Chess club making all the right moves in St Leonards

THE St Leonards Community Space Centre is inviting individuals who like some friendly competition to join their much-loved chess club.

Founded five years ago by local resident Hugh Peters, the St Leonards Chess Club is a community-oriented group which meets every Thursday at 9.30am sharp to joust in a game of chess with fellow members.

Members of the group say the club’s growth is a testament to the game’s appeal, the mateship made amongst the players, and the fact it is a wonderful way for seniors to combat memory loss.

Back in 2015 when Mr Peters and long-time friend and co-founder David Palmer continuously met at a local cafe in St Leonards to play the brain game, it was here where the pair decided to establish the chess club and it has attracted like-minded people ever since.

For Mr Palmer personally, he remembers being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago and how participating in the chess club had been pivotal to minimising the onset of premature dementia as a possible hazard of the condition.

“Chess is a very portable thinking game that helps with my regular mental gymnastics exercises,” Mr Palmer said.

“Through Hugh’s perseverance we established a small group of weekly players which has been of great personal help.”

A lot of credit has been given by numerous members to community space staffer Lynn Blackhall, the so-called “champion” of the club for the way she has helped grow the group.

Ms Blackhall has been able to provide the group with a separate room at the venue, chess sets and hand-sewn storage bags for the chess pieces.

“Chess players of all skill levels are most welcome to join in at any of or meetings,” Mr Peters said.

“I, along with the others, will help beginners and those returning to learn the fundamentals.”

For anyone is interested in giving chess a go, further information can be obtained from Ms Blackhall of the Community Space Centre at 5216 9255.