A CHESS set, commissioned by the former prime minister of Cuba was used on Saturday, September 14, during Bude Chess Club’s ‘Peter and Peggy Clarke Memorial Rapidplay Tournament’.

Players travelled from across England to play in the event.

Peter and Peggy lived in Morwenstow for many years and were both strong chess players.

Peter represented England in Chess Olympiads, held every two years, from 1954 to 1968.

In 1956 he won an individual silver medal at the event. In 1966 Peter played top board for England at the Olympiad in Cuba.

At the end of the tournament Fidel Castro gave each top board a specially commissioned chess set and chess table that had been used in the competition and paid for it to be shipped back to the respective countries.

The table and set are still in the family’s possession and they brought it down from Derbyshire to be used as the top board in this tournament.

The tournament was won by Grandmaster John Nunn, a member of Bude Chess Club, and at one time was one of the top ten chess players in the world. Another member of Bude Chess Club, Ian Rescorla, came second in his section.

Bude Chess Club meets on Thursdays at the Royal British Legion on Burn View.

The senior club meets from 7.30pm and new members are always welcome, whether looking for a friendly game of chess or hoping to play in one of the teams competing in the Cornwall league competitions.

The junior club meets at 6.30pm prior to the senior club. Children receive a short lesson on chess before playing games against each other. Again, all are welcome and parents may stay and enjoy a tea or coffee whilst their children are playing.

For more information of both clubs visit www.budechess.co.uk