Summer bridge in the Devonshire countryside

8th - 12th July 2021

Retreat to the stunning Devonshire countryside on this summer holiday, based just a short stroll away from the picturesque town of Tiverton.

Bridge directed by Colin Simcox and hosted by Christine & Stewart MacFarlane
4 nights at the highly recommended Best Western Tiverton
Beautifully light and spacious Bridge room
Complimentary use of the local leisure centre’s facilities including gym and swimming pool
Plenty to explore nearby including Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks
Ideal for golfers with an 18-hole course nearby

Summer bridge in the Devonshire Countryside

Join Colin Simcox on this summer Bridge holiday in the heart of the delightful Devonshire countryside. Lying in the Exe Valley, the market town of Tiverton is a gateway to both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, and when not playing Bridge there’s plenty to explore.

The historic Grade one, Bicton Botanical Gardens have been conferred with the highest conservation status by English Heritage. Knightshayes Court, a fine Victorian House belonging to the National Trust is worthy of a visit, as is Powderham Castle, which has been the family home of the Earl of Devon for over 600 years. Golfers will appreciate the 18-hole course at Tiverton, considered one of Devon’s finest parkland courses.

We’ll be staying in the comfortable Best Western Hotel, which is just a pleasant stroll from Tiverton’s picturesque town centre. It is highly recommended on Trip Advisor, with a certificate of excellence, as well as with our own First for Bridge and Arena Rail guests who praised the excellent dining, and welcoming staff. We play Bridge in a beautifully light and spacious bridge room, and guests can enjoy the comfortable bar area with sofas and armchairs, ideal for gathering before and after bridge sessions.

What to expect from this Bridge holiday:
Make your own way to our hotel where, if numbers will allow, we will offer an ‘Early Bird’ afternoon session on the day of arrival.

At the start of your Bridge holiday you’ll be invited to join our Bridge director and host for a welcome meeting in the hotel. Any single travellers will have the opportunity to find a partner for the Bridge room.

Our Bridge programmes will vary according to the length of your break, and, in addition to playing Bridge, we try to include interesting Bridge seminars, hosted by your Bridge Director.

Your duplicate Bridge will be available every evening between 7.45pm and 11.15pm and we endeavour to vary these evening sessions, balancing between teams and pairs.

Bridge will also be offered some afternoons between 2.30pm and 4.45pm. These sessions are normally given over to open pairs/teams.

During your Bridge holiday nothing is obligatory, and you can play in as many, or as few, Bridge sessions as you wish. We don’t forget you are on holiday and our Bridge programmes also allow time to relax and the opportunity for you to explore the surrounding area.

Colin Simcox

Colin Simcox is an EBU Panel Director who can be seen at many events, especially across the West Country and Wales.

Colin was fortunate to learn bridge whilst at school, now some 40 years ago. He has been playing regularly ever since and has represented Somerset in the Tollemache Cup on many occasions, as well as the Corwen Trophy and Pachabo. A former Space Planning manager, Colin is now retired and enjoys travelling to warmer climates with his wife Marilyn in their trusty motorhome.

Christine MacFarlane

Christine has been on the EBU panel since 2010 and has assisted with running many congresses over the years; more recently concentrating on the Really Easy and Progressive events to encourage newer players to play competitively. She runs her own Bridge club in Bath and has been teaching Bridge there since 2007. She has introduced many players to this wonderful game. She has experience of running Bridge holidays and working on cruise ships as the Bridge Instructor/Director. She believes Bridge should be both sociable and challenging.

Christine is originally from New Zealand but now lives in Somerset with her husband Stewart. When not directing or teaching Bridge, their new hobby (since lockdown) is exploring the old railway lines of Somerset.

Overview

Set in two and a half acres of mature gardens on the edge of the delightful market town of Tiverton, the Best Western Hotel is ideally located being just 7 miles from Tiverton train station and with public transport links close by. The hotel’s Gallery Restaurant serves a full English breakfast with locally sourced produce. Dinner is a 3-course carvery-style menu with a choice of starters served at the table, buffet-style main course, and choice of desert from the desert table with tea or coffee. Drinks can be enjoyed in the hotel’s comfortable bar. There is complimentary parking on site with electric car charge point, and hotel guests have complimentary use of the pool and gym at the nearby Exe Valley Leisure Centre in Tiverton.

Room Facilities & Amenities

En-suite bathroom featuring bath with shower over
Heating
Flat screen Satellite TV with iPod docking
Hairdryer
Complimentary WiFi
Telephone
Tea/Coffee making facilities
Iron & ironing board

Please note: The bedrooms are situated on the ground and first floor. There is no lift to the bedrooms on first floor which is accessed by approx. 20 steps, so please advise us if you require a ground floor room.