Customs Chess Club was one of the founder clubs of the Southend & District Chess League and dates back to the mid 1960s. Up to the end of the 2002-2003 Season the Club met each Tuesday evening and in recent years had been organised almost entirely as a result of the efforts of Dave Brunt, one of the longest-serving members of the Club. Dave's tragic and untimely death on 16th May 2003 forced the existing members into a re-think and the decision was taken that we would hold one Club night each month, on the last Tuesday in the month and reserve Fridays for our home matches in the Southend & District Chess League.
Our venue remains the Conference Rooms on the 15th Floor of Alexander House, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea thereby giving us probably the best view enjoyed by any Chess Club in the Country.
Customs Chess Club has a policy of welcoming chess players of all standards and ages. You don't have to work for Customs, although Customs employees, ex-employees and their families pay a lower annual subscription. The Club believes in encouraging younger players to adopt the game and we have forged strong links with two of the best chess-playing schools in the area.
Subscription rates for the 2003-2004 season are as follows:-
| Adults (non-staff) | £23 |
| Adults (staff) | £8 |
| Juniors | £6 |
We believe that this offers excellent value for money. If you would like to join Customs Chess Club, or just visit the Club occasionally, please email Peter Walker.