“We all love the game, that’s the one thing we all have in common”, says Jonathon Bourne, the chairman of the Wiltshire County Chess Association.

Chess is enjoyed by a variety in Wiltshire, for the group welcomes members of different ages and abilities.

The association is affiliated with several chess clubs. Club popularity varies, but the Swindon club is “absolutely thriving”, Jonathon says.  

Despite his fears that Covid would impact face-to-face, or ‘over-the-board’ chess, the game remains popular in-person as well as online.

Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit brought the game to the mainstream in 2020. Jonathon acknowledges that it got more people talking about chess.

Jonathon is of national master’s standard and explains that some county players also compete at a national level, “We’ve seen a great number of young players win titles”.

He brought up the government’s new £1 million investment into the English Chess Federation (ECF), saying it’s a “breakthrough”.

He explains that many countries recognise chess as a sport, but the UK doesn’t so wasn’t eligible for funding.

He says the grant is “truly transformational for young players”, as it will help them fund open tournament entry fees, as well as travel and accommodation expenses.

“The game seems to promote logical thinking, creativity, and patience”, he concludes.

For more on Wiltshire Chess, visit wiltshirechess.org.uk