Wirksworth Feathers Chess Club is a thriving community chess club open to all abilities. Join us for friendly games, entertaining puzzles, engaging competitions, and insightful discussions about the game. Whether you're a seasoned grandmaster or just starting your journey into chess, we'll be thrilled to welcome you. So, pull up a chair, set up your pieces, and let’s have a game.
Q&As
When do you meet?
Sunday afternoons/ evenings all year round (with occasional exceptions).
5pm is our official start time, but it’s always worth checking with us if it is your first visit (we occasionally have to adjust the time).
Our club night ends when the last player leaves - this is usually after 7pm, occasionally 10pm.
Additionally, we have a league team that plays in approximately 12 matches per year (Sept to April season). These matches are usually scheduled on Tuesday evenings - home games start at 7.15pm.
Where do you meet?
The Feather Star pub in the town of Wirksworth, Derbyshire (UK) is our home - it's a great (award-winning!) pub with a friendly crowd and excellent beer.
We can usually be found in the side room, opposite the main pub entrance, underneath the archway. In the summer months you might find us in the beer garden.
Address: Feather Star Pub (part of the Red Lion Hotel), Market Place, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4ET.
Is there parking at the pub, and can I get there by public transport?
The Feather Star has a limited number of parking spaces located through the archway and up the slope. There are two public car parks very close to the pub (Barmote Croft and Market Place - charges may apply). There is also street parking, but check signs for restrictions - most only apply Mon-Fri.
There is a bus stop immediately outside the pub.
The nearest railway station is Cromford (2.6 miles away).
How much does it cost to attend/ join?
There is no charge for casual drop-ins (or your first three sessions). After that, the annual membership fee is £20 (£10 for under-16s).
If you want to go beyond casual games and play in any "rated" chess competitions, including the Derbyshire Chess League, you will need an English Chess Federation membership, bronze member or above. This is an additional £20 per year and must be purchased through the ECF (not paid through or to us).
Other than that, it's whatever you spend at the bar.
Do I need to be willing to play competitive chess?
No. You're welcome to just come along for friendly games.
Are you open to players of all abilities?
Absolutely. We are happy to teach the rules or be taught a thing or two.
Our members currently range from starter level up to John Potter. John is the Derbyshire Individual champion (two years in a row), he's an excellent and enthusiastic teacher and a cornerstone of the club's existence.
Are children allowed/ welcome?
Yes, they are. However, we don't currently have a separate time/ club for kids. Nor are we able to take responsibility for them; therefore, parents/ carers need to be prepared to stay with their children (and hopefully join in).
I see the club meets in a pub, is it okay if I don't drink alcohol?
Yes, everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they like a pint with their game or not.
Do you have a chess team?
Yes, we do. We enter a team into the Derbyshire Chess Association league. There are also opportunities to be involved in other team events (such as the Derbyshire Chess Jamboree).
Does the club have a syllabus or set program of events?
No, we decide on the night, depending on who shows up. It is often a combination of casual games, puzzles, doubles chess, blindfold chess, and position/ game analysis.
Our league team has a calendar of fixtures that is set well in advance.
Is the club friendly to newcomers?
Yes, we hope so. We try to create an encouraging and fun environment. We don't take ourselves too seriously and are looking to grow our membership. If you walk in and are ignored by a couple of players deep in concentration, it might just be because they are competing in some form of rated/ competitive match (please don't take it personally, and I hope you accept our apologies).
I play chess online, will over-the-board (OTB) chess feel any different?
Come along and find out. It's generally accepted that OTB games are a more rewarding and constructive way to play (with obviously less screen time). The club/ team also benefits from camaraderie.
Do I need to bring a chess set with me?
No, but you can if you like. We have several chess sets, as well as chess clocks, stored at the pub.
Do you run a club Championship?
Yes, we do - its inaugural year was 2024/25. The title went to Jack Caulton.
How accessible is the Pub and club's meeting room to wheelchair/ scooter users?
The bar and toilets are on the ground floor and are accessible. The club's meeting room is also on the ground floor, but has an old stone lip/ step that has to be bridged when entering the room. Assistance can be provided. We can play in the main bar area (and often do) if the meeting room access is a problem.
Does the club offer chess lessons?
Speak to John Potter when you attend the club - he will likely be able to help you.
Why is this page part of Sam Reed Photography's website?
That's because Sam is a club member and can host/ maintain this page without the complexity/ expense of hosting a dedicated site.
Contacts
Club secretary (plus founder and chess oracle) : John Potter
Email: johnpotter53@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 07858 594814
Team captain: Sam Reed
Email: samjreed@gmail.com
Tel: 07752 456123