Join us for social and competitive chess
Welcome
We meet throughout the year on Monday evenings (except Bank Holidays) from 7.30pm at Quakers House, 12 Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD, a short walk from Harpenden station.
Do you play chess on line and would like to play over the board? Did you play chess at school and want to pick it up again? Maybe you recently moved into the Harpenden area and would like to play for your local chess club?
If you are interested, feel free to come along on a Monday night. There's no commitment, you can try the club for a few weeks to see if it's right for you. Let us know in advance by emailing info@harpendenchess.co.uk or paul.williams293293@gmail.com and we'll be pleased to see you.
We don't currently have a separate Juniors club but welcome players of secondary school age to the club between 7.30-9.00 pm provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The closest junior club is St Albans Early Knights https://www.stalbanschessclub.org.uk/early-knights
There's more information about junior chess in Hertfordshire @ on https://hertschess.com/juniors/
Join us
Adult Membership
August Open Evenings
Junior Membership
Every Monday from 7:30-10.30pm
Competitive and social chess.
Annual Membership £45
Junior Membership
August Open Evenings
Junior Membership
Every Monday from 7:30- 9.00pm
Secondary school age.
Junior membership £35
August Open Evenings
August Open Evenings
August Open Evenings
Every Monday in August (except Bank Holiday) from 7.30 pm.
Photo Gallery
Our Story
History of the Club
Rothamsted Chess Club was founded in1977 by staff of Rothamsted Experimental Station (as it was then known) for past and present members of staff. The club was affiliated to Rothamsted Sports and Social Club and remained so until December 2024 when damage as a result of Storm Darragh obliged the club to move from Rothamsted Pavilion to Quakers House Harpenden.
In September 2025, the Club decided not to return to the Pavilion and to make its permanent headquarters at Quakers House.
In September 2026 the club proposes to amend its name to Harpenden & Rothamsted Chess Club to reflect its new situation.
Club Officers
President - Paul Williams
Secretary - Ken Muir
Treasurer - Paul Bullock
Team Captains
Rothamsted 1st team - Raghav Ramesh
Rothamsted 2nd team - Rory Williams
Silverware HCA
Division 4
Year Team
2024/25 Rothamsted 1
Division 6
Year Team
2025/26 Rothamsted 2
Silverware Hertfordshire Trophies
2024 Davis Cup Michael Zlobin
Club Constitution
Club Constitution (updated following AGM 1/09/2025)
Version 1.3 January 2026
1. NAME
The Club shall be called Harpenden and Rothamsted Chess Club.
2. OBJECTS
The object of the Club shall be to provide facilities for its members for playing Chess informally and
in regulated matches.
3. HEADQUARTERS
The headquarters of the Club shall be situated at Quakers House, 12 Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD.
4. AFFILIATIONS
The Club will be affiliated to Hertfordshire Chess Association (HCA) and to the English Chess Federation (ECF).
5. MEMBERSHIP
5.1. Any person wishing to become a member of the Club shall apply for membership by email.
5.2. Membership shall be open to:
5.3. All chess players over the age of eighteen years , who will be entitled to apply for full membership of the Club.
5.4. Players under the age of eighteen years will be entitled to apply for Junior membership. Junior members are not entitled to vote at general meetings of the Club and cannot be Officers of the Club. They can attend meetings or matches of the Club only if accompanied by a chess playing parent or responsible adult.
5.5. The Club may confer Honorary Life Membership on any member who has rendered special service to the Club.
5.6. All members are deemed to have accepted the regulations of this constitution and the rules and codes of conduct adopted by the Club.
15.7. The Committee will keep a register of members which will include details of their names and contact details.
5.8. In considering applications for membership the Committee shall have regard to the playing facilities available and may from time to time decide that the Club shall be closed to new applications for membership for such period as it may decide.
5.9. A member shall cease to be a member of the club immediately if expelled from the club under the provisions of clause 15, or if his resignation in writing is delivered to the Secretary.
5.10 A member whose subscription has not been paid shall cease to be a member on the expiration of the period of six months from the date on which the subscription was due for payment.
