Members of a longstanding bridge club have celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Bungay Bridge Club, formed back in 1984 by Mary and Ralph Tipler along with a robust group of game aficionados including Roy and Sheila Spall, Harry and Vivienne Vincent, John Cook and William Kent, has celebrated its 40-year milestone.

The club's initial meetings took place in a small, attic-like room at the Angel public house on St Mary's Street.

However, as the attraction of the game grew, a decision was made in the early 1990s to move to larger premises at The King's Head pub on Earsham Street.

The 40th anniversary saw a celebration of the club and its members The 40th anniversary saw a celebration of the club and its members (Image: Submitted)

Under Mr Tipler's watchful eye, the club organised competitions with other nearby bridge clubs in areas such as Framlingham and Roydon, fostering a healthy spirit of non-stringent competition.

After some years the club was forced to move to the Fleece on St Mary's Street due to a change in The King's Head’s management.

The third relocation only bolstered the spirits of the club, as the hosts at the Fleece, Bev and Laurie, provided personalised care and significantly upgraded a room with new tables, chairs and carpet.

Despite eventually having to leave the Fleece due to brewery renovations, the members saw this as yet another opportunity for growth and voted to move the club to the village hall at Mettingham.

Mary and Ralph Tipler started the club in 1984 together with other enthusiasts for the game including Roy and Sheila Spall, Harry and Vivienne Vincent, John Cook and William Kent Mary and Ralph Tipler started the club in 1984 together with other enthusiasts for the game including Roy and Sheila Spall, Harry and Vivienne Vincent, John Cook and William Kent (Image: Submitted)

Throughout these various relocations, the congenial and inviting ambiance of the club remained a distinct feature, drawing in new members of varying age groups.

Even though the club refrains from affiliations and lacks a formal constitution, it has thrived significantly over its 40-year existence.

With many of the members actively participating well into their nineties, the average age of members is now said to be significantly lower, indicating the constant and welcome introduction of newer, younger membership.