It was just over 120 years ago, in October 1901, that the Thames Valley Chess Club, formerly the Twickenham Chess Club (it later merged with Kingston to form the Kingston & Thames Valley Chess Club) moved its venue from what was then the Clarence Hotel (now the Park) to the Adelaide Inn.

Now, after being homeless for two months, we’re delighted to be back again in this popular and friendly pub. Thanks to all our members for their patience over the past few weeks, and to our TVL and Surrey opponents for their co-operation when we had to postpone our home fixtures.

It’s strange how history repeats itself, isn’t it?

Our new evening, as of 4 January, will be Tuesdays, from 7:30 to 10:30, and we offer facilities for both match and social chess.

As it happens, this isn’t a good evening for me as I belong to another local society which meets on Tuesdays (usually once a month, but there’s a bonus meeting in January) so I won’t be around every week.

We’ll be rearranging the home matches for our TVA, B, C and Surrey teams over the Christmas holidays: please watch the fixtures page for further information.

I hope you’ll be able to drop in for a few games – and a pint or two – at some point in 2022.

We look forward to seeing you there and then, and wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.