The Huntsville Hospital Marathon Bridge Club is celebrating their 50th anniversary, and 50 years of supporting the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary.
Proceeds from club memberships are donated to the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary. More than $48,000 has been donated since the club’s inception 50 years ago—there were 13 years in the club’s history when donations weren’t recorded so the club believes that total is actually well over $50,000.
Most of the club’s members are retired as games are during the day, and they play bridge as a way to keep their minds active while socializing and catching up with fellow club members.
While many bridge clubs can be quite serious, the Marathon Bridge Club runs a more relaxed club.
“It’s a great way for people new to town to socialize,” said Diane Litchfield. “You end up meeting at least 20 other couples throughout the year and it gives you an in to local life.”
Litchfield has been a member for more than 40 years and her mother was one of the club’s founding members.
The club still has two of its original members, Betty Bennett and Jean Reynolds, from its first year—which was organized by Isabel Kellock, Joy Evans and Mern Parker in 1969.
For its first few years, the cost to play was 50 cents per game. In 1975, club fees rose to ten dollars per year. Members now pay $40 per year to play.
The Marathon Bridge Club is an all-women club but there are other mixed clubs as well as all-men’s clubs in the community. They have nearly 50 members and meet every 10 to 14 days. Games are played at the members’ homes in groups of four.
“I love getting to enjoy the company of all the different players,” said Litchfield. “Some you only see once or twice a year but it’s always a nice relaxed social afternoon.”
The club is organized by current committee members Beryl Clayson, Marj Wilson and Marg Wood.
Anyone interested in playing is encouraged to bring their own partner as it’s a team activity. Membership is $40 for the year. To join this year, contact Beryl Clayson at 705-789-5110 no later than August 31 as the schedules are being made up soon.
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