Top of the board for chess club

The Newcastle-under-Lyme Chess Club are currently joint 5th in The World Chess League.

Newcastle Chess Club Online Captain, Peter Hornsby, said: “Our chess club recently won their Round 6 match to break into the top 20 teams in the World Chess League.

“We are ahead of the likes of Harvard University and Stockholm Chess Club.”

Newcastle is also top of division 2 in the North Staffordshire League.

Peter said of their players: “The team has been strengthened by Fide Master, and Welsh Olympiad player, Jonathan Blackburn who recently made his online debut for the team against Aberdeen, winning both his games.

“Jonathan coaches Newcastle Juniors and teaches chess across Staffordshire such as at Seabridge and Westlands Primary School.

“The team also stars Dylan Cooper, who recently became Staffordshire's Under-18 Champion.

“His father Dylan Cooper also plays in the team. Notably, Greg Cannon is a new member having recently been in the Marines.”

The Newcastle online club was set up by Peter in January this year, and it has 12 members in the online club. People can join here: www.chess.com/club/newcastle-underlyme.

The club also meets in person at 7.30pm on

Wednesday evenings at The Bridge Club: 6 King Street, Cross Heath, Newcastle-underLyme.

Peter said: “Furthermore, Newcastle-underLyme Chess Club are setting up a ‘Best Newcastle in the World’ tournament at www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50 43&start=5460.

“So far Newcastle-upon-Tyne Chess Club and Newcastle University have signed up.”

For Round 7 of the World Chess League, Newcastle have been drawn against Oxford University.

Peter said: “They have several international titled players so we will be against it, but it’s a great challenge and huge opportunity for the club.”

Meet the Easter Animals

Thursday 6 April 1pm - 2pm £10

Play with Clayfamily fun

Tuesday 4 April 10.30am - 12.30pm £3

Comic book artjust for teens with grow north staffs

Wednesday 12 April 11am - 2pm

Pay what you can

Poetry and amusing anecdotes

Growing up in Newcastle-under -Lyme: a stand up event by Nick Degg

Friday 28 April 12noon - 2pm £5

Reminiscence with Kath Reynolds

Thursday 13 April & 2nd Thursday of each month

10.30am - 12pm £3

Musical Moments with Vicky Thornton

Thursday 4 May & 1st Thursday of each month 1.30pm - 2.30pm £5

Fascinating Folk of Newcastle: Vera Brittain

Film Show £5

Thursday 20 April 2pm - 3.15pm

Illustrated Talk £5

Thursday 27 April 2pm - 3.15pm

Chair-a-cise

A fun, friendly exercise class with Allyson

Every Thursday* 11am - 12pm £4

*Later time (12.15pm) 2nd Thursday of each month

Restorative Yoga

Gentle stretches and mindfulness with Aurelija

Every Friday 2pm - 3pm £4