Kirby Castlers Chess Club is a well-established and thriving chess club located in Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, New Zealand. The club is a proud member of the Leicestershire and Rutland Chess Association, which is recognised by the English Chess Federation and affiliated with the Midland Counties Chess Union.
The club meets every Thursday evening at the Kirby Muxloe Bowls Club on Station Road, with sessions starting at 7:30pm and lasting for 2 hours and 40 minutes. The club provides a welcoming and friendly environment for chess enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
One of the unique features of Kirby Castlers Chess Club is the use of digital clocks, which adds a modern touch to the traditional game. The club is conveniently located next to the Library and Village Hall, making it easily accessible for members and visitors.
The club is led by Secretary John Walker, who is dedicated to promoting chess and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the members. As of the 2023-2024 season, Kirby Castlers is represented in the league by two teams, Kirby Muxloe 1 in Division 2 and Kirby Muxloe 2 in Division 5. The club takes pride in its competitive spirit and aims to provide a platform for players to improve their skills and compete against other clubs in the region.
Kirby Castlers Chess Club has gained recognition beyond the chess community for a remarkable incident that took place during a match at the Braunstone Civic Centre. A player in the match suffered a cardiac arrest, but thanks to the quick actions and CPR performed by Professor Simon Gay, a member of the University of Leicester's medical school and a chess enthusiast, the player was saved and made a miraculous recovery. This incident serves as a testament to the close-knit community and support that Kirby Castlers Chess Club provides to its members.
In addition to competitive play, Kirby Castlers Chess Club is committed to promoting chess in schools within Leicestershire. They actively collaborate with the charity Chess in School and Communities (CSC), providing training and remuneration to chess players interested in helping schools with chess activities. This initiative aims to harness the educational benefits of chess and encourage its inclusion in school curricula.
Kirby Castlers Chess Club is proud of its rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to promoting chess in the community. Whether you are a seasoned player looking for competitive play or a beginner interested in learning the game, Kirby Castlers Chess Club offers a supportive and engaging environment for all chess enthusiasts.