An introduction to the club from our former Chairman, Joe Sharp:
Bexhill Chess Club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2021, having been established in 1896. Membership numbers currently vary around 30 with ages ranging from 9 to seniors in their 70s and 80s. There have been several members even in their 90s who have continued to play good chess (a game which is ideal for keeping the brain active). Meetings are held in St. Marks Community Centre, Green lane, Bexhill-on-sea, TN39 4BZ.
Meetings are currently being held on Tuesday afternoons between 1.00 and 4.00 p.m and on Friday evenings from 7pm till 10pm. Refreshments are provided.
We also have an evening meeting on Fridays for juniors with tuition from 6pm – 7pm that runs during term time only.
Anyone wishing to visit the club can enjoy their first three visits free of charge. After this, should you wish to join the club, the annual membership fee is only £25. Members can pay a £15 monthly subscription which gives them free access to both of our weekly meetings including refreshments. Those members unable to attend regularly may pay a one off session fee of £5 per session.
Junior players enjoy free membership though there is a £5 charge for the Wednesday evening coached meetings.
There is quite a wide range of playing strengths from novice to strong club standard. The Club currently has four teams in the Sussex Chess League. Besides league matches the Club plays friendlies, particularly against historical rivals Hastings & St Leonards Chess Club. Our record against them is good, with 5 wins and 2 losses in recent years. The Club is particularly concerned to attract new members, especially juniors. Beginners are very welcome and coaching can be provided.
The club runs its own in-house standard play and rapid tournaments each year with games being played at our weekly meetings. The club also runs a beach event in the summer including a blitz event, a one day rapid tournament in November and is hoping to add a standard congress to our calendar in the future.
For further information, please contact the club secretary at s.merchant.chess@gmail.com
Or find us on Facebook or Instagram. 🙂