A LONG running club in Gourock is building bridges after making a fresh start in a new venue.

Fort Matilda Bridge Club, which has been on the go for more than 65 years, was forced to move from their old premises due to falling membership and rising energy costs.

But now a year, on the group are settled in the Gamble Halls, with two regular sessions a week, and are hoping to attract players to come along.

Former president Alison Reynolds said: "It has been a great move to the Gamble Halls, and is going really well. It is ideal for us and the staff have been great.

"It is more than a bridge club, it is about getting social and keeping active. We are all enjoying it, but we would like more people to join us."

The group, which has around 30 members, is now hoping that people who have played in the past might want to take the pursuit up again and come along to join them.

They are also keen to encourage people who have never played bridge before to give the game a try.

The Tele reported last year that after the pandemic numbers had dropped and they had to move from their Tarbet Street venue which had been home for 40 years.

READ MORE: Fort Matilda Bridge Club forced to find new home after 40 years

Current club president Sandra Cook said: "All new members will be made most welcome.

"Following the restrictions of the pandemic numbers attending are not what they used to be.

"The club is keen to encourage new members - beginners, improvers and experienced players."

New members do not need a bridge partner and there may be opportunities for tuition if there are enough new starts.

The club holds meetings at the Gamble Halls on a Monday afternoon for improvers and on a Wednesday for face-to-face games, as well as online competitions on Tuesday evenings.

The improver classes are held at 2pm on Mondays, with the Tuesday online games taking place at 7pm and the face-to-face games at the Gamble Halls on Wednesdays from 6.45pm.

To find out more, contact Alison on 07951 542725.