Chess cheque

By Kath Gannaway
A NEW games group at Yarra Junction Library is the first recipient of community funds from the Yarra Junction Community Bank.
Jenny Knight got a $250 helping hand from the bank which announced last month it was joining with the Warburton Community Bank as part of a new company to provide a more efficient and effective service to the Upper Yarra communities.
“We really want to rejoice about the fact that before we even have an actual bank on the ground, we are able to give funds back to the community,” said Jaqui Hall, chairwoman of the Yarra Junction & Districts Community Bank Branch.
Ms Hall and Barry Sharman of the Warburton bank teamed up to present the cheque to Ms Knight who started the games group at the library some weeks ago.
“I retired from work and always liked playing chess but didn’t have anyone to play with,” said Ms Knight who has fond memories of playing board games as a child.
She approached the library and found there was interest in providing an opportunity for people to get together to play not only chess but other games as well.
“People can play these games on their computers but it’s the interchange between people that people love so much,” said Ms Knight.
Ms Knight has gathered together different board games and is looking forward to adding to the mix.
Library manager Sandra Hamnett is also excited about the new group which will be among the first users of the new community lounge. The meeting room has been transformed with comfy couches, coffee tables and other homely touches. “It will be like people coming in to play in the friendly atmosphere of a lounge room,” Ms Hamnett said.
Ms Knight said the group was aimed at adults but that they had had some very enjoyable afternoons where children and teens had joined in.
The session is held on Friday afternoon from 2.30pm to 4.30pm so the adults can enjoy the company of their peers in a game of chess, Scrabble, cards or other activity, with children who may be interested able to join in for the last part of the afternoon.
Anyone interested in joining the fun and games can just pop along on the Friday or phone for more information on 5967 1588.