Fancy a game of Chess?

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Do you want to know your Knight from your Rook? Your King from your Pawn?

Get to know more about chess and learn the skills behind the brainteaser game at an event at Hammond’s Pond Carlisle on Thursday 31 October between 10am and 12pm.

There will be the chance to challenge a member of Carlisle Chess Club to a game, to play a game with family or friends and to find out more about this timeless and intellectually stimulating game.

Following the successful launch of outdoor chess table at Hammond’s Pond in July, Carlisle Chess Club has kindly donated three chess sets for use by the public within Hammond’s Pond cafe, these sets will be available and free to use whenever the cafe is open. 

Cumberland Council is continuing to work in partnership with Carlisle Chess Club, Cumbria Chess Association and Chess in Schools and Communities to continue to bring the game into the city’s parks. 

John Lydon, Cumbria Junior Chess organiser and members of Carlisle Chess Club will be on hand to give advice and tips on playing chess. John Lydon said:

“Chess is more than just a game; it’s a blend of strategy, skill, and social interaction. Playing Chess can help develop many transferable skills including calculation, planning, imagination, creativity and learning that actions have consequences amongst many others.

“Carlisle Chess Club is delighted to donate three Chess sets to Hammond’s Pond cafe and we hope that visitors to the park and cafe enjoy using them and develop a lifelong love of the game.”

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, added:

“I thank Carlisle Chess Club for their kind donation of three Chess sets for use by visitors to Hammond’s Pond. This builds upon the successful installation of the outdoor Chess table in the summer and it is great to be able to offer people the opportunity to come together to continue to play chess in the cafe, as the winter approaches.”

For more information on Carlisle Chess Club please visit the Carlisle Chess Club website

Cumberland Council installed outdoor chess tables at Hammond’s Pond and Bitts Park, Carlisle using government funding this summer.

The four-seater metal tables, which feature a durable and sturdy chess board, are a fantastic addition to the existing green space facilities at both parks.