Budding chess masters have a place to call home

Published on 24 October 2023

It would be fair to say the ancient game of chess is undergoing something of a revival in Glenelg Shire, and our libraries are certainly helping to make it happen.

Chess clubs have sprouted up in Portland, Heywood and Casterton, and interest in the game is picking up.

In Portland and Heywood, the local library has been a key part of the revival, hosting the clubs.

Michael Tolliday has been another key figure – the Portland Community Chess Club he organises at the Portland Library has been attracting excellent numbers to its meetings on Tuesday afternoons.

The Bayview College teacher arrived in Portland at the start of the school year keen to start up a chess club at the school.

“I came from a school last year in the outer suburbs of Melbourne which had an established chess club and I became involved as a co-organiser,” he said.

“When I interviewed at Bayview I said ‘this is one of my ideas’.

“I know there’s kids interested and especially since COVID the popularity of chess has spiked.

“Once I got to Bayview there were heaps of students who were chess obsessed.”

Buoyed by the success of the Bayview program, Mr Tolliday began thinking wider.

“I thought it’s not really fair limiting it to the Bayview kids,” he said.

“Chess is for everyone.”

And so it has turned out – children from several schools are now coming along to the Portland Community Chess Club each week.

The club has the backing of Bayview College and the Port of Portland as well as Glenelg Libraries.

But why hold it in Portland Library?

“It was a space I knew a lot of students came to after school, a safe space that’s known to the community,” Mr Tolliday said.

“In my eyes it made it a lot easier, they’re already here and it’s a central location. Logistically it’s nice and easy.”

It is also easy to take part.

“Anyone who wants to join can come along,” Mr Tolliday said.

“There are no fees, no experience required and no ongoing commitment.”

To play, simply turn up at 3.45pm on Tuesdays – all equipment is provided.

This Saturday even more chess awaits when the Coastal Clash tournament will take place at the library.

The free event, which runs from 10am to 3.30pm, is open to all ages and abilities and will even see a contingent from Mount Gambier cross the border to match wits with locals – Mr Tolliday is hopeful some of the Heywood and Casterton players will also take part.

The seven-round Swiss-style tournament will feature prizes for both overall and junior winners, with light refreshments provided (BYO lunch).

“It will be really good to run something a little bit more serious,” Mr Tolliday said.

“There will be a bit more formality around the rules and specifics and just the sportsmanship of the game.”

Numbers are looking promising ahead of the event, with up to 30 participants hoped for.

To register, visit the Glenelg Libraries website.

Photo Caption: Portland Community Chess Club organiser Michael Tolliday and Portland Primary School student Isaac Legg get down to a game at Portland Library.