FREE Online Bridge Classes for Beginners

Did you know that York Bridge Club are moving from Holgate to Acomb? They are currently building new purpose-built premises in the grounds of Acomb Sports Club. The new clubhouse is due to open in late 2021.

When the new building opens the Club aims to attract a new generation of bridge players who are interested in taking up the game. If you are interested the bridge club would like to get you started straight away with your learning.

To encourage new players to get involved York Bridge Club has launched an initiative to offer free online bridge beginner classes. This is a great way to get rid of the those “lockdown blues” by taking up a new hobby.

Online presentations will be delivered by qualified teachers.  Ten weekly presentations each lasting around 45 minutes commence from 10am on Tuesday 23rd February. They will follow up each presentation the following day by facilitating themed practice of set hands.

All learners need is access to either a desktop, laptop or I-Pad. Instructions and invitations will be provided to registered students on how to access the learning. The Club will issue zoom invitations each week. If necessary, assistance with managing the IT requirement can be provided.

This opportunity is “not too good to be true”. It really is completely free of charge. The Bridge Club just hope learners find bridge compulsive and have an appetite for more when the free 10 weeks programme has ended. Eventually the Club hope you come and join them when their new clubhouse opens.

For more information and to register your interest, please email Mark Dunkley at secretary@theyorkbridgeclub.com.

York Bridge Club new clubhouse

We understand that building works have started at the Acomb Cricket Club site which will see a new clubhouse erected for the York Bridge Club.

The Club says, “The dream of building purpose-built premises in now becoming a reality for York Bridge Club. Work has now commenced in January to build new premises in the grounds of Acomb Sports Club”.

The Club has been based in Holgate Road since 1999 but has outgrown its current premises. The Trustees have been looking to relocate the Club since 2014 but realistically could not compete on the commercial property market. 

There are several examples of bridge clubs across the country that have gone into partnership with Sports and Recreational Clubs. In May 2019 the Club speculatively approached Acomb Sports Club to see if they may be interested in going into partnership by providing land to build a new Bridge Club. The response was positive and after lengthy and productive discussions, both the Sports Club and Bridge Club are pleased with the resulting outcome.

Proposed layout

Both parties strongly believe the fit between the two clubs will benefit all current members and enlarge the opportunities in the local Acomb area and wider community. Stuart Kay, Chairman of the Bridge Club Charity, told us “new purpose-built premises provide a unique opportunity for the Bridge Club to extend its reach and promote the game of bridge. We welcome new members and will provide courses teaching bridge to encourage more people to learn to play bridge or improve their game”.

Acomb Sports Club, an affiliation of Acomb Cricket Club and Acomb Hockey Club, welcomes the build commencement of new premises for the York Bridge Club and their members to the Association. The York Bridge Club will become a third affiliation, furthering the long-term sustainability of the Sports Club.

It is the Sport’s Club’s 95th and the Bridge Club’s 75th anniversary year, so 2021 is an important year in the history of both clubs. Dave Sykes, Chairman of Acomb Sports Club told us “whilst there might be some short-term disruption during the works, the long-term gains for both club’s in the future will be significant”.

The Bridge Club expects completion of the works and to open the new Bridge Club premises in late 2021.

Latest planning applications for the Westfield Ward

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Westfield ward.

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

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114 Wetherby Road Acomb York YO26 5BY

Erection of detached outbuilding to rear to provide annexe accommodation

Ref. No: 20/02387/FUL 

Acomb Sports And Social Club The Green Acomb York YO26 5FG

Conditions 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 20 of 19/02690/FUL

Ref. No: AOD/20/00319 

These relate to the planning conditions for the York Bridge Club’s new clubhouse. Covers drainage, cycle parking, electric vehicle charging, construction management and the materials to be used.

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18 Lown Hill York YO24 3DY

Single storey side and rear extension (part retrospective)

Ref. No: 20/02210/FUL 

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Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning online web site.  http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

NB. The Council no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received

York Bridge Club plans approved

Go ahead given for move to cricket ground near Acomb Green

The bridge clubs planning application to build a replacement HQ at the Acomb Sports and Social Club site has been approved.  The application was revealed in January when the club said that it needed to move from its present base in Holgate.

There are several conditions attached to the approval including a requirement for an electric vehicle charging point.

The hours of operation of the approved use will be confined to between 9am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 8pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays

Full details of the restrictions can be viewed in the decision letter (click)

Many will welcome the provision of a new leisure facility in west York which has suffered a decline in the choices available during recent years.

The Acomb Cricket Club has also had something of a renaissance recently with the team being promoted to the top flight at the end of last season.

Latest planning application for the Westfield Ward

 Below are the latest planning application received by the York Council for the Westfield ward. 

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference 

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Acomb Sports and Social Club, The Green, York

| Erection of single storey recreational building with associated external works and car parking

Ref. No: 19/02690/FUL 

This application has not formally been publicised yet, but details are on the Councils planning web site.

If approved it would see the York Bridge Club move from their premises in Holgate into Westfield. As such it would be the first new leisure facility that the area would gain after a decade which has seen the closure of several local amenities including the bowling club, football pitches at Lowfields, the multi user games area etc.

The single storey building itself is unlikely to be controversial but the site selected is currently allocated, in planning documents, as open sports space. It was last used as tennis courts some 20 years ago.

If the Bridge Clubs current premises in Holgate Road were to be converted into residential accommodation, then it is likely that this would weigh in the balance.

A planning decision is likely in the spring.

Existing Club and proposed new site
Proposed layout

Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site.http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

NB The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received