5.11 A former member of the Club who wishes to rejoin as a member may do so without the necessity for a further formal application for membership, unless the Committee decides otherwise.
6. OFFICERS
6.1. The Officers of the Club shall be the President, Secretary and Treasurer.
6.2. No member of the Club shall simultaneously hold more than one Office of the Club.
6.3. Each of the Officers of the Club shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Club and shall retire annually at the ensuing Annual General Meeting, but shall be eligible for re-election.
6.4. In the event of a vacancy arising during the year in the office of any Officer of the Club, the Committee shall choose one of their number to fill such vacancy until the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
7. COMMITTEE
7.1. The Committee of the Club shall consist of the Officers of the Club and Team Captains.
7.2. The Committee may from time to time co-opt further members of the Club to serve on the Committee until the ensuing Annual General Meeting, whether to fill a vacancy arising, or as additional members. Co-opted members shall be entitled to participate fully in the proceedings of the Committee.
7.3 A quorum at meetings of the Committee shall be two members of the Committee, including at least two of the Officers.
7.4. The Committee may from time to time appoint sub-committees to undertake on its behalf such aspects of the administration of the Club as it shall think fit, and members of such sub- committees may include members of the Club who are not members of the Committee.
7.5. Proceedings of the Committee and of any sub-committees shall be regulated in such manner as the Committee may from time to time decide.
7.6. The Committee shall make a report to each Annual General Meeting of the Club concerning the affairs of the Club since the previous Annual General Meeting.
8. MANAGEMENT
8.1. The affairs of the Club shall be managed by the Committee, and the Committee shall have power to determine any issue arising in connection with the affairs of the Club which is not specifically provided for in this Constitution.
8.2. The Committee may from time to time formulate and publish such rules as it thinks expedient for the efficient and harmonious running of the Club (but in the case of any conflict between such rules and this Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail).
8.3 Any issue of policy determined by the Committee or any rules published by the Committee may be varied by a resolution of members at a General Meeting of the Club, provided that such resolution is not in conflict with this Constitution and is not retrospective in application.
8.4 In the event of such variation being made, the policy or rules (as the case may be) shall not be further varied by the Committee in a manner inconsistent with the resolution.
29. GENERAL MEETINGS
9.1. An Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held in each year no later than four months after the end of the financial year.
9.2. A Special General Meeting of the Club shall be convened by the Committee if a request for such a meeting signed by at least ten members of the Club is delivered to the Secretary, stating the reason for the meeting, and such meeting shall take place within one month of the receipt of such request.
9.3. A Special General Meeting of the Club may be convened by the Committee on its own initiative at any time.
9.4. All General Meetings of the Club shall be held at the headquarters of the Club unless circumstances arise which render this impracticable.
9.5 The President, if present, shall chair all General Meetings of the Club, and in his absence the Secretary or some other member of the Committee, approved by a majority of those present at the Meeting shall chair the meeting.
9.6. Notice of all General Meetings of the Club shall be given to all members of the Club no later than two weeks prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
9.7. Any member may propose a motion to be discussed at a General Meeting provided that written notice of the proposed motion is delivered to the Secretary no later than one week prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
9.8 The chairman of the meeting may permit discussion of other business at a General Meeting if he thinks fit.
9.9. A quorum at General Meetings of the Club shall be seven members present in person.
9.10. If fifteen minutes after the time fixed for a General Meeting of the Club no quorum shall be present, the meeting shall be adjourned to a new date (of which the like notice shall be given to members as was required to be given for the meeting which has been adjourned), and in the case of a General Meeting which has been adjourned due to the lack of a quorum (but not of a meeting adjourned for any other reason) such number of members as are actually present at the adjourned meeting shall constitute a quorum.
9.11. Voting at General Meetings of the Club shall be by show of hands, and in the event of parity of voting the chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
10. NOTICES
10.1. Notices of any Special General Meeting of the Club, and of an Annual General Meeting at which in the opinion of the Committee any business of a non routine nature is likely to be discussed, shall be given to members by e mail to the last email address of each member notified to the Secretary.
