The club will be led by Marie Gallagher and Richard James, both of whom have many years experience teaching at school chess clubs and at Richmond Junior Chess Club.

Marie and Richard are both passionate about chess, and realised that primary school chess clubs weren’t the best way to introduce chess to younger children, often being used as child-minding services.

They both decided they’d rather run a club like this, which, they hope, will make a real difference to children’s lives.

Marie, a former primary school chess champion, is a sister of International Grandmaster Joe Gallagher. Richard is a best-selling author of books for both children and adult learners, as well as guides for parents and teachers. He has an international reputation for his knowledge of how children learn and play chess.

We’re pleased to be able to welcome some additions to our team for 2024-25. David Heaton is a semi-retured maths teacher and a member of Richmond & Twickenham Chess Club.

To find out more about Richard, visit his website: www.chesswithrichard.uk.