Chess is not just alive but flourishing in Rossendale, with the local chess club showcasing vibrant and active participation. A visit to one of their club nights at the Bacup ABD Centre reveals a lively scene where juniors gather to meet and enjoy playing chess across the board.
Family Open Night Draws Crowds
In early March, on a dark evening, the club hosted an inaugural open invitation for families to introduce their children to a real chess club, surprising everyone with its success. Mums, dads, and kids flocked in, creating a squeeze, yet everyone was smiling. Amidst the tea, orange juice, biscuits, and what can only be described as 'managed mayhem', people of all ages were busy moving chessmen. With an age range spanning from Year 5 to 88, the night proved that chess is the ultimate leveller, bridging generational gaps.
Dispelling Myths About Chess Clubs
The image of chess clubs being frequented mainly by old men is fallacious. While it is true that players must sit still for long periods to complete a match, most world champions and grandmasters are young men and women—many of whom started their careers at a very early age. How many of Rossendale's youngsters will progress to those giddy heights? Time will tell, but the club is fostering a supportive environment for growth.
Young Talent on the Rise
Already on the route to success is Isaac Wong, a junior member with 12 months of experience behind him. Isaac enjoys challenging senior players and shows a natural aptitude for the game. A regular at junior congresses and competitions across the county, he was recently selected as top-board for Lancashire in last week's Under-9s Inter-county tournament on the Wirral, marking a significant achievement for the club.
Club Details and Invitation
The club meets every Tuesday evening at the ABD Community Centre in Bacup. Currently, most juniors attend from 7pm to 8pm, while older members play from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. New members and families are always made very welcome. Even if you don't play chess, tea and biscuits are in copious supply. And as the kids will chorus—'Knights are evil!'—the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive.
Located in Bacup, with connections to Rawtenstall and Haslingden, the club continues to grow, offering a space for chess enthusiasts of all ages to connect and compete.
