Sunday 3 April 2022

Chess Club returns to Wembley after 68 years absence - opportunities for all ages

 

Website: www.willesdenchess.co.uk

Email: FULTON790@aol.com

Willesden and Brent Chess Club started a chess night at Chalkhill Community Centre early last month and is looking for new members.

Wembley had its own Club from 1921 until 1954 but the Willesden and Brent Club concentrated on the south of the borough and admit that Wembley has been poorly served.

That is all going to change now with the group effectively now running a Wembley Club every Wednesday that will introduce the game to a new generation of players.

The new venue is in stark contrast to one of Wembley Chess Club's previous homes:

 

Chalkhill Community Centre/Welford Centre 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, HA9 9FX

Photograph from 'A History of Chess in Brent'


Generally, the accepted age range for Juniors is a minimum of 6 years old  and a a maximun  age of 17. If there is a history of chess in the family the absolute minimum could be 5 years old depending  on the ability of the child to concentrate on increasingly complex games. 

Membership normally runs from early September until late June the following year (January until June this year). Membership entitles you to attend club nights every week and to play in league matches and club tournaments.

Tuition is offered by a certified DBS chess trainer, for juniors as well as adults.

Beginners and players of all abilities are very welcome.

First three visits are FREE!

The Chess Club will be a welcome addition to the many varied activities that take place at Chalkhill Community Centre.

The Chalkhill Community Centre is an short walk from Wembley Park Station (cross the road at the Bridge Road exit, turn left and then right at Paddy Power).

Buses 83, 182, 206, 297 stop on Bridge Road.


1 comment:

Philip Grant said...

It is great news that a chess club for people of all ages in the local community has opened at Chalkhill Community Centre.

I learned to play the game at an after-school club in the 1960s, and really enjoyed it. It was fun trying to out-manoeuvre an opponent, but it was good exercise for the mind whether I won or lost.

For many years, as a student and after, I had a plastic "pocket chess set", and there was usually a set available in the common room at youth hostels where I stayed on walking and cycling holidays.

Later, I taught my daughters to play chess - they picked it up quickly, and were soon beating me (much to their delight). But it is probably 25 years since I last played, so the news of a local club, for people of all abilities, is very welcome.

Anthony, who wrote "A History of Chess in Brent", had been in touch with me about that project. I've heard from him that the Willesden & Brent Chess Club is hoping to apply for a "Love Where You Live" grant, which is aimed at new clubs (like the one at Chalkhill) that wish to build their capacity.

In order to apply, they need statements from at least 10 Wembley residents, willing to state there is a need for a chess club in the area. They will get a statement from me!

If you wish to support them too, in their efforts to make the game of chess accessible to local youngsters (and oldies!), please contact Anthony Fulton (see email address in the blog above).