Formby Chess Club

The place to play chess in Formby

History

Formby Chess Club was founded in 1937.

Founder member and long-time President J. Rourke MBE, famously once drew with world champion Mikhail Botvinnik in a simultaneous game.  Not to be outdone, current President , C.P. Fisher, once beat Botvinnik’s rival David Bronstein in a simultaneous game.

Venues

The club met at Formby Library for many years.  The junior club met at Victoria sports and social club for some time, but was later incorporated into the club.

After a brief spell at Formby Red Cross Society we moved to our present premises at Ravenmeols Community Centre.

Competitions

The club has always been active in the Merseyside Chess League.  We have won the 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd Division titles many times, but the First Division Title still eludes us.

In 1987-8 the club won the National Club Championship—Major Plate.

Formby chess club have entered a team in the Wirral League for many years and we have gradually worked up to the First Division.

We entered a team in the Warrington and District League for the first team last season.

Members

Past members have included J.E. Littlewood, M.Firth, D.G. Horseman, R.A.Barton, Suzanne Connolly, and the Eagle twins, Angela and Maria, now both Members of Parliament. 

Our present strongest member is Stewart Haslinger who achieved his GM title at the British Championship in 2007.  President Phil Fisher has won the club championship for the second time.

Club Champions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Challengers