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A chance to check-mate a chess champion in People’s Park
19/07/2024
Carl Portman will be on hand for the Saturday walk-in taster session
The first of two chess open days will take place at People’s Park in Banbury tomorrow (Saturday) with an expert on hand to pass on tips and challenge to a game.
The walk-in taster session is open to anyone, with people able to drop in any time between 10am and 4pm. Chess sets and boards will be provided at the Pavillion and play overseen by the former county chess champion Carl Portman.
Mr Portman is one of the country’s top chess minds – a coach, author and certified chess champion who has represented the UK at NATO finals on three occasions.
Banbury Town Councillor Matt Hodgson said: “We at Banbury Town Council are very grateful to Carl for offering these free taster sessions for Banbury Residents.
“Chess is a sport that is available to people of all ages, genders and ability. It can bring those who wouldn’t normally meet together, and improves communication and interpersonal skills, creativity, imagination, resilience and confidence.
“A sense of community is extremely important and I can see these events will only add to that.”
A special women’s event is scheduled to take place on August 10.
People’s Park has its own permanent chess tables located next to the café and chess pieces can be borrowed from the café for anyone wishing to play.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam