Calm environment
A peaceful, sensory-considerate space away from the busyness of the main bar.
Inclusive chess in Shrewsbury
Quiet Chess Club
A calm, welcoming and distraction-free place to enjoy chess, improve your game and meet other players.
When
Every Tuesday
Quiet Chess Club
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Where
Unison Club, Shrewsbury
Welcome
No pressure. No noise. Just chess.
The Quiet Chess Club is a non-league social chess group for people who value focus, calm and a relaxed environment.
Sessions are held in spacious rooms at the rear of the Unison Club, away from the busyness of the bar. The quieter setting allows players to concentrate, learn and fully immerse themselves in the game.
Complete beginners and experienced players are equally welcome. You can play socially, receive optional tuition or simply enjoy chess in a respectful and supportive space.
A quieter way to play
Designed with neurodiverse players in mind
The club has been created especially for autistic people and anyone who feels more comfortable in quieter, less demanding social spaces.
Play without pressure
Enjoy social chess at your own pace, with no expectation to play competitively.
Free support and tuition
Optional tuition and courses are available for beginners and improving players.
The enhanced environment aims to support confidence, positive social experiences and engagement for people affected by loneliness, autism, stroke recovery and early-onset dementia.
Your host
Meet Paul Billington
Paul has enjoyed chess for more than 55 years and now uses that experience to help neurodiverse people—especially autistic players—build confidence and enjoy positive social experiences through chess.
He is supported by organisations including Shropshire Community Resourcing, the National Autistic Society, the Primary Care Trust and Healthy Lives Advisors.
Paul has been happily married for 46 years and has three daughters and three grandchildren. His mission is to share the enjoyment and benefits of chess with those who may benefit most.
Quiet Chess Club at the BBC
Paul, Dennis and the QCC on BBC Radio
The BBC spoke with Paul Billington and Club Secretary Dennis Bonner about the work of the Darwinian Knights’ Quiet Chess Club and the positive impact it is making in the community.
The feature lasts approximately 9 minutes.
Listen to the BBC feature
Open the MP3The value of the game
The many benefits of chess
- Develops perspective
- Improves memory
- Deepens focus
- Encourages creativity
- Builds planning skills
- Increases self-awareness
- Improves self-esteem
- Supports concentration
- Encourages social connection
- Offers an enjoyable mental challenge
Everybody is welcome
Come along any Tuesday
Whether you are a complete beginner, an experienced player or simply curious about chess in a calmer setting, you will be warmly welcomed.
Quiet Chess ClubTuesdays at 6:00pm