Stonehaven Chess Club, a key part of the local community, is celebrating after being awarded £3,060 in National Lottery funding to expand its activities and enhance its presence in the area.
The club, which meets every Wednesday evening from 19:00 to 22:00 at St James Episcopal Church, will use the funding to purchase new chess equipment, develop a dedicated website, and host blitz and allegro competitions. Additionally, the club plans to participate in local festivals and markets to increase visibility and encourage more people to experience the joys of chess.
Stonehaven Chess Club proudly represents the town in competitive chess, competing in both the Scottish National Chess League (SNCL) and the Tay and Fife Chess Association (TAFCA) league. These competitions provide members with opportunities to test their skills against players from across the country while building camaraderie and experience.
Originally founded by Paddy Coffield, the club has been an integral part of the town’s history. It was recently revitalised by Lewis Matheson, who has worked to provide a welcoming space for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels, fostering a spirit of camaraderie through regular matches, advice-sharing, and game analysis.
Lewis Matheson, organiser of the Stonehaven Chess Club, says:
“We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our efforts to make chess a key part of community life in Stonehaven. This funding will enable us to take our club to the next level by improving our resources, increasing visibility, and hosting exciting competitions. Thank you to National Lottery players for supporting local groups like ours!”
Paddy Coffield, founder of the Stonehaven Chess Club, adds:
“Chess is going through a bit of a renaissance at the moment, and we would like to offer our support to help develop the game in local schools. We’re keen to inspire the next generation of chess players, starting with primary and secondary pupils. Some of this Lottery funding will go towards organising tournaments for young people this year.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes, has a long history of supporting local initiatives that bring communities together. Last year alone, the fund awarded over £686 million to projects across the UK, helping more than 13,700 groups bring their ideas to life.
To find out more, visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk.