MEMBERS of Worcester Bridge Club played host to a group of French visitors in the second part of their exchange arrangement with their partner-club in the attractive town of Romorantin in the Loire valley.
Following an exploratory visit by the French club’s president Alain Gillier last Autumn, a regular link was set up leading to seven Worcestershire players travelling to France in the summer.
WBC players had three enjoyable sessions of the popular game, as well as some fine meals and trips to the Château of Chenonceau and a ‘dégustation’ of wine at Vouvray, a careful tasting of the product.
City members welcomed their French friends to Worcester for three main sessions of Bridge in three different venues. After a couple of wins for the visitors from across the channel, Mr Gillier paired with Mike Vetch, WBC chairman, at the Barnt Green Café Bridge event – a new idea for Alain to take home to France with him.
The exchange was the brain-child of Steve Garry, who used to play competitive Bridge in Worcestershire, especially at Bromsgrove Bridge Club with his friend Brett Welch.
During the visit, Alain and Steve were invited to play at the club for a new memorial trophy donated by Brett in memory of a former team-mate.
Mr Vetch said: “After saying our goodbyes, plans have now begun for our next visit to Romorantin and a chance for friendships to be renewed.
