The club was formed in 2018 when a few backgammon enthusiasts got together to play casual games at St Annes Tennis and Squash Club on the coast at St Annes on the Sea, Lytham St Annes near to Blackpool, Lancashire. The club was publicised amongst the tennis club members and further afield via social media and soon we had eight or ten regular players. The club has evolved over the years and as numbers have increased, we have recently moved to a larger venue, The Links Pub where we use their function room and meet fortnightly on Monday evenings.

 

We have earlier this year founded a committee, Robert Hanning, treasurer, Ian Squire, chairperson and Oliver Squire, secretary. We now run more structured evenings, playing either a mini tournament to be completed on the night or players may choose to play league matches of which we have 2 divisions to run over a six-month period. Results are entered into the UKBGF rating system so players can track their progress. Players often meet outside of club nights to play Chouette or friendly games.

Beginners are very much encouraged with members running beginner sessions and lending books in order to encourage everyone to keep making progress.

Notable achievements include St Annes Club winning the St Annes/ Bone Club trophy this year. Club member, Oliver Squire, also of NEBA, won the Blackpool Imperial Cup this year, and recently was runner-up in the Super Jackpot at The Merit Open, Cyprus. He has also represented the UK team on several occasions, being part of the silver medal winning team of 2021 in Germany. Ian Squire managed to win the Intermediates Consolation this year at The UK Open. Robert Hanning this month won the online Animal Backgammon tournament.

Our growing club continues to make progress with players becoming better players month by month and we plan to enter a team in the next UK Clubs Championship.

I was asked “What is the club’s USP?” I suppose the answer to that question is that we welcome and encourage players of all abilities, we facilitate healthy competition, we offer learning opportunities and most of all we have lots of fun!

Here is a photo of our recent Halloween night. If anyone would like to visit us or join our friendly club please do not be scared to get in touch. We have a Facebook page, St Annes Backgammon Club so please have a look there or call Ian Squire on 07817111259.

There are still a few places available for the one-day event, St Annes Open to be held on Saturday 17^th December, a fantastic way to avoid Christmas shopping! More details are on the UKBGF calendar. To enter please contact Oliver Squire at oliversquire947@yahoo.com.