10.2. Notices of any Annual General Meeting at which in the opinion of the Committee no business of a non routine nature is likely to be discussed, may be given to members by e mail to the last address of each member notified to the Secretary, and displayed on the club website.
10.3. Notices of any other matters to be brought to the attention of members shall be displayed on the club website.
11. NOMINATIONS
11.1. Nominations for the posts of Officers or Committee members shall be made at the Annual General Meeting by a proposer and a seconder, both of whom shall be members of the Club, and confirmed by the person nominated.
312. SUBSCRIPTIONS and FEES
12.1. Each member of the Club shall pay an annual subscription, the basic amount of which for the time being shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting of the Club. Subscriptions shall be due for payment by 1st October in each year in respect of the year to the following September.
12.2. Each successful applicant for membership of the Club in the second half of the year may be required to pay a Subscription the amount of which shall be decided by the Committee of the Club.
12.3. The Committee may determine variations on the basic amounts of subscriptions for members, guests and visitors in different circumstances, and may waive subscriptions in the event of hardship or for any other good cause.
12.4 The Annual General Meeting may authorise the Committee to increase the basic amounts of subscriptions prior to the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
12.6 The Committee may determine from time to time the amount of fees to be charged for use of the services or equipment of the Club, or for any other purpose for which it is of the opinion that fees ought to be charged.
13. ACCOUNTS
13.1. The Committee shall arrange for accounts to be prepared in respect of the financial affairs of the Club for each year ending on 31st July.
13.2. The accounts for each year shall be presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Club for approval.
14. ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION
14.1. No alterations shall be made to this constitution except at a General Meeting of the Club.
14.2. In order for a resolution to alter this constitution to have effect at least two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution must be in favour.
15. WINDING-UP
15.1. In order for a resolution that the Club shall be wound up to have effect at least two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution must be in favour, and in addition the number of votes cast in favour of the resolution must exceed one-half of the number of members of the Club entitled to attend and vote at the General Meeting at which the resolution is put.
15.2. If a resolution that the Club shall be wound up is effectively passed, the Committee shall be responsible for winding up the affairs of the Club, and unless the winding up has been initiated with a view to amalgamating the Club with some other club (in which case any surplus assets and funds may be transferred to such other club), any surplus assets and funds shall be transferred to such of the organisations mentioned in clause 15.3 as may be specified in the resolution initiating the winding up, and if no such organisation is so specified, to such of those organisations as the Committee may think fit.
15.3 The organisations referred to in clause 15.2 are:
The Hertfordshire Chess Association; and any
Registered or recognised charitable body.
Safeguarding Policy
(draft - tba by Committee)
Harpenden and Rothamsted Chess Club is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all players to enjoy chess and be respected by others. This Safeguarding policy sets out the minimum requirements to ensure all players are able to take part in our club activities.
Overview: Harpenden and Rothamsted Chess Club (hereinafter the 'Club') welcomes to its sessions and other activities all players who are interested in chess, and will strive to ensure that everyone is treated with care and respect. The Club recognises that the welfare and interests of children and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It also aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or identity, or socioeconomic background, all members and visitors: • have a positive and enjoyable experience of chess in a safe and sociable environment • promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults • value, listen to and respect children, young people and vulnerable adults The Club has adopted a Safeguarding policy as set out in this document. This policy will apply to all members of, and visitors to, the Club when undertaking Club activities. A child (otherwise a junior player) in this context is deemed to be anyone less than eighteen years of age. A copy of the policy will also be posted on the club website, and it is a condition of membership that all members of the Club abide by and promote this policy.
Roles and Responsibilities: All club members are responsible for ensuring that our high standards are upheld and that Safeguarding is at the forefront of our considerations. Officials - The Club will appoint a Safeguarding Officer (and where practical a Deputy Safeguarding Officer), who will both be required to have an enhanced DBS and (preferably) be signed up to the DBS update service. Any Safeguarding, child welfare concerns or allegations, and any comments or questions regarding the policy or advice should be directed to them. The current holders of the posts are: Safeguarding Officer (vacant, pending permanent appointment please contact Paul Williams, Club President @email paul.williams293293@gmail.com) .Any allegations or concerns will be listened to and investigated. If deemed necessary, they will be pursued, by the Club's Safeguarding Officer in accordance with the English Chess Federation's Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines, which are available for viewing on the Federation's website at www.englishchess.org.uk
(NB. There are some chess posts, in particular Junior Organiser/ Chess Coach, which may involve a considerable degree of contact with children in circumstances where there is not always a parent /guardian or carer present. In general, the type of work may involve coaching children in chess matters. It is the policy of the Club that, should it provide such coaching, it will only appoint to these positions a person with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.)
