By Lewis Matheson
After disbanding during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stonehaven Chess Club has returned, marking a fresh chapter for the town’s chess enthusiasts. What started as a series of casual games has now grown into an organised and thriving community.
I began playing chess during lockdown, mainly online. While the digital world offered great convenience, I missed the personal interaction that comes from playing over the board. As restrictions eased, I met Robbie Williamson, a fellow chess player who worked at my local pub. We started meeting at my house for games, and soon Robbie brought along his friend Connor. Our small group continued to meet regularly, and once restrictions were fully lifted, Connor and I entered the Dundee Allegro Chess competition.
It was at this competition that I met Keith Emery, one of the original members of the old Stonehaven Chess Club. We discussed reviving the club, and Keith was instrumental in reconnecting with the original members. Not long after, a friendly match was organised with the Aberdeen-based Bon Accord Chess Club.
Meanwhile, Robbie introduced Jamie Stout to the group, adding another eager player to our growing team. After our match with Bon Accord, Jamie suggested we ask the Drumlithie Inn if they’d host us on Wednesday nights. In April 2023, the club officially restarted, thanks to the warm hospitality of the Drumlithie Inn. Their support provided us a great space to meet and play regularly, but unfortunately, due to rising costs and lack of midweek business, the pub had to close on Wednesdays, leaving us in search of a new venue.
Thankfully, the search led us back to Stonehaven. We’re now meeting at St. James Church every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and are excited to reconnect with the local community.
The revival of Stonehaven Chess Club wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Paddy Coffield, the club’s original founder. Paddy not only helped us write our constitution but also organised the club’s first internal championships, bringing structure and competition to our meetings. His guidance has been invaluable as we look to grow and expand the club further.
As we return to Stonehaven, our vision is to create a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced player or a complete beginner, we invite you to join us, learn, compete, and enjoy the timeless game of chess.
