By Tate Papworth
A loyal group at the Westvale Community Centre are looking for some chess mates.
Chess club co-ordinator Edward Ambrose said the once large membership base had slowly eroded over the years, but the remaining members were keen to restore the club to its former glory.
“We once had 30 members, but that’s slowly dwindled away,” Mr Ambrose said. “We’re quite willing to teach people. We cater for people of all levels.
“The more people we get, the better our talent pool.”
The club meets at the Westvale Community Centre each Thursday from 1-4pm. A gold coin donation is encouraged, but not compulsory.
George Athanasiou has been a member of the club for four years and encouraged people to come along for a game.
“We want people in the wider Brimbank community to know there’s a great chess club here and instead of sitting at home, they could be coming out here and having a lot of fun,” Mr Athanasiou said.
“This is a beautiful location, surrounded by lovely gardens. It’s taught me a great deal – we even play online some times.”
Mr Athanasiou said all were welcome.
“You don’t have to be retired, we’ve had students as part of the club. There’s lots of undiscovered talent out there and we want to nurture it,” he said.
“Chess is a game of strategy. It exercises the mind and keeps it ticking over.”
Details: 9249 4665
