LONDON - s4story -- Less than a month ago, the Howard Staunton Society celebrated a major milestone with a sold-out black-tie revival dinner at L'Escargot, London's oldest French restaurant.

Over thirty members gathered to honour Staunton's influence on chess, literature and British culture. Brian Clivaz, CEO of L'Escargot and a Society founder, welcomed guests and introduced fellow founders Raymond Keene OBE and sculptor Barry Martin, who reflected on the Society's early mission to revive Staunton's legacy.

Sir Alan Fersht FRS showcased a rare Staunton chess set signed by Staunton, and Dr Richard Eales spoke on his cultural impact. HSH Prince Marek Kasperski gave closing remarks. Raymond Keene OBE presided and presented a new edition of Howard Staunton: The English World Chess Champion, gifting each guest a signed copy.

Following this successful revival, the Society now intends to register as a charity. After thirty years of preserving Staunton's memory—funding his granite knight headstone, supporting tournaments, conserving historic sets and promoting his Shakespearean scholarship—it is preparing for a new chapter: using chess for meaningful public benefit.

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Chess is increasingly recognised as a powerful, low-cost tool for mental health, memory, focus and combating cognitive decline. In an age of anxiety, digital overload and loneliness, chess offers rare depth of focus, human connection and proven psychological benefits, especially for older adults and those facing mental-health pressures.

As a charity, the Society will broaden its educational and cultural work, republish Staunton's writings, support young players, fund research and expand outreach into schools, community centres, care homes and mental-health settings. Its partnership with L'Escargot gives it a distinguished London base for future events.

Raymond Keene OBE underscored the significance of this shift: "Chess is a refuge for the mind and a gymnasium for memory and imagination. In a world racing towards forgetting, we must give the brain a chance to remember and to heal."

The Society now calls on supporters and patrons to join its mission. The board is set, the pieces are ready, and the time to act is now.

https://www.stauntonsociety.com