Thirty-six players make the first move at Brecks & Valleys Chess Club

Thirty-six players attended the first Brecks & Valleys Chess Club evening at The Crown, Great Ellingham, on Thursday 10 September 2026. At the busiest point, all 36 were seated across 18 boards. The club meets again at 7.00pm on Thursday 17 September.

The chess players were already here. On Thursday evening, they found one another – and a plan became a club.

A new club can have a name, a website, a venue and a stack of boards. None of those things makes it a club. People do.

As seven o’clock approached, players began arriving from across South Norfolk and Breckland. Some had contacted the club and already had a suitable first game arranged. Others simply walked in. Walk-ins were matched on arrival, so no one was left without a game.

Eighteen games in one room

The evening quickly found its rhythm: the soft knock of pieces against boards, the low murmur of conversation and long stretches of concentration as new opponents became absorbed in their games.

Secondary-school-age juniors joined adult players, while people travelled from Attleborough, Wymondham, Watton, Banham, Dickleburgh and Norwich, as well as nearby villages. Games were not limited to a single round. As one finished, another began, and players stayed for several games.

There was structure without unnecessary formality. First games were arranged in advance where practical. Colours were left for the players to decide, and clocks were available without being imposed.

Between games, players revisited positions, discussed missed opportunities and analysed what might have happened. Some also ordered drinks or food from The Crown’s bar.

A closer view of one of the games at the club’s Great Ellingham home.

Vic Rowling described the evening as ‘a lot of fun’ and praised its ‘very relaxing atmosphere’.

Early Google reviews echoed that response. Jon Vallet called it an ‘Amazing night!’, while Mark Hibbins wrote: ‘Will definitely keep coming.’

Support behind the first move

Ten of the club’s boards and sets, together with tournament clocks, were secured through English Chess Federation Grassroots funding with the support of the Norfolk County Chess Association. That equipment formed an important part of the 18 boards in use.

Brecks & Valleys is grateful to both organisations and to The Crown for providing the club with its Great Ellingham home. With 18 boards in play at the peak, the club now plans to obtain ten additional sets to provide spare capacity for growing attendance and for analysis while other games continue.

Players of different generations and strengths shared the boards in the Garden Room.

The next move: Thursday 17 September

When: Thursday 17 September, from 7.00pm

Where: The Garden Room at The Crown, 30 Church Street, Great Ellingham, NR17 1LE

Parking: Available at the rear of The Crown

Who: Players who already know how to play; no previous club experience or official rating required

Equipment: Boards, pieces and clocks supplied

Contact: Start a conversation or email play@bvchess.com

Regular club nights continue from 7.00pm on Thursdays, except the first Thursday of each month. If you contact us before visiting and share a little about your chess, we will do our best to arrange a suitable first game.

The chess players were already here. Now they know where to find one another.