Last week I received a copy of the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir of the prestigious Lotus Club, Cochin . The Committee that brought it out deserves high compliments for the excellent production, which is not only about Lotus but also a good reference book on the history of Cochin .
Though a member of this club for decades, I didn’t know that W. Somerset Maugham was one among the several illustrious visitors to the club including the Maharajas of Cochin and Mysore, and Lord Linlithgow when he was the Viceroy of India.
Linlithgow actually played tennis at Lotus during a visit to
Bridge is another favorite at Lotus. Prof. Robins Jacob, Honorary Secretary of the Kerala Bridge Association writes, “Lotus Club is credited with the unique distinction of hosting the oldest uninterruptedly conducted Duplicate Tournament in
The souvenir contains an interesting article titled ‘The Club Culture in
The first club outside
These were known as ‘English Clubs’. No Indian was allowed entry to them. This exclusiveness led to the formation of the Lotus Club by Lady Gertrude Bristow. Her husband, Sir Robert was a representative of the British Government who was entrusted with the task of developing a modern port at
The lady was not disheartened, though. With the cooperation of some prominent families of
Lady Gertrude Bristow was the Founder President of the Club, and remained in that position from 1931 to 1941.
Some memories of WW II, Cochin and the 1940s.
Irish planter, punter, soldier, playboy
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