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A Special Note from Parker and Lisa Ryan

What a great time ....

The Widow Fletcher's Tavern of Hampton NH

Parker and Lisa Ryan and family would like to take this time to announce the sale of our restaurant- Widow Fletchers Tavern.  For the past 26 years, 'Widow's' has been the place for friendship, camradarie and celebration.  Please join us, for one last time, on Wednesday evening, March 11 to reminisce on "all the good times" that we have shared.
We Thank You for your friendship and loyalty!

If you are not able to make it on Wednesday evening, feel free to stop in, anytime over the next week!

Tuesday January 20, 2009
RSBC Member Joe Biden sworn in as Vice-President of the United States of America

Joe Biden was sworn in as Vice-President of the United States ahead of the inauguration of Barack Obama as President, in a scene eerily familiar of his experience at the RSBC.

Royal Society Bridge Club members across the world, and Hampton, NH, come together in the spirit of celebration on this cold January day.  Once again, member pride swells with the inauguration of Joe Biden as Vice-President of the United States.  It is expected that Mr. Biden experienced a strong sense of 'Deja-vu' as he once again pledged to "respect and uphold" his position.

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Bridge Club Chairman and WFT Owner Parker Ryan summed up the meaning behind Biden's previous induction into the RSBC.
"The recitation of the oath of induction into the RSBC has obviously not only proven to be a valuable preparation in member Biden's acceptance of power, but has given him the opportunity to understand the scope of responsibility that now is before him."
Ryan added, "It is sure to be said, Biden's induction ceremony has given him a trial run for today.  It is with his confidence in his recitation of the RSBC oath, he may now pledge his oath to his country with enthusiasm and firm knees."

Joe Biden inducted into RSBC on Dec 4, 2007
Parker Ryan congratulates Joe Biden at his RSBC Induction

Tuesday January 6, 2009
Al Franken wins Minnesota Senate seat in recount
RSBC Member Al Franken wins Senate Seat

By Todd Melby, Reuters News
Tue Jan 6, 2009


MINNEAPOLIS- Democrat and esteem ROYAL SOCIETY BRIDGE CLUB MEMBER  Al Franken beat Republican incumbent Norm Coleman to win the U.S. Senate seat from Minnesota, officials conducting a final recount said on Monday, though the loser promised to challenge the result.

The outcome found Franken edged Coleman by 225 votes out of nearly 2.9 million votes cast, but Coleman's lawyers complained the recount was conducted unfairly and promised a court contest that could take weeks to resolve.

RSBC Member Franken had this to say on his website Alfranken.com, about the victory -

“This victory is incredibly humbling – not just because it was so narrow, but because of the tremendous responsibility it gives me on behalf of the people of Minnesota."

“While the recount process played out, the challenges facing our state and our nation have only grown. With tensions in the Middle East reaching the boiling point, our economy facing its worst crisis since the 1930s, and Minnesota’s middle class families being squeezed harder than ever, it’s clear that we have a lot of important work to do."

“I want you all to know that I’m ready to go to Washington and get to work just as soon as possible. And I look forward to joining President-Elect Obama and Senator Klobuchar in getting our country moving in the right direction again."

A general sense of euphoria spread throughout the halls of the Royal Society Bridge Club this week.  Normally accepting the reality of the long cold New England winter upon them, and twisted with the feeling of post holiday blues, the RSBC members found themselves invigorated and inspired by fellow member Frankens victory.  'Commissioner' Jim Kennedy was heard to exclaim "Bigbooy, That's just great, Biggie."

Gerry Dignam, a grand member of the RSBC, remembers
 "I swore him into the RSBC when he made an appearance at Widow's one Sunday afternoon in 2000 when he was campaigning for then Vice-President Gore (another RSVP member).

I was the MC that day and introduced Al to the gathered crowd...at the conclusion of his remarks. I swore him in to membership in the RSBC with all dignity, propriety, pomp, tradition, ceremony and circumstance accorded such occasions ( and a few well placed "Zingers").

I am sure that the Royal Minister of the Exchequer (Brother Ryan) will attest to Franken's continued status as a member in good standing and his right to all privileges, benefits and responsibilities thereof!!..."

Al Franken visits Widow Fletchers Tavern

Al Franken being inducted into the RSBC by Parker Ryan
A funny thing happened
on the way to the polls
Comedian Al Franken stumps for Gore in Hampton

