I'm not from the UK, but these problems are pretty universal.
My club meets in a local bar & grill called The Westport Flea Market. We pay a small fee ($25) to rent the room for one day per week and get food/drink specials. We charge $2 per player to pay for the fee.
To play someplace rent-free, you should scout out local libraries, public event rooms at civic centers (or whatever they call them in the UK) schools or churches.
Members can bring their own equipment at first, and you can pass the hat to get small contributions to order things you don't get by way of donations.
Good luck.
hello there,
I live in the highland of Scotland in a village composed of approximately 2000 souls. It has been my ambition to create a chess club. But i have to admit I do not know how to go about it. So if you are from the UK and notably scotland and had experience in this type of project, could you kindly put me in the right track... Finances is also a big concern, my pension barely meets the end of the month... so if you are aware of some organisations that would graciously donate chess boards and all material necessary please let me know.
With regards
Angus