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Welcome to the home of the Quiet Chess Club

Unison Club Shrewsbury – Tuesdays from 6pm

If you love Chess and value focus, calm, and a distraction-free environment, you're warmly invited to join our new Quiet Chess Club (QCC), held every Tuesday at 6:00pm in a safe and welcoming warm environment at the Unison Club in segregated spacious rooms at the rear section of the club away from the busyness of the bar.

 

This is a non-league, social Chess group—ideal for those who want to concentrate on the game, improve quietly, or simply enjoy playing in a relaxed and respectful setting. The Chess rooms are peaceful at this time in a calm, welcoming atmosphere that helps players fully immerse themselves in the game.

A Quite Nice Space Designed for Neurodiverse Players

This new club has been specially created with the needs of autistic individuals and those who prefer quieter social spaces in mind. Whether you're a beginner or a long-time player, you'll find:

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  • A supportive, sensory-considerate environment

  • Optional free tuition and courses

  • Encouragement to grow in confidence at your own pace

  • Our enhanced environments helps with autism, stroke recovery, loneliness and early onset dementia

If you'd like to continue into the evening, you're also welcome to stay on for the main Unison Chess Club, which begins at 7:30pm.

Hosted by Paul Billington (Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism)

Paul has been passionate about Chess for over 55 years, he's now focused on using that passion to help neurodiverse individuals—especially autistic people—build self-confidence and enjoy positive social experiences through the game.

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With the support of organisations including Shropshire Community Resourcing, the National Autistic Society, the Primary Care Trust, and Healthy Lives Advisors, Paul is committed to offering the best assistance and support possible.

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Paul's credentials include:

  • Enhanced DBS Check (2024)

  • Tenancy TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (2023)

  • Enrolled on First Aid Course (June 2025)​

On a personal note, Paul has been happily married for 46 years, has three wonderful daughters and three grandchildren— his mission is to bring the joy and benefits of Chess to those who may need it most.

Paul, Dennis and QCC at the BBC

Recently the BBC got in touch with Paul Billington and Club Secretary Dennis Bonner about the great work Darwinian Knights' Quiet Chess Club is bringing to  he community.

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Click play button to hear the (18 mins) feature on BBC

Everybody is welcome, from complete beginners upwards

Come along any Tuesday at 6pm to the Unison Club. Whether you're curious, cautious, or simply curious about Chess in a calmer setting, you'll be warmly welcomed.

 

No pressure. No noise. Just Chess.

The multiple benefits of chess...

• Develops perspective

• Improves memory

• Deepens focus

• Elevates creativity

• Boosts planning skills

• Increases self-awareness

• Improves self esteem

• Helps ADHD

• Protects against dementia

• Reduces panic attack symptoms

• Great benefits for kids

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