Randalstown Chess Club History by Jim Waddell  (03/03/2004)

Two Randalstown chess players playing together week after week and becoming very familiar with each others style of play wondered would a local club be a good idea to provide an expanded variety of play. It was worth a try so Stephen Vallely and Jim Waddell took the plunge, placed an advertisement in the local paper and held the first meeting of the chess club in January 1978. Interest proved considerable, and after 26 years Jim and another player who attended the first club night, John Lines, are still members, trying to master the mysteries of the chequered board.                                       The club has met every winter since then and although not large in numbers has gained a reputation of providing a friendly relaxed atmosphere. With the exception of one year we have competed in the Belfast and District league playing mainly in the second division. The team has played matches as far away as Armagh and Portaferry but sadly these teams no longer compete in the league. Present competition centres around Belfast, with teams from Groomsport and Hillsborough also participating. The clubs best years were mainly in the 1980's when we attracted students from Antrim Grammer School and Belfast Royal Academy and were able to field two teams in the league, with the intensive competition proving to be beneficial to the club and the school's teams. We continue to play competitive chess both within the club and in the second division of the Belfast and District league. There is at present a strong junior section of about 8 novices, and about the same number of more experienced players from which to pick a team of 5 for the league matches. On average there would be 10 players attending our club nights, some from as far away as Magherafelt, Tobermore, Cookstown and Mallusk, and we are always keen to welcome new members of all ages and ability. We offer chess played on a casual basis at club level with internal competitions between members and league chess for those that want to test their gameplay at a higher level.