They meet every other Thursday, always at the same place and always at the same time.

The venue is St Michael’s Centre in Bishop’s Cleeve, the time is 7.30pm and the group are members of Bishop’s Cleeve Chess Club.

The club have been going for two years and they are looking to expand their numbers.

“We are a small social club with players whose skill ranges from beginners through to regular tournament players,” said club president Nigel Sharp.

“Whether you’re a chess expert, a complete novice who doesn’t know the rules, or a casual player who wants to make a few new friends, we’d love to meet you at Bishop’s Cleeve Chess Club.”

Nigel, who is 65, has been playing chess for 50 years and is a big fan of the game.

So what makes a good chess player?

“You’ve got to be prepared to work hard as you do with all hobbies and in all sport,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to focus and have good concentration.”

To help with understanding the essentials of chess, Nigel said that the club are happy to give lessons to any aspiring members.

“We would like to have a junior section within the club,” he continued. “We would be keen to hear from any parents who have children who have expressed an interest in chess, or even maybe assist us with starting a junior section.”

The club currently have 10 members and Nigel is keen to move the club forward.

”After playing a number of friendly matches last season – the chess season runs from September to May – the club have recently joined the North Gloucestershire Chess League, Division 3.” he said.

“There are clubs from Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Gloucester, the Forest of Dean and Wotton Hall in the league. Teams are made up of five players and it is a very good league.

“If anyone would like to find out more, feel free to drop by on one of our club nights, chat to us and play a few friendly games,” said Nigel.

The evening meetings last for about two hours and games can be quickfire.

“We play with clocks and you can have five-minute games, 10-minute games or longer,” explained Nigel. “We vary it so people can play at different speeds.”

So is chess a game or a sport?

“It’s a game but it’s a sport as well,” said Nigel. “Chess is even considered by some people to be an art.”

Anyone wanting more information about the club should email ​bishopscleevechessclub@gmail.com