Thursday 12th May 2022
Running a chess club isn’t easy. It takes time, dedication, money and above all it needs players to play for it. We have been exceptionally fortunate this year in so many ways. We have ‘el Presidente’ on hand to run the club and we have so many members that help us to pay for our venue.
Having played so many games, the equipment is bound to wear out and get run down so somebody on the Parish Council suggested that we contact the Borough Council. After a long process, ‘el Presidente’ was contacted by two Borough Councillors – Councillors Taylor and Baines, each offering to pledge an incredibly generous £250 each. More money was offered by both but quite simply, we just needed some fresh equipment for the club. Our leader started sourcing new equipment straight away from Chess & Bridge in London and within a week, some new equipment had arrived and the Councillors were invited to come and present the equipment to us and perhaps even have a game of chess – a notion that was welcomed by both of them.
On arrival, ‘el Presidente’ welcomed the Councillors, explained who we are and what we do and before long Councillor Taylor was sat down opposite one of our younger players – Marcus (aged 9). To her credit, Cllr Taylor was very keen to play a game having not played for a few years. Cllr Baines was very happy to take a watching brief and acknowledge just how intricate the game of chess is.
A long game ensued with some good piece development, and quite a few moves were played before any pieces were captured. (We are looking for players Cllr Taylor!) Marcus did a good job of gaining space on the board and Cllr Taylor was eventually checkmated after several moves – a lot longer game than both players thought!
All in all, an enjoyable evening took place with some fun, laughter and chess – all that we can ask for as a chess club.
Anstey Chess Club 