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NOVERRE - A BRIEF HISTORY
The original club was formed by Peter Soutar in 1962, he was the manager
of the YMCA in Norwich at that time and a keen Bridge player. He decided
to give Bridge lessons to a number of friends and acquaintances, using
the YMCA as a base. This was followed by a second group and from these
two groups the YMCA Bridge Club was formed, meeting every Thursday evening.
As time went on the club became more popular, the committee in those days
being President - Chris Jewson; Chairman - Stephan Cooke; and Secretary
– John Baker.
Philip Cozens took over as secretary in 1971, and shortly after that Peter
Soutar was transferred to Newcastle. His place was taken by a Peter Littlewood
who had no interest in Bridge, and the relationship became rather cool.
In October 1974 the club (now 80 members strong) was able to find much
better accommodation at the Assembly house, and the name was changed to
the Noverre Bridge Club (after the Noverre cinema there).
The club prospered very well and membership rose to about 120 and regularly
had 12 tables plus. Philip relinquished his post in 1977, having seen
the transition through, and was succeeded by Charles Watson, who then
handed on the reins to John Stobart in 1980. By the 1990’s the club
had grown even more and over 20 tables were regularly in play.
Then in 1996 disaster struck – the Assembly house was burnt down.
All the old records were destroyed and the club had to find a new home,
as did the Norfolk & Norwich club (who met on Tuesdays & Fridays).
First stop was Carrow Road, home of Norwich City FC where we did a deal
jointly with the N&N. However the football club increased the room
rent to an unacceptable level, and both clubs decided to move on, the
N&N to the University Sports Centre and the Noverre to the Royal British
Legion. However, this venue was not popular, and attendances fell to the
point where we couldn't afford to stay there. Thus on Thurs 2nd June 2005,
we moved to our current premises at the Norfolk Ski Club.
Thanks to the late Philip Cozens for supplying this information – Les Carver is the last of the 1962 group still playing regularly at the club.