THE simple question of “Want to play some chess?” has been bringing people together in St Leonards for more than a decade.<\/p>\n
The St Leonards Chess Club was founded about 13 years ago by locals Hugh Peters and David Palmer, who first gathered players at a caf\u00e9 to share their passion for the game.<\/p>\n
Nine years ago, the group moved to the St Leonards Community Space, where it continues to meet every Thursday morning.<\/p>\n
The club has about 15 regular and casual members, with players coming from St Leonards, Leopold and Ocean Grove.<\/p>\n
Leopold’s Sam Sopovski is the present club champion but true to the club’s relaxed style, no official records are kept, as the focus is on enjoyment and community rather than competition.<\/p>\n
Stan Rusiniak helps co-ordinate activities and manages the club’s website.<\/p>\n
Mr Palmer said the club’s aim had always been to provide a friendly and welcoming environment.<\/p>\n
“We started our club for people to connect offline \u2014 something relaxed and social, especially for those of us needing a break.<\/p>\n
“Interest in chess has grown since the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, and we hope it inspires more people to pick up the game, whether<\/p>\n
in a park, at a coffee shop, or here at our club in St Leonards.”<\/p>\n
Mr Peters said chess players of all skill levels were welcome.<\/p>\n
“I, along with others, will help beginners and those returning to the game learn the fundamentals.<\/p>\n
“Our slower-paced, informal club could be a great fit for you.”<\/p>\n
He also paid tribute to Lynn Blackall, describing her as the club’s own version of The Queen’s Gambit main character Beth Harmon, as she provided a dedicated room at the Community Space, supplied chess sets, and sewed drawstring storage bags for the pieces.<\/p>\n
The club meets every Thursday from 9.30am at the St Leonards Community Space, Unit 2\/1375-1377 Murradoc Road, St Leonards.<\/p>\n
Membership is $12 per year with a $2 weekly admission fee.<\/p>\n
For more information, phone the St Leonards Community Space Centre on 5216 9255.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE simple question of “Want to play some chess?” has been bringing people together in St Leonards for more than a decade. The St Leonards Chess Club was founded about 13 years ago by locals Hugh Peters and David Palmer, who first gathered players at a caf\u00e9 to share their passion for the game. Nine […]<\/p>\n