Norfolk Contract Bridge Association

The Norfolk Contract Bridge Association (NCBA) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the game of contract bridge within Norfolk and the surrounding areas in England. Registered as a charity under the number 1171798, the NCBA focuses on supporting amateur sport and recreation by encouraging participation in bridge at all levels.

Objectives and Activities

The primary aim of the NCBA is the advancement of amateur sport through the promotion of contract bridge for the benefit of local residents. This includes organising duplicate bridge competitions, providing bridge news, and supporting local clubs and players in Norfolk. The association strives to make bridge accessible to a wide audience, offering resources for beginners and experienced players alike.

Publications and Resources

The NCBA publishes a quarterly online magazine titled Talking Bridge, which features news, articles, and information pertinent to bridge players in the region. The magazine is distributed through the NCBA website and encourages contributions from members and the broader bridge community.

For beginners, the association provides links to free online lessons by noted UK Bridge teacher Jack Stocken, facilitating learning without the need for prior registration or downloads. These resources are complemented by worksheets and opportunities to practice playing bridge online.

Organisational Structure and History

The association’s organisational framework has benefited from the dedication of long-serving members such as Maureen Kimbley, who played a key role as Secretary for eight years and served as President in 2011. Kimbley notably contributed to securing the charity status of the NCBA in 2016 and was instrumental in maintaining the association's website and publicity efforts.

The NCBA also manages an annual congress event, which has evolved over the years to include novel initiatives like the “Really Easy” event aimed at encouraging less experienced players to participate. The association moved its congress venue to a larger site near Norwich to accommodate growth and improve facilities.

Community Impact

Through its efforts, the Norfolk Contract Bridge Association promotes the cognitive and social benefits of bridge, helping to foster community spirit and provide opportunities for recreation and competition. Its commitment to inclusivity and development of amateur bridge players has made it a central organisation for the bridge community in Norfolk.

This summary reflects the Norfolk Contract Bridge Association’s role as a vital charitable organisation supporting bridge in Norfolk, England[1][2][3][5].

[1] https://www.bridgewebs.com/norfolk/ [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5092351?p_p_auth=RjQS2ixT [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5092351/full-print [4] https://monthly.bridgewebs.com/norfolk/ [5] https://www.ebu.co.uk/biographies/maureen-kimbley