Events at this location

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

Dirk and Amelia Powell are a father/daughter duo from Southwest Louisiana.

Dirk is well-known to Irish audiences from his performances with Transatlantic Sessions and his work with artists such as Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Eric Clapton, and many more. He is regarded as a champion of rural Americana, with a focus on the music of his Appalachian roots and his Cajun home, but has longstanding ties with the Celtic music world, as evidenced by his latest CD, “When I Wait For You”, which was released on Vertical Records and produced by Donald Shaw.

Dirk’s daughter Amelia grew up in the bayous of Louisiana, immersed in the musical culture of her grandfather, Cajun fiddle hero Dewey Balfa. Her driving guitar and soulful vocals, as both a lead and harmony singer, are in demand throughout Cajun country and beyond. She has toured internationally since her teenage years. Together, they play music of their Appalachian and Cajun heritage, write and craft original songs, and bring audiences the kind of soulful connection that comes from family playing together with humour, trust, and love.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

Why not join like-minded people to discuss Menopause in a safe and friendly environment. Join our monthly support group for a coffee and chat.

• Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.
• It affects anyone who has periods.
• Menopause can happen naturally, or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown.
• Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
• Menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. These symptoms can start years before your periods stop and carry on afterwards.
• Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work.
• There are things you can do to help with symptoms. There are also medicines that can replace the missing hormones and help relieve your symptoms.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

Why not join like-minded people to discuss Menopause in a safe and friendly environment. Join our monthly support group for a coffee and chat.

• Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.
• It affects anyone who has periods.
• Menopause can happen naturally, or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown.
• Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
• Menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. These symptoms can start years before your periods stop and carry on afterwards.
• Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work.
• There are things you can do to help with symptoms. There are also medicines that can replace the missing hormones and help relieve your symptoms.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

Why not join like-minded people to discuss Menopause in a safe and friendly environment. Join our monthly support group for a coffee and chat.

• Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.
• It affects anyone who has periods.
• Menopause can happen naturally, or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown.
• Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
• Menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. These symptoms can start years before your periods stop and carry on afterwards.
• Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work.
• There are things you can do to help with symptoms. There are also medicines that can replace the missing hormones and help relieve your symptoms.

As part of our Rural Communities Connect Project, funded by The Executive Office, we have been working with Rathfriland Regeneration and Hilltown Community Association to deliver a Conversation Cafe in Chandler’s House. The Cafe connects people from the local area, who have English as a second language.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.

The Game

Bridge – What is it all about?

Bridge is a card game played by 220 million people world-wide and one in fifteen people in the UK alone – it is one of our favourite past-times and is currently enjoying a huge resurgence of popularity. In places like China and Poland, it now forms part of the National Curriculum and it has even been said to stave off degenerative diseases.

Four people play together using one pack of cards for each game, sitting around a table. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they are ‘partners’. If you imagine a compass, North plays with South and East plays with West. A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits.

There are two stages to each ‘hand’ of bridge followed by the scoring.

The first stage of the game is the ‘Bidding’ (sometimes called the ‘Auction’) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible ‘tricks’ it would be sensible to attempt. The bidding uses a special language of only 15 words so precision is needed and communication vital. A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – Aces high. As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘No bid’ and so one player becomes ‘declarer’ – they have to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks. So, if you bid to make eight out of thirteen tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six.

The second stage of the game is the play of the cards. This only involves three of the four players – the fourth player, or ‘dummy’, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to leave the table to make coffee, fetch a beer from the fridge or simply sit back and offer moral support.

There is always an eventual winner in bridge but for most players it is the social aspect of the game and particularly the partnership dynamic that gives bridge its main appeal. The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken, and the highest score at the end of the game wins.

There are two main forms of bridge – ‘Rubber’ bridge and ‘Duplicate’ bridge. Rubber bridge is played in homes throughout the land and is the way almost everybody starts out. The object of Rubber Bridge is to win the best of three games and it is probably the most sociable form of bridge. Duplicate bridge is the way in which most competitions are run – everyone has the same cards and you are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins.

Bridge is a game that needs to be learnt but is enjoyed from the very outset. Whichever form you play, rubber or duplicate, bridge is hugely stimulating for the brain and highly addictive.