Your first concern may be club membership fees.

In Bangor Chess Club, we do not expect everybody to hand over membership fees until they are certain that membership is for them. You will not be hassled or expected to pay anything until you have been to a dozen or more club nights.

Currently the fees are

• £40 per year for adults
• £15 for juniors and students

These fees pay the club's expenses and union affiliations:

• the use of the hall on club nights
• our equipment (boards, sets, clocks, score-sheets and other bits)
• registration of players with the Ulster and Irish Chess Unions

Registration with the Ulster and Irish Unions allow you to maintain a rating and enter many official competitions. if you do not see yourself playing in competitions, your fees could be less; please discuss this with the club's treasurer, Martin Rogers. At present, very young members are not expected to pay fees.

You may also have difficulty getting transport to and from the club. Many members live in Bangor, Newtownards or Holywood and if you ask, you should be able to arrange a lift.