Poppy Pratt, a member of the Blandford Club, explains some of the intricate items that are sewn into this handmade quilt that was raffled off at the Blueberry Bridge at the Blandford Club, Monday. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
BLANDFORD – The Ladies Association of the Blandford Club held its annual Blueberry Bridge yesterday, complete with blueberries for sale, a handmade quilt raffle, and the Ladies’ famous blueberry dessert.
Part blueberry pie, part cobbler, the dessert is made by the Ladies Association members and features a blueberry filling topped by a crust and a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
The event is the Association’s major fundraiser, said Margaret McNeill.
“We do all the interior work at the club,” she said, noting that new windows, painting and decorating the three upstairs bedrooms available for overnight stays at the club, and all interior updates have been completed with the Blueberry Bridge profits.
The Blueberry Bridge began more than 50 years ago, said McNeill. Ladies used to wear fancy hats and white gloves to the event, which was held on the front lawn. Today, 125-150 women attend the indoor event annually to play bridge or Mah Jongg, have dessert, and enjoy the company of friends.
McNeill said members of the Association pick the blueberries locally and volunteers bake the sweet cobblers, run the various raffles, including a table of raffle items, 50/50 style raffle, and the main event – the quilt raffle.
Poppy Pratt said this year’s quilt, handmade by Polly Southwick, has a fruits and vegetables theme. The queen size, brightly colored quilt fabrics include bananas, cherries, strawberries and kiwi, asparagus, tomatoes and a border of peppers.
“It’s a big draw,” said Pratt, a member of the club.
Pratt said she enjoys playing golf and tennis at the club, which is open to the public most days.
“Tuesday mornings are for children,” said Pratt. “I love that! Children come get a lesson from the pro and stay for lunch.”
Tuesday nights, said Pratt, are “Nine and Dine” nights for members of the club and their guests. Thursday mornings are for women members, and Friday afternoons are for men members. Pratt said the public is encouraged to call ahead for tee times.
