Library Launch

Today we launched our new project, aimed at taking chess into Teesside's libraries.

First we were at the Middlesbrough Central Library, where David Smith - a former British Senior Chess Champion - is in charge of the sessions. David's main colleague for the sessions is Paul Weightman and today we also enjoyed the company of Julian Allinson (former Cleveland County champion) and Richard Harris (CSC tutor).

David Smith - long-term supporter of junior chess on Teesside

Shortly afterwards we were at the Stockton Central Library, with Sean Cassidy in charge. Here, we were joined by Alan Stockley and Cleveland Chess Association Chairman Brian Whitaker.

Sean Cassidy in full control

I thoroughly enjoyed both sessions.

We had 27 people between the two groups - a fantastic achievement. The ages ranged from three to...83!

A couple of the juniors were already known to me from our current schools but everybody else was new. Several adults now want to join their local chess clubs and there may be more schools interested in joining the CSC. All of this after just one session in each library!

One of the many good sides to having chess sessions in libraries

The project is an innovative drive to encourage as many people as possible to play chess and it is the first time the Chess in Schools and Communities, the Cleveland Chess Association, local libraries and local chess club clubs have all worked together. Thank you to all concerned, including our extremely important library staff: Ruth Cull (Middlesbrough) and Lucy Carlton-Walker (Stockton).

No easy games today!

The sessions will continue next week and the timings can be found here.

Drop in for game! Spread the word! Be an important part of something very special.