Chess champion to lead two free taster sessions this summer at Banbury's People’s Park

Chess mastermind Carl Portman will be offering his expertise to anyone interested in playing chess at a session on July 20.

A second special women’s only session organised for August 10 is aimed at getting more women involved in chess.

Carl, a former UK, MOD, and NATO chess team member, has authored books on the sport and now spends much of his time helping people learn chess up and down the country.

Considered one of the country’s top chess minds, Carl’s sessions will be aimed at helping people develop clear and strategic thinking to play chess.

Cllr Matt Hodgson of Banbury Town Council said: “We at Banbury Town Council are very grateful to Carl for offering these free taster sessions for Banbury residents.

“Chess is a sport that is available to people of all ages, genders and ability. It can bring those who wouldn’t normally meet together together and improves communication and interpersonal skills, creativity, imagination, resilience and confidence.

"A sense of community is extremely important and I can see these events will only add to that.”

The first session on Saturday, July 20, is open for everyone to turn up and play and will be running from 10:00 am until 16:00pm.

Banbury Town Council also reminds people that People’s Park has its own permanent chess tables located next to the cafe and chess sets available to loan from the cafe.