Wymondham Abbey

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Wymondham Chess

Friday evenings at the Feathers Public House, Wymondham

Est. 1956

Join us this Friday

About

A club that's been playing chess since 1956

The Wymondham Chess Club meets most Friday evenings at the Feathers Pub in Wymondham.

Junior sessions run from 17:30 to 19:00 at Wymondham Central Hall, with senior play starting at 19:30 at The Feathers. Parking is available at the rear of the venue.

Feathers, Wymondham

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Juniors

Wymondham Junior Chess Club

A community initiative dedicated to fostering the strategic game of chess among young minds. Former junior members have gone on to compete in the Norfolk Chess League at regional level.

New players are assessed and placed in a group matching their skill level, so everyone is challenged without being out of their depth. Mentorship sits at the heart of the club — guidance comes from seasoned players, many of whom started exactly where new members are now.

The club is open to all. A first session is free; after that, membership is £40 a year, which goes toward running the club and keeping the experience high-quality for everyone.

Central Hall, Back Lane, Wymondham — parking to the rear
Fridays, 17:30–19:00

Sign up via the form below
Chess Game

Junior Q&A

Wymondham Junior Chess Club FAQ

Where is the club held?

The Junior Club get together every Friday from 17:15 - 19:15 at Central Hall, Back Lane, Wymondham Central Hall NR18 0QB located next-door to Wymondham Library. https://www.wymondhamcentralhall.org.uk/

Is there an age limit?

There is no strict age limit for joining our club. However, it is a requirement that children in Year 6 and below be accompanied by an adult during club activities. This ensures their safety and comfort, and helps them gain confidence as they interact with their peers and mentors. Parents are welcome to relax in The Feathers bar area while their children are participating in the activities.

What if I'm shy or nervous about joining the club?

It’s perfectly okay to feel shy or nervous, especially when you’re new. We understand that it can take some time to get comfortable with new surroundings and people. That’s why we have a mentorship program where previous junior members act as mentors within the club. They are there to help you settle in, answer any questions you might have, and make you feel at home. Remember, every chess master was once a beginner. We’re all here to learn and grow together!

Is there a membership fee?

Yes, there is a £36.00 membership fee to attend the junior club. We believe in making chess accessible to everyone, which is why we offer a free introductory session for all new members. Alternatively, after the introductory session, you can opt to pay a nominal fee per session if you do not wish to become a member,

Is there a safeguarding and welfare officer at the club?

Yes, we take the safety and welfare of our members very seriously. We have a dedicated Safeguarding and Welfare Officer who is SENDCo at Acorn Park School and responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for all our members. If you have any concerns or issues, please feel free to approach our officer for assistance. safeguarding@wymondhamchess.com

Can I be a complete novice?

To ensure that young people gain the maximum benefit from our Club, we recommend that they have a foundational understanding of chess. This includes familiarity with the various chess pieces, their respective movements, and the rules for promotion. There is a wealth of excellent resources available, including children’s books and online videos, which can help children acquire these skills. With little practice, these fundamental aspects of chess can be mastered within only a few weeks

Can chess help with cognitive development?

Absolutely, chess can be a significant booster for a child’s cognitive growth. It challenges the brain to exercise vital functions such as memory, concentration, and the ability to recognise patterns, which are essential for intellectual development.

Do I need to bring my own chess equipment to the club?

No, there’s no need to bring your own chess equipment. Our club is fully equipped with plenty of chess boards and pieces for everyone’s use. Just bring your enthusiasm for the game and we’ll provide the rest

Does chess improve academic ability?

Chess has been shown to improve problem-solving skills, which are directly applicable to subjects like mathematics and science. It also enhances logical reasoning and critical thinking, both of which are valuable across various academic disciplines

What behaviour is expected from children in the club?

At our Junior Chess Club, we believe in fostering an environment of respect, kindness, and sportsmanship. Here are some guidelines we encourage all our young members to follow:

 1. Respect for Others: Treat all club members, opponents, and coaches with courtesy and respect. Remember, everyone is here to learn and enjoy the game of chess.
 2. Good Sportsmanship: Winning and losing are both part of the game. Celebrate your victories humbly and accept defeats gracefully.
 3. Care for Club Property: Handle chess boards, pieces, and other club property with care. Remember, they are for everyone’s use.
 4. Honesty: Chess is a game of strategy and skill. There’s no place for cheating. Always play fair.

Remember, our club is a place for everyone to enjoy the beautiful game of chess. Let’s make it a positive experience.



Committee

Who's who

  • PresidentBodo Rissmann
  • Vice PresidentJohn Doughty
  • ChairRobert Rickard
  • SecretaryDan Watson
  • TreasurerJake Fielder
  • Junior CoordinatorEric Bradley
  • Safeguarding LeadPaula-Marie Leech

Norfolk Chess Clubs

Other clubs in the county

Aylsham Chess Club

Secretary: Jeremy Bishop
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Mondays, 7:30pm · 01263 732182

Broadland Chess Club

Secretary: Martin Griffin
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Fakenham Chess Club

Secretary: Bill O'Connor
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Kings Lynn Chess Club

Secretary: Vincent Palmer
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Lowestoft Chess Club

Joint Secretaries: Armando Galetti & Sam Gallant
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Norfolk and Norwich Chess Club

Secretary: Brian Cunningham
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North Walsham Chess Club

Secretary: Damian Greef
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North Norfolk Chess Club

Secretary: Alan Page
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Norwich Dons Chess Club

Secretary: Graham Jones
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St Johns Chess Club

Secretary: David Payne
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UEA Chess Society

Secretary: Ali Gendj
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Wymondham Chess Club

Secretary: Dan Watson
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Fridays, 7:30pm · 01953 605675


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Join Us

Come and play a Friday evening

The Feathers, Town Green, Wymondham — parking to the rear
Fridays, from 19:30