Six new signings herald an exciting future as old rivals join forces
A bright new future lies in wait for Shrewsbury Chess Club after the club joined forces with old rivals Telepost.
Six players – including the county’s top player Nigel Ferrington – have signed for the club after it emerged Telepost would no longer be able to carry on competing in the Shropshire Chess League, writes Peter Kitchen.
It means Shrewsbury A will be spared from relegation and assume Telepost A’s place in division one for the upcoming season.
The club will continue to press ahead with plans to field four league teams this season. Shrewsbury B have also been reprieved from relegation and will remain in division two, while Shrewsbury C and D will compete in division three.
The signings were rubberstamped during a club night at Cromwell’s on Wednesday last week following Telepost’s annual general meeting the same evening.
League controller Dan Hilditch-Love was also kept abreast of developments over the phone by the two club’s secretaries Fred Bench and Peter Kitchen while he confirmed team allocations and started to compile the season’s league fixtures.
While this ends a long-standing competitive yet friendly and respectful rivalry between the two clubs, it is a move that will strengthen the club further and continue to ensure people have opportunities to play competitive and social chess.
Other new signings include potential first team players Phil Zabrocki, Fred Bench and Archie Flavell. The trio all played a part in helping Telepost finish second in last season’s table, although Bench and Flavell’s availability will be limited by university commitments.
Ferrington requires no introduction – he has been Telepost A’s board one and one of the strongest players in the county for many years, winning several honours along the way. With a current ECF grade of 2128, he is a particularly strong endgame player and will be Shrewsbury A’s top board in division one this season.
In addition, Vinnie Crean will be a useful option in the club’s division two and three teams, while Lauren Turner has joined to play socially.
Telepost have been one of the giants of the local chess scene over the past 25 years, winning several league titles and this summer winning the Cox Trophy once again.
Just a few years ago the club was the largest in Shropshire with a flourishing junior section. But a split saw Darwinian Knights Chess Club created, and much of the club’s membership and the juniors migrated to the new club.
Despite being reduced to one team over the past two seasons, Telepost have continued to challenge at the top of the division one table. They secured an unlikely title in 2024/25 despite the split – winning the league by seven points – before finishing runners up in division one last season.
Kitchen, Shrewsbury Chess Club secretary, said: “We are delighted to welcome the new faces from Telepost – we only wish it wasn’t in such unfortunate circumstances for their club.
“I’m sure they will all add plenty of character, enthusiasm and humour to our club, while undoubtedly strengthening our league squads too.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our existing members to learn new ideas from experienced players and grow themselves. It’s terrific news for all concerned.”