He taught mathematics and braille as well as coached rowing, amateur drama, bridge, and chess.

[3] "Bon", as he was known by staff, headed four separate chess teams in the local and county leagues, of which all won multiple championships.

Reginald Bonham won numerous tournaments throughout Worcester and the English Midlands.

In addition to his achievements against the visually impaired, Bonham also had many victories against sighted competition.

He won the Hastings Reserve Tournament in 1931, the Birmingham Tournament on three consecutive occasions, was Worcestershire County Champion twenty times, was champion of the nine Midlands Counties three times and won the Birmingham Post Cup twice.