FUNDRAISERS are hoping to earn support for a community chess club in the Wee County by taking on a charity walk.

Resonate Together’s Angela Watt and Mary McLuskey are set to take part in the Dundee Kiltwalk this August to help kickstart a chess club for people in Clackmannanshire.

Glen Wilson is the man behind the idea, having already established a flourishing school chess club at Park Primary.

Playing one of the most ancient strategy games known to the world, hopes are high for the chess club to act as a vehicle which brings people together while keeping minds active and energised.

Glen said: “Chess is a great game for anyone to play.

“Whether you're young or old, it keeps your mind active and can keep people entertained for a long period of time.

“There are many positions on a chess board that have never been seen and can provide a fun challenge when trying to beat your opponent.”

Glen initially got into chess some seven years ago when feeling a desire to play, but turned to the online world with a lack of clubs in the Wee County.

Eventually, he would join the “very welcoming” Stirling Chess Club, only to be checkmated by Covid, which at least saw the game’s popularity spike online.

Glen added: “It would be great to have a chess club in Clackmannanshire, at one point there were at least three different clubs with one of them winning the Spens Cup in 1961.

“Our initial plan for the club is to raise the funds for the equipment required and get people along playing games, people of all ages and skill are welcome.

“We want to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone that encourages people to come back.”

On the long run, Glen hopes to ensure the sustainability of the club, which would be the first of its kind in Clacks in some years, and potentially look at organising trips to chess events.

READ MORE: Clacks Creative Community established in Wee County
 

With a big enough team, entering a league is also a possibility.

The fundraisers are hoping to net £400 for the idea, which would be used to purchase boards, pieces, clocks and similar.

With Resonate supporting the idea, Angela and Mary will walk around 20miles from St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday, August 11.

Visit justgiving.com/campaign/positivemindgames to support the initiative.