THE popular monthly Family Chess morning will be held on Saturday at the Discovery Centre (Library) in the Town centre.

All (grandmaster or beginner) are welcome to attend this free event which starts at 10.30 am Basingstoke Chess Club teams have made an excellent start to 2018.

In the Southampton League the Basingstoke C team have moved into pole position in Division Five after a 4-1 win over Chandler’s Ford C.

Their points came courtesy of wins by Almeo Bontigao, Alaister Archibald, Adam Matthews and Shwetal Bhatt.

In the Southampton League, Basingstoke B recorded a 4-1 victory at Winchester to remain amongst the promotion shake-up.

The points came from Jamie Chilton, Ewart Smith, Barry Kocan and Graham Phillips.

After going the entire calendar year 2017 without a win in the ultra tough Berkshire League Division 1 and narrow avoiding relegation last season.

The Sherborne Road based club are off the mark early in 2018. Wins from Steven Jones, Liam Blanc and Chilton plus a draw from Ivan Stipcevic helped secure a 3½-2 ½ win over Bourne End A.

Basingstoke Chess Club meet at Maydene in Sherborne Road every Wednesday. New and old members are welcome.