U1650 Warwickshire 6.5 Staffordshire 5.5

 The first match of the Under 1650 season was a close victory for our opponents Warwickshire by 6.5 to 5.5. Until the final stages of the match it appeared that Warwickshire would have won by a larger margin. A win on board 10 by Martin Chadwick of Meir followed by draws for debutants Daniel Jones of Brewood and Tony Brothwood of Norton Canes left the score very close. Thanks to Warwickshire Chess Association for their arrangements, some good games played in a sporting spirit and choosing an excellent venue at the home of Coleshill Chess Club.

For a detailed scoresheet please check here.

Shropshire Congress 2025 first weekend in January

The  Shropshire Congress will take place Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th January 2025

Top prize in all sections is £300 plus three £50 rating prizes per section.

The top boards from all sections will be broadcast live within the venue and cooked breakfasts plus Sunday lunch will be provided by the Wrekin Housing Group catering team.

Further information and online entry please see the website.

Staffordshire Chess Association Club of the Year and Sports Personality of the Year

 The AGM at the end of last month has made the awards for Club of the Year and Sports Personality of the Year.

The Club of the Year has been awarded to the North Staffordshire and District Chess Association (NSDCA) club Gables. Gables are a new club founded in 2023 by Chris Hankey and most of the players are juniors. The club has competed successfully in last season's NSDCA winning the third division and having a second team gaining valuable experience in the the fourth. d. This season with the introduction of an Under 1300 League, the club are entering four teams in the NSDCA competitions.

The Sports Personality of the Year, is Steve Whatmore who represents both Stafford and Rushall in four local leagues. He mentors the less experienced players and captains teams in both the Cannock League and NSDCA. Steve has been a candidate for this award for a number of years and his main achievements are with the Cannock League serving as both President and Fixtures Secretary. With his drive and common sense he was the prime mover in restarting league chess after the Covid lockdowns.

County Fixtures and AGM

 Please do not forget that the Annual General Meeting takes place on September 25th. The County Fixtures begin in October and this year for the stronger players Staffordshire are entering a Minor Counties Team captained by Andrew Smith of Tamworth Chess Club. For more details please check the County Teams Page.

Stafford Chess Club New Venue

 From Friday 6th September, Stafford Chess Club will be meeting for both club nights and matches at Walton Village Hall, Green Gore Lane, Walton on the Hill, Stafford, ST17 0LD. There is ample parking at the venue.

Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 25th September

 The Annual General Meeting of the Staffordshire Chess Association will be held on Wednesday 25th September 2024 at Stafford North End Community Association Centre (SNECA),  Holmcroft Road, Stafford ST16 1JG, starting at 7:30pm

Nominations are invited for the following awards. Staffordshire Club of the Year currently Meir Chess Club, and Staffordshire Chess Personality of the Year, currently Jonathon L. B. Blackburn.

All active players or administrators of a Staffordshire Chess Association affiliated club are entitled to attend.

Minutes of the 2023 AGM and a full agenda will made available in advance of the meeting date

Michael Adams Simul at Norton Canes

 The Michael Adams Simul at Norton Canes in celebration of the FIDE Centenary and World Chess Day was a successful event and Adams won all 44 games.

For a fuller description of the event and photos please see the Norton Canes Chess Club Website.