Lorna Watson

I live in Bristol with my husband and sons, all of whom are responsible for me ending up in the bridge world in one way or another. Firstly, my husband persuaded me to learn, so I joined an evening class in the 1990s. At the time I was a training manager, running education conferences and business linked curriculum projects for schools. We had plans to join a bridge club but the arrival of my twins put that idea firmly on the back burner. I continued to play bridge with friends from my evening class and also went off on bridge  weekends.

When my children started school, I began teaching IT in Community Education and also for a local college. I completed my teaching qualifications, including specialist literacy teaching and also gained experience working with adult students who had mental health issues. The adult community education service was under constant threat of closure and during one such time, tutors were asked for ideas for new courses. That’s when my suggestion of bridge was taken up and I have never regretted it. I have seen so many friendships blossom and constantly meet people, out and about or at the club who started in one of my classes and are now completely absorbed by this game.

In my spare time, I try to keep fit with swimming, walking and yoga and I enjoy theatre, music and travel.