THE ancient game of chess is undergoing a resurgence in Redditch as part of the wider global revival in board games.
There has been a chess club in Redditch since the 1880s and probably much earlier.
The local club has been able to trace much of its history going back to the Victorian chess champion Joseph Henry Blackburne who visited the town in the 1890s, up to Grandmaster Jon Speelman who visited the club in May this year.
Following hot on his heels will be International Master Robert Bellin who will be visiting for a lecture and coaching session in September.
The Redditch club was probably at its strongest in the 1980s when they won their division of the Birmingham League.
However members say the game is undergoing a major resurgence in the town with a team competing in the first division of the Worcester league and winning promotion in the Birmingham League.
Redditch player Nigel Towers also competed in this year’s British Chess Championship in Llandudno.
Redditch chess club meets on Tuesday evenings during the season from September to June in St John’s Hall, Greenlands Avenue in Redditch.
New members or occasional players are always very welcome.
Visit www.redditchchessclub.weebly.com for more details.
