Byron Bay’s chess gambit brings outdoor tables to town

BYRON Bay Chess Club looks to have secured a permanent home with a new outdoor playing board fit with giant pieces at Apex Park.

Council recently installed the board after campaigning from chess club founder and president Peter Hanna.

The club had previously moved around and relied on a large quilt to play outdoors.

Hanna took a petition to the council with about 14,000 signatures in hopes of finding a proper space and suitable playing surface.

It has been a 20-year journey with the idea to include regular-sized chess tables overlooking the main beach.

Hanna has taught hundreds of people how to play the game and hopes to now have stability in the club.

“I like to take chess to the people, this allows me to do that,” Hanna said.

“It’s a great spot and we can get big crowds there who enjoy watching what we do.”

Hanna has invested in a new trolley which helps him store the pieces and other equipment nearby.

He has coached juniors in Sydney and said travelling backpackers from Europe often have a keen interest in the game.

Sunday is a popular day among members while Hanna enjoys special occasions such as New Years Eve where they can play early into the morning.

He said teenagers even found time to learn the game during Schoolies Week in November.

“It’s a good place for anyone to get involved and being a transient community, you never quite know who will be there,” Hanna said.

“I was a bit worried during the pandemic when we lost some players to poker.

“Now we’re easily accessible to hundreds of people.

“It’s really exciting, the view of main beach on a sunny day just adds to the beauty.”

Elsewhere, Lennox Head Head Chess Club runs its own events and has moved to Ross Park where it has workshops and introductory sessions.

Both clubs work together to host the Northern Rivers Chess Prize Challenge.

Anyone interested in joining a club can phone Peter Hanna on 0423 353 877 or Lennox Head president Jim Gilchrist on 0425 276 946.