By Steve Jusseaume
Staff Writer

HAMPTON - Comedian/author Al Franken brought his uniqu, somewhat skewerred brand of humor to Hampton this weekend while stumping for Al Gore for President.
During a one-hour stop at Widow Fletcher's Tavern, Franken, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live, urged more than 50 patrons in the bar at Widow Fletcher's to vote for the Gore/Leiberman ticket, and took a few shots at Gore's opponent Texas Gov. George W. Bush.
He was also sworn in as the newest member of the Royal Society Bridge Club.
Introduced by Gerry Dignam, Franken recalled his past support of (former Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, "until I saw (the movie) "The Killing Fields."  Franken then started in on Bush, noting his record of support og education in his home state.
"The Governor has improved education in Texas.  Now 60 percent of high school seniors read a t ahigher level than that of the Governor."  Franken said.  He the recalled one Bush speech.  "The Governor said
'Rarely is the question asked is our children learning." He's right.  I never heard that particular question asked."  Franken joked.
Relaxed in a red sweater, blue jeans and sneakers, Franken sat on top of a bar table while delivering his remarks, noting his pride that a "fellow" Jew might be in the White House, and his support of Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura (Frankens Home State).
Among the local notables in the impromptu crowd (Franken's visit was set up only Saturday Night) were Hampton Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President Doc Noel, Selectman Brian Warburton, Jim Demers, state senators Beverly Hollingsworth and Burt Cohen, Bill Kennedy and Police Chief Bill Wrenn.
During his stop, Dignam nominated, and Widow Fletcher owner Parker J. Ryan swore in Franken to the Royal Society Bridge Club.  "The club has no dues, no regular meetings, no officers, to be truthful, we don't know who the officers are.  In summary we just don't give a damn."  Dignam said about the quasi-social club that has been in existence since 1983.  Al's kind of club.
"I will cherish this for five or so minutes then I'm leaving." Franken responded.
On a more serious note, Franken urged everyone to get out the vote.  Stressing that New Hampshire is one of perhaps a dozen crucial states, he said a vote for Ralph Nader could throw the state, and the election, to the Republicans.
"This is an important race, and not a state to vote for Nader."  Franken said, noting other "battleground states as Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan.  There is too much at stake in terms of the environment, worker's rights, a woman's right to choose, and appointments to the Supreme Court, to throw a vote to Nader and possibly the election to Bush, Franken said.
Then he ended his brief talk by reminding all Democrats to remind their Republican friends to remember to vote.
"If your friends say I'm voting for Bush, just remind them of the rule change. That Republicans get to vote on Wednesday Nov. 8.  Democrats vote on Tuesday and Republicans vote on Wednesday.  That's what I'm telling my Republican friends, and I think they believe me." Franken ended.

RSBC prepares to open chapter in Washington DC
with election of Obama and Biden to White House

Obama - Biden elected to the White House
The first families
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RSBC member Joseph Biden elected to Vice President of the United States of America
The Royal Society Bridge Club proudly congratulates one of their own, with his historic and commanding win in the 2008 United States Presidential election. 
Joseph Biden, inducted Decenber 2007 into the RSBC, will be inaugurated as Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2009.  Vice President elect Biden and his entire family will be moving into Number One Observatory Circle, the official residence of the Vice President of the United States. Located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., the house was built in 1893 for its superintendent, later becoming the Vice Presidential mansion.

Biden inducted into RSBC- December 4, 2007

Parker Ryan, Senator Joe Biden and Devon Ryan
Parker Ryan, Senator Joe Biden and Devon Ryan

Senator Joseph Biden is sworn into the RSBC
Gerry Dignam, Bob Preston and Sen. Joe Biden

Autumn is here!

The Widow in Pumpkin glory
Click to see Halloween Pics

See the pics from our FRIGHTFUL FRIDAY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Visit page

WEEK 1 Lobster Raffle Winners Announced!
Week 1's Lucky Lobstah Winners!

The legend of the Pijowl

Be astounded by the
incredible legend of the
North American Pijowl!

You gotta know this!
The official website of the Royal Society Bridge club can now be accessed two ways.  We have added the web address/domain www.thersbc.com 
as well as the existing www.royalsocietybridgeclub.com
Spread the word, far and wide!

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Widow Fletcher's Tavern is home to  the Royal Society Bridge Club.
Click the sign above to view our menu and more!

Remembrance of Bill Herlihy

Visit a New Page of Photos.  An Archive of things old and some new!

RSBC News Archives

Obama selects Biden as VP running mate more....

Biden inducted into RSBC more....

John Stephen inducted into RSBC more....

Senators'/ RSBC Members' Copter Makes Emergency Landing more....

Biden sworn into RSBC more....

Hampton's Royal Society Bridge Club thriving.  more....

Al Gore wins Nobel Peace Prize.  more....

For Kerry, RSBC visit brings back reminders.  more....

RSBC member designs Nuclear Resort Community  more....

Visit the RSBC Photo Gallery

Senator John Kerry is inducted.
One more and we're outta here!
Dick Gephart stops by the RSBC
Charles Dickens and an elf
Click to Enter Photo Gallery
Senator Joseph Biden on the campaign trail.
Al Franken talks politics at the RSBC
The Reverend Charles DuGood
Al Gore induction

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Coming Soon!

wilsons horehound beer

Guiness On-tap served here!

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Duplication, reproduction or use of these pages is not permissable without the written permission of the
Widow Fletcher's Tavern, 401 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842 • (603) 926-8800

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