Junior Players The Club welcomes junior players to its sessions and events. It also allows juniors of an appropriate level to participate in inter-club matches and league matches. The Club and its officials are not able to act ‘in loco parentis’ at any club session, event or match. Parents/carers/guardians are ultimately responsible for the junior player and need to consider the wellbeing, safety and good behaviour of junior players when deciding on any arrangements. This policy sets out to safeguard the welfare of children attending the Club by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm or abuse.
Parental Supervision: Parents/carers/guardians remain responsible for their child when they are attending chess club. Ideally, they should accompany their child to sessions, remain on the club premises and escort their child home. Any alternative arrangements made with other responsible adults should be put in writing and must comply with the guidelines below. Children under secondary school age must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Secondary school players must have written permission from a parent or other responsible adult to be allowed to attend the club alone. Such written permission should be emailed or clearly communicated to the Safeguarding officer in advance of the sessions. The parent or responsible adult remains responsible for collecting their child from club at the agreed time. The Club also, where appropriate, welcomes the participation of children in inter-club matches away from the club venue. Parents/other responsible adults remain responsible for their child and any arrangements made. Ideally, they should accompany their child to away venues and it is advisable that any alternative arrangements concerning transportation or supervising juniors at away venues is put in writing. Clear arrangements and responsibilities should also apply for any visiting juniors and responsibility for this should be made clear to the visiting team captain.
Supervision and the Rule of Three: The club adheres to the “rule of three” whenever possible requiring at least two adults or two juniors in a group at all times. If a one-on-one situation is unavoidable, the adult and youth shall stay in an open, public area where they can be seen by others at all times. Photography & recording of images: Recording a child’s achievements can by really important. The Club, however, recognises the opportunity for misuse of published material and that there can be circumstances where publicity can be detrimental to a child or their family. Parents and guardians should be aware that photography for publicity purposes may take place, particularly at regional or national events, which may be outside of the Club’s Control. The Club’s policy is to seek parental consent before photography takes place and for publication. Parents and guardians who have any objection to photography (which does not need any explanation) can register it with the Club Secretary or the Safeguarding team.
Adult Players: All adults, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status have the right to be protected from abuse and poor practice and to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment. The Club will seek to ensure that our chess is inclusive and make reasonable adjustments for any ability, disability or impairment.
Recordkeeping: Adequate records should be maintained relating to all safeguarding matters, both to demonstrate that appropriate policies are adopted and followed and that any complaints are addressed and resolved expeditiously and with due diligence.
Summary: This policy will be reviewed and updated from time to time in line with experience and recommended practice in the area of Safeguarding and child protection. The Club has adopted the ECF’s Safeguarding Policy and will follow relevant sections of the policy including procedures for recognising issues, handling allegations, acting on concerns and maintaining proper safeguarding records. The current version of the policy can be found at the link here: https://www.englishchess.org.uk/wp content/uploads/2025/06/ECF-Safeguarding-Policy.pdf The Club shall abide by any further rules, regulations or guidelines which may be set out from time to time by the Club Committee, the Venue, the Local League Committees, and / or the ECF where these are deemed necessary to support the policy objectives. This policy shall be reviewed and updated as necessary on an annual basis (at the AGM of Club). Signature: ………………………………….. Date : ………………………………………….
Financial Support 2025/26
Thank you Emma Williams and Seene Digital Limited, London, UK for your generous financial support.
Home Page Artwork
Charlie Crease-huggett produced our home page design feature. Thank you Charlie. We love it!
Sasha Zlobin set up our website. What would we have done without you!