Chess club makes right move to new home

Burnley Chess Club have come home to the Belvedere and Calder Vale Sports Club in Holden Road, Burnley. They originally played there in the 1990s when the team was called Calder Vale after the club was launched by Dennis Otter, a former rugby club member.

The club then moved to the former Sparrow Hawk Hotel in Burnley and were re-named Hawks. It was during that time the club won the East Lancashire Chess Association championship and cup competition twice.

After a couple of years the Hawks merged with Burnley Chess Club and had enough members for two teams so the Burnley B team was launched. The B team have been playing at a meeting room at Burnley's Asda store until last season.

This week the club played its first league match against a team from Great Harwood but were defeated 4-1.

But Captain Andrew Clarkson said spirits were not dampened by the defeat and club members were looking forward to the future.

He said:"Our new home gives us a real base to grow from putting chess back in the public eye."

With plans for open nights and interclub competitions Burnley Chess Club is now looking to expand and attract new members and also younger people who want to play a great game of skill, patience, and use of tactics.

Anyone interested in the game is more than welcome and for more information can call Andrew on 07791 968614.