The politics of chess?
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 4:06 pm
How many MPs play chess?
How many local politicians play chess?
How many local MP vs Mayor chess matches can you point to?
I have been promoting chess in the City of Colchester for a while now and mostly I need help in that.
Different mayors have opened the Jonathan Penrose Chess Park
and a chess table in a park
and now the current mayor is hosting a full day of chess at Colchester Town Hall.
About the day: https://colchesster.org.uk/chess/
This time, Chess in Schools and Communities is part of the fun on the day. My ambition is to help increase the amount of chess in schools - starting with junior schools, which have been invited by the mayor to take part for free in his charity event.
Of course, I get plenty of help too from the local chess clubs and meetups and others willing to do more than just turn up for a game.
Is this a model for promoting chess in other places? The answer is 'yes' but only if you or your club work at it.
How many local politicians play chess?
How many local MP vs Mayor chess matches can you point to?
I have been promoting chess in the City of Colchester for a while now and mostly I need help in that.
Different mayors have opened the Jonathan Penrose Chess Park
- 04The Mercury Theatre hosts a webpage about Jonathan Penrose.jpg (143.02 KiB) Viewed 5582 times
- 05Opening a park 'two-times table' is a job for a mayor.jpg (579.73 KiB) Viewed 5582 times
- ChessDayForECF.jpg (158.56 KiB) Viewed 5582 times
This time, Chess in Schools and Communities is part of the fun on the day. My ambition is to help increase the amount of chess in schools - starting with junior schools, which have been invited by the mayor to take part for free in his charity event.
Of course, I get plenty of help too from the local chess clubs and meetups and others willing to do more than just turn up for a game.
Is this a model for promoting chess in other places? The answer is 'yes' but only if you or your club work at it.