Two lucky members of the Berwick Bridge Club received a unique experience recently after taking their seats in an historic Bridge game at Government House.
Retiring president of the Berwick Bridge Club Mario Prochelle and his wife Lalli were on the guest list, among 160 players and distinguished guests who represented the thriving Bridge-playing community across the state.
The Grand Ballroom at Government House was transformed into a card house, marking the first time the Ballroom – with a length surpassing even the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace – had been set up for Bridge.
Event organiser Laura Ginnan said it was a special day for Bridge players across Victoria.
“This wonderful event, ‘Bridge in the Ballroom’, aimed to celebrate Victoria’s Bridge community and to showcase Victoria’s contribution to the game worldwide,” Ms Ginnan said.
Mario Prochelle was also thrilled to take part, representing his much-adored Berwick Bridge Club community.
“It was a terrific event,” Mr Prochelle said.
“We enjoyed meeting players from across the state for some fun, friendly competition in this historic setting.
“We hope the Governor will host ‘Bridge in the Ballroom’ again next year.”
Bridge is a strategy-based card game and is recognised as a mind-sport by the International Olympic Committee.
Its origins can be traced to the invention of trick-taking games in the 16th century.
Bill Gates is a big fan, and Sharon Stone is learning to play, and Bridge is a passion of local luminaries such as Caroline Wilson and Barry Jones.
In many ways, Victorians have left an indelible mark on the international Bridge scene.
Victoria is home to the first Vice-President to the World Bridge Federation Executive Council and the World Bridge Federation Chief Tournament Director.
The world’s biggest Bridge streamer and influencer, Peter Hollands, is based in Victoria and the world’s biggest bridge podcast, ‘Sorry, Partner’, is also produced in Victoria.
Even in bridge, Victoria is the ‘Education State’ with the State Library of Victoria housing the Bourke Bridge Collection, one of the largest collections of Bridge books in the world.
The benefits of playing Bridge are well-documented.
Bridge stimulates the brain and helps maintain mental sharpness.
It can boost the immune system, and Bridge players are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Bridge is also fun, being a social game that builds community and social connection.
For more information about local games and where you can learn to play, contact Bob Player from the Berwick Bridge Club on 0404 856 255.
Or contact Bridge Victoria via the following details: https://bridgevictoria.au
