About Us

The Godalming Chess Club was formed on 13th of December 1948, and the first meeting was held on 4th of January 1949.
The club participates in the local Surrey Borders League and has won several competitions over the years, as follows:
Bell Trophy - 2014, 2022
Division 2 - 1980, 1993, 1998
Division 3 - 2004, 2014, 2015, 2016
Division 4 - 2019
Division 5 - 2004, 2016, 2017
Division 6 - 2008, 2009
Division 7 - 2009
League Jamboree - 1974

Some of the club's players participate in tournaments, including sections of the British Championships.
Godalming's most famous player has been the child prodigy Elaine Pritchard who was world junior champion in the 1930's, and 5 times British Ladies Champion. For many years she was the club's strongest player.
More about Elaine Pritchard

The Godalming Chess Club is a friendly and sociable club and welcomes players of all abilities, and caters for both social and competitive chess.

Besides entering 5 teams in the Surrey Borders League the club also runs a number of internal events. There are two main internal tournaments, the Clarke Cup, which is the Club Championship and is open to all members, and the Elaine Pritchard Trophy, which is open to players, graded under 125. Both competitions run throughout the season.
Two rapid play tournaments are run during the season. The Stace Cup, which is held at Christmas along with a social evening and the Henry D'Oyly Bernard Cup a handicap rapid play, which is held at the end of the season.

We meet every Wednesday at St Marks Community Centre, Franklyn Road, GU7 2LD, Godalming.
The 2023/24 season runs from Wednesday 13th September 2023 to Wednesday 24th April 2024.
Meetings start at 7:15PM.

Membership fees is £70 per year.
The fees cover all Border League fees, competition entry fees, and refreshments. Membership of the English Chess Federation is payable separately, and can be paid direct to the ECF, or through the club.
The basic ECF Membership Category Bronze costs £18 a year.

If anyone is interested in joining the club or finding out more then please contact Mike Lord on 01483 505825 or via email mjlord63@gmail.com.