Making the Right Move: Council grant boosts junior chess in Wymondham

Wymondham Junior Chess Club has received a £500 grant from District Councillor for South Wymondham, Carmina McConnell.

The funding is being used to promote chess among young people in the area, with a particular focus on encouraging more girls to take up the game. The grant has enabled the club to invest in promotional materials such as banners and flags, helping to raise awareness and attract new members.

Councillor McConnell said:

Chess has been a great pleasure to me since I was a child – it is a fantastic way to interact with people wherever you are in the world, as the language barrier becomes irrelevant. For young people it truly exercises their mind in a way that has a positive impact on their mental processing and thus their ability to learn. The Wymondham Junior Chess Club is doing a great job in encouraging more girls into the game, and I’m proud to support their efforts.”

Founded in 1956, Wymondham Chess Club is a long-standing cultural and social asset in South Norfolk. The junior section, launched in 2023, has grown rapidly and now boasts over 20 members aged 8 to 17. The club is the only junior chess provision within 50 miles outside of Norwich.

The grant has also supported the purchase of junior-specific chess sets, boards, and essential equipment like chess clocks, which are vital for competitive play. The club is also developing mentoring and coaching opportunities, with experienced adult players – several of whom are trained teachers – offering one-on-one guidance to aspiring young players.

In a recent development, the junior club has begun trial sessions at Wymondham Library, thanks to a collaboration between Councillor McConnell, Library Manager Shelia Breslin, and club leaders. The first session, held on Friday 13 June, was a great success.

“We love to work with the community and always want to encourage more young people to use the library,” said Shelia Breslin. “Hosting the Junior Chess Club here has the potential to be a wonderful collaboration.”

Club Chair Eric added: “We are delighted that our junior membership is growing. If this new initiative at the library proves successful, we hope to welcome many more new members.”

Treasurer Rob Rickard commented: “We are honoured by the active support Councillor McConnell has given us. Her enthusiasm and practical ideas have helped us take big strides forward. The junior club is now a vibrant part of our community.”

South Norfolk Council’s Member Ward Grants offer up to £1,000 to local projects that make a difference—supporting community engagement, skill development, and social inclusion.

To discover more about Member Ward Funding and how you can access it to support your project, please visit: www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/community-safety/community/funding/south-norfolk-members-ward-funding