St Jerome’s School Chess Event hailed a Great success.

Formby Chess Men go back to School!

Ed Patten of Formby Chess Club recently organised a Chess Event with Mr Jordan Whiffing, class teacher, at St Jerome’s School.

The children spent the afternoon totally involved in all aspects of the game.

To make the event both fun and competitive the children were split into 2 teams, The White Bishops and The Black Knights.

The event was split into 3 sessions; these were a Question and Answer session, a chess tactics session involving pawns and rooks. The last session was a grand finale where all the White Bishops played all the Black Knights.

In each session all the children gained valuable points for their team.

Ed was ably assisted by his fellow Formby Chess Club colleagues who were Mike Barrett, Andre Eagle, Rob Haseman, Alan Worthington and John Grady. Mr Whiffing, overviewed the whole event to ensure fair play, both he and the Formby Chess Men gave the children advice and guidance on topics such as castling, protecting pieces, winning pieces and Checkmates!

Ed Patten admitted, ‘we were a bit anxious at first but the welcome and enthusiasm of the children was excellent and soon put us at our ease. The children were so competitive and keen to earn points for their team, they were a delight to be with. In fact we were so involved that we completely lost track of time.’

Jordan Whiffing, with his class assistant, checked all the scores and hailed the event a great success and that everyone had enjoyed the afternoon. The winning team, just, were the White Bishops with 622 points, but the Black Knights gave a very good account of themselves with 616 points. The children were each awarded with a certificate and a trophy, from Formby Chess Club, for all their hard efforts.

If any dads or granddads would like to play chess then Formby Chess Club meet at Raven Meols Community Centre, Park Road, Formby every Tuesday night at 7.30pm. Or contact Mike Barrett (club secretary) on 01704 877854.