tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72575576146072337842024-03-23T03:14:03.774-07:00Staffordshire Chess AssociationWelcome to the website of the Staffordshire Chess Association. Please use the tabs below to navigate the site.NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-66143980663603976602024-03-05T04:53:00.000-08:002024-03-05T04:53:07.748-08:00Kevin Moore RIP<p> Walsall Kipping Chess Club have announced that Kevin Moore who represented them from 1996 until 2023 has died at the age of 87. His funeral will held at Mercia Forest Crematorium, Broad Lane, Essington, Wolverhampton, WV11 2RJ. on Friday 8th March 24 at 12.00 hours (noon).</p><p>Kevin represented the county at Under 125 and Under 100.</p><p>Please see this tribute from his teammate Peter Nixon.</p><p>Kevin was a longstanding member of the club since 1996. He turned up regularly to play most Thursday nights to play league and social chess. In my opinion he was the most dependable player that a captain could have. He played in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley and the Cannock leagues during his time at the club and also played for Staffordshire in the national county competitions.</p><p>Outside of chess he was a keen swimmer, swimming regularly every week. But at the club he was known for being a keen angler. It was his Angling that probably inspired his unique sartorial style, he would turn up in the winter months with a hooded fleece, scarf and waterproof jacket on. Nothing unusual in that, until you looked down below where he was barefoot in open toed sandals and sported shorts that would put most posties to shame.</p><p>He will be fondly remembered by me and everyone who knew him through chess.</p><p>It is believed that one of his club matches was published by Raymond Keene in a Times Column.</p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-49753707824710637042024-02-18T07:39:00.000-08:002024-02-18T07:39:49.900-08:00Under 1850 MCCU Championship Final<p> The Staffordshire Under 1850 Team faced a strong Lincolnshire side in the MCCU Under 1850 Championship on Saturday 17th February. After a bit of a last minute scramble a team of sixteen players was assembled and made the journey to the Leicestershire village of East Goscote. The team included two senior debutants to Staffordshire Chess, Bill Kimberely of Lichfield and Michael Andrews of Fenton. Its never too late to represent the county. </p><p>The match was a 8-8 draw with several of the games nearing the time limit. As a champion had to determined the Championship was awarded to Lincolnshire on board count. With Staffordshire winning on boards 14 and 16, that result was inevitable.</p><p>Captain Peter Evans would like to thank all the players and the match details may be seen <a href="https://www.staffordshirechessassociation.co.uk/p/lincolnshire-vs-staffordshire-u1850-17.html" target="_blank">here.</a></p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-82997464276710980532024-02-15T07:56:00.000-08:002024-02-15T07:56:50.675-08:00Oliver Horrocks RIP<p> The death of Oliver Horrocks of Alsager Chess Club has been announced. Oliver placed for Alsager Chess Club for many years and he represented Staffordshire in the era when there were two County Under 120 teams. Oliver was a quiet, polite gentleman and it was a pleasure to play against him whatever the result.</p><p>A Service to celebrate the gift of his life will be at 11.15am on 22nd February at St Bertoline's Church, Barthomley, Crewe CW2 5PE. </p><p>The Staffordshire Chess Association sends condolences to Oliver's family and friends.</p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-62389031772863739962024-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:002024-02-15T07:00:53.757-08:00Gordon Sands Funeral<p> Gordon's Funeral will be held at Bushbury Crematorium at 12:15pm on Tuesday 12th March </p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-55866232321548730072024-02-05T04:13:00.000-08:002024-02-05T04:13:10.819-08:00Cannock League 25th Anniversary Tournament<p> To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Cannock League, a celebration rapid play tournament has been arranged for Saturday 20th April at Ryecroft Community Hub. Entry forms and further details may be found <a href="https://cannockleaguechess.wixsite.com/home/25yr-tournament" target="_blank">here</a>. Please support the CDCL by supporting the event.</p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-83794756197226249422024-02-05T04:07:00.000-08:002024-02-05T04:07:14.534-08:00Gordon Sands RIP<p>The death of Gordon Sands has been announced. Gordon played for Wolverhampton for many years and he had recently moved to Mercia. He represented the County on a number of occasions. There is a fine tribute to Gordon on the Wolverhampton Chess Club <a href="http://www.wolverhamptonchessclub.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a>, and more information is available on the WDCL <a href="http://www.wdclchess.org.uk/blog/news/gordon-sands-rip/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">site</a>.</p><p>The Staffordshire Chess Association sends condolences to Gordon's family and friends.</p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-41780100203345152712024-01-11T09:02:00.000-08:002024-01-11T09:02:14.474-08:00Players wanted for the Staffordshire Under 1850 Team<p> The Staffordshire Under 1850 team are playing Lincolnshire for the MCCU Under 1850 Championship on Saturday 17th February. The match is at a neutral venue, St Hilda's C of E Church, Ling Dale, East Goscote Leicestershire England, LE7 3XW. If you wish to represent your county then please contact the team organiser, <a href="https://www.staffordshirechessassociation.co.uk/p/county-teams.html" target="_blank">Peter Evans</a>.</p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-25323961644408071622023-12-06T05:14:00.000-08:002023-12-06T05:14:19.856-08:00Congratulations to Steve Wilcox<p> Congratulations to Steve Wilcox who has been appointed a Life Vice President of the Staffordshire Chess Association. Steve and Rushall Chess club are synonymous, he has played over 1,000 games for his club. He has been the secretary of Rushall since the 1980s and although he has relinquished the post twice, he has always found himself back in harness after a short break.