“A female chess player from Battersea is encouraging more women to get involved with the game after it has helped her to overcome her trauma. Zoya Boozorginia, 39, began playing chess at 10. Now, as a full-time architect, she balances her work and her addiction to chess, even moving house to live nearer to the chess club. She is one of only six women who are full-time members at Battersea Chess Club, which has been in existence since 1885.”
“London chess clubs create new communities as more people get on board with the ancient game”
The first Ladies’ Chess Club was formed at Brompton in London, with its first meeting attended by 25 ladies on January 14, 1895. Miss E. M. Burrell of 86, West Cromwell Road, was named the club secretary, and the club met at members’ homes until March 11, when it took quarters at 447, Strand, W.C.