Claremont by Foxymoron

Our club held its duplicate this week in support of the Claremont Project, a local charity that provides day facilities for the older residents of Islington. It arose from the Claremont Methodist Free Church on the same site as the current building, which has not changed hugely since 1907.

In 1902, after the London Congregational Union acquired Claremont Chapel on Pentonville Road, plans were hatched for the formation of a settlement on the lines of Toynbee Hall, to have 'a rather important Entrance Hall or Vestibule as a means of approach from White Lion Street'. This scheme soon grew to encompass a complete new building in place of Nos 24–27 White Lion Street for the LCU's Central Mission. It was realized in 1906, as the Claremont Institute. The architect was Alfred Conder, who also designed the two-bay extension on the west side, built in 1910, once the site of No. 27 had become available.

The oldest picture I can find of the building shows most of the original facade:

The prestigious surname Claremont comes from the majestic region of Dauphiné, in France. There is a Claremont House in Esher with National Trust gardens. A Claremont Methodist Free Church can be found in places as far apart as Wallasey and Newquay. There are towns, schools and churches worldwide with the Claremont name, some of which will have the same origin.

But back to the bridge. 

No pair bid the excellent Six Clubs on this hand. I wholeheartedly support the Robot's choice of a strong jump shift over 1D, of 3C, showing a good suit. Now, it is a good idea to play that 4C is Minorwood, an asking bid in clubs, a little like Roman Key Card Blackwood. The normal responses are 4D= 0/3, 4H = 1/4, 4S = 2 without the queen and 4NT = 2 with the queen. North would bid 4NT on this hand, as having seven clubs it should show the queen. Of course this would be pearls before swine playing with a robot, and it just bid game.

"Cast pearls before swine" (from the series of "Flemish Proverbs").

Drawing by Pieter Brueghel the Younger (1564–1638).

In like manner the mysteries of the truth, that is, the pearls, are not to be given but to such as desire the truth and live with human reason. If then you cast them to the swine, that is, to such as are grovelling in impurity of life, they do not understand their preciousness, but value them like to other worldly fables, and tread them under foot with their carnal life. - Matthew 7:6

If you don't use Minorwood, then you might just jump to 6C as South immediately. What you don't want to do is play 5C at matchpoints, as over half the field did.

The duplicate raised over £400 for the Claremont, for much-needed medical equipment for the centre, including a vital defibrillator. 

The centre offers a range of classes and events. Membership is free (although donations are welcome) and there is a range of special events and online classes. It is hoped to resume face-to-face classes at some point. More information at www.claremont-project.org