The first President was Alderman Charles H Collett and the Vice President was Sir John Knill Bt, who was Alderman of the Ward of Bridge Without. The Club's third president, Sir George J Cullum-Welsh Bt, became Lord Mayor in 1956.
When the Club was originally formed the members and their guests dined annually but this was later increased to two dinners and two luncheons each year, usually held at. the Fishmongers' or Haberdashers' Halls when the Lord Mayor was invited.
In 1931 the Club's inaugural dinner was held at the Fishmongers' Hall and was attended by 122 Members and their guests. The 50th Anniversary Dinner was held in the same hall in February 1981 and was attended by 176 diners.
The Club now has a varied social programme and meets at least 10 times a year for events ranging from the carol service at the Ward Church (St Magnus the Martyr) to talks of City interest or visits to interesting places like The Eden Project, a weekend in Bruges, the Poppy factory, and concerts and opera at the Barbican. At such events members gather afterwards for refreshment and socialising.
1986 was a landmark for the Club in that the current president, Alderman Sir David Rowe-Ham was elected Lord Mayor and the Club were privileged to participate in the Lord Mayor's Show. The highlight of that year for Club Members, which enabled them to celebrate Sir David's election, was a banquet in the Mansion House in April 1987 that was attended by members and guests who filled the Egyptian Hall to capacity.
Since then the Bridge Ward Club's membership has steadily grown to almost 200 members.
We look forward to celebrating our 75th anniversary during 2005, when the highlight for us will be our annual Civic Luncheon in the presence of the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress. This year the Luncheon will be held in the magnificent Fishmongers’ Hall.
Membership enquiries are welcome – contact secretary@bridgewardclub.org.uk.