over the roundabout, and on up Ashley Road until you get to the T-junction with Cheltenham Road. Turn right here and, after 200 yards or so, you will see an impressive pillared church building on the left.

This is Our Lady of Ostrobrama. The turning just in front of the church is Arley Hill (although you cannot drive up Arley Hill from Cheltenham Road as this is a one-way street). You can get into the club through a small door on Arley Hill, marked "West of England Bridge Club". The club does not have a car park but there is plenty of free parking available on Arley Hill and on Cheltenham Road.

Address:
West of England Bridge Club, Arley Chapel Hall, Arley Hill, Cotham, Bristol BS6 5RH, England

Telephone:
(0117) 924 4199

The club manager (Mike Elliott) can be contacted on 0117 3306613 or 07528 134095