A new chess club is going from strength to strength, but its first official fixture proved a daunting task at the board.
The “Chronicle” reported last year how game fan Mo Scholes wanted to launch a club in Congleton, the town’s previous one having folded 40 years ago.
Thanks to some funding from Congleton Town Council and with an enthusiastic response following news that a new club had formed, 10 players now meet regularly, and Mr Scholes is keen for younger chess fans to join in.
The new chess club initially met at Congleton Leisure Centre, which had “excellent facilities”. But owing to costs, the club has now moved to a new venue – Orso Lounge, on Bridge Street.
Following its launch, the club was given a cash grant from the town council for boards and chess sets, and there have been plans for a fundraising match between the club and a town hall team.
In an update on how the chess club is progressing, Mr Scholes said: “We have continued to be inclusive and supportive of all new players and usually get around 10 players when we meet – and I have particularly enjoyed the coaching I do with all age groups.”
He also represents the club at Mossley CoE Primary School, where he supports the after-school chess club.
“The pupils are an absolute pleasure to support in their chess development,” said Mr Scholes.
He has also visited clubs in Crewe, Middlewich and Kidsgrove.
Added Mr Scholes: “It is clear the potential for the club to grow is great. We would love to get more parents bringing children and teenagers to play as the venue itself is family-friendly, and we play in a sociable way.”
The club’s first official fixture took place at Orso Lounge on Wednesday. This was an exhibition match when James Hanlon, secretary of Middlewich and Holmes Chapel Chess Club, took on four of Congleton’s best players simultaneously.
Mr Hanlon is rated 1900 plus in competitive chess, while his opponents had no ratings at all. A 1900 chess rating signifies a very strong club player, although a little below professional levels of 2200 and over; elite Grandmasters are rated 2500+. Mr Scholes said: “James triumphed across all four boards, and then sportingly invited everyone to have another go! This allowed one of our most promising young players, Ben Borg-Heffernan, to shine and grind out a well-deserved victory, the final score being James seven, Congleton one.”
Chess players are invited to the club’s meetings each Wednesday at 7pm.
For more information about joining the chess club email mscholes73@gmail.com.
(Photo: Mo Scholes).
