In the last ten years chess activity in the Bristol area has expanded well beyond the League, with major growth in many areas:

·         junior chess

·         schools programmes and inter‑school events

·         community and social chess

·         congresses and rapidplays

·         Portishead Chessfest

·         2027 British Championships bid.

The League itself continues to function strongly and remains the core institution of chess in Bristol, with its own autonomous management. However there is a gap, in that there is not a body for Bristol chess which establishes a brand and can do fundraising, and organise projects such as the bid for the British Championships.

Current activity tends to be in the nature of individuals and small groups running projects separately. This is great for day to day activities, but makes it harder to manage large initiatives, branding, publicity and fundraising. Bristol already has the people, ideas and momentum; what is needed is a clearer overall identity.

The new approach is in developing Bristol Chess as an umbrella body - either a CIC (Community Interest Company) or a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). In this scenario existing chess activities would operate autonomously and develop their own initiatives and the League too would function exactly as at present, with its own governance and independence. The new body would be in a good position to carry out fundraising and support local events.

Bristol already has strong foundations: an established League, committed volunteers, active clubs, successful junior and schools programmes, and emerging development projects. The mission is to take these strengths and  work more effectively together under one recognised Bristol Chess identity.