</p><p>Steve is part of a dynasty at Rushall Chess Club, his father Les was one of the founders, his mother Enid provided tea and coffee to members and visitors on club nights for many years. His son Joseph played for Rushall and Staffordshire, and he coached his daughter Charlotte to be British Girls Champion.</p><p>Steve was the Tournament Secretary of the Association for many years and he represented the County when there were teams to suit his rating or grade. Once again congratulations to one of the nicest people in Staffordshire Chess.</p><p><br /></p>Staffordshire Chess Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692781285684882131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-67495075029001075052023-11-30T08:48:00.000-08:002023-11-30T08:48:06.291-08:00Sports Personality of the Year, Club of the Year and Changes to Officials<p> The AGM was
held on Wednesday November 29<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Sports
Personality of the year was awarded to the Staffordshire Chess Association’s
Secretary for Junior Chess, Jonathon Blackburn for all the work he has undertaken
after he was elected to the position two years ago. The increase in the number
of entrants for the 2023 Junior Congress to 153 from 73 last year is only one
of his achievements.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Club of
the Year was awarded to Meir Chess Club from Stoke-on-Trent. They were
commended for their support of Staffordshire’s Under 1450 team in 2023 and the
support of Meir’s members generally for Staffordshire Teams pre-2020. No less
than 6 players out of 12 in the Staffordshire Under 100 Team that won the 2019
County Championship were Meir players.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Election
of Officers was completed with Robert Milner remaining as President and
Jonathon retaining his Junior Secretary post. Ray Dolan is the new General Secretary
replacing Peter Evans who has taken over as Treasurer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-40631937623062193462023-11-30T08:31:00.000-08:002023-11-30T08:31:28.901-08:00New Website for Staffordshire Junior Chess and More Junior Congress ResultsThere is a new website for Staffordshire Junior Chess and it may be found at this site <a href="https://www.staffsjuniorchess.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.staffsjuniorchess.co.uk/</a><div><br /></div><div>The results of the recent Junior Congress may be seen in more detail on the site.</div>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-52877126805442051572023-11-27T03:55:00.000-08:002023-11-27T03:55:05.715-08:00Generation Game Result<p> The results of September's MCCU Generation Game have been checked and sent for grading. There were two legs of the match played. In the first leg all the juniors had the white pieces and the adults the black. Twenty eight games were played with the seniors winning 16 - 12. After lunch the colours were reversed, one less match was played and the adults were again victorious 15.5 to 11.5. Congratulations to all who played and the juniors made a good showing considering it was the first competitive long game for many of them.</p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-9297860269707529832023-11-20T02:56:00.000-08:002023-11-20T02:56:09.872-08:00Staffordshire Junior Championships Preliminary Results<p> Congratulations to all the entrants to the Staffordshire Junior Championship. Thanks are owed to the organiser Jonathon Blackburn and his team on the day. When full reports and pictures are available they will be published here.</p><p>The Tournament made the BBC Website and the article may be read on this <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-67443179" target="_blank">link</a></p><p>The results were logged on the chess-results.com and the progress of the players could be followed. For the site please check <a href="https://chess-results.com/tnr850454.aspx?lan=1&art=4&flag=30" target="_blank">here.</a> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-28439774482332137302023-11-10T09:13:00.001-08:002023-11-10T09:19:52.585-08:00Good Results at the National Youth Championships<p> Congratulations to Staffordshire's Juniors who under Jonathon Blackburn's guidance achieved third place in both the Under 18 and Under 14 sections at Oxford on Saturday 4th November. A young Under 12 team gained valuable experience for future seasons. For a full description of the event please see the <a href="https://www.staffordshirechessassociation.co.uk/p/staffordshire-junior-news.html" target="_blank">Junior News Page</a>. </p><p>A big thanks to Jonathon for all his work and congratulations to the young people for their efforts. Please do not forget the Staffordshire Junior Championships. These are on Sunday 19th November, at The COOP Academy, Westport Road, Tunstall, Stoke-On-Trent ST6 4LD. An Entry form is available <a href="https://www.staffsjuniorchess.co.uk/" target="_blank">here.</a> </p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-75101362500399720852023-11-05T04:37:00.001-08:002023-11-08T03:27:44.651-08:00 AGM Confirmed Wednesday 29th November<p> The AGM of the Staffordshire Chess Association will be held on Wednesday 29th November at Stafford North End Community Centre, Holmcroft Road, Stafford ST16 1JB. Start time 7:30pm. Nominations for the following awards should be sent the the <a href="mailto:peterfkevans@live.co.uk" target="_blank">Secretary</a>.</p><p>Club of the Year</p><p>Personality of the Year</p><p>Candidates to be Life Vice Presidents of the Association</p><p>It is customary for the AGM to being with a moment of silence to remember local chess players who have passed away since the last AGM. Again please advice the <a href="mailto:peterfkevans@live.co.uk" target="_blank">Secretary</a> if you have friends and team mates to be remembered in this way.</p><p><br /></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-44950102140872960092023-11-03T08:56:00.000-07:002023-11-03T08:56:35.388-07:00Half Term Newcastle-Under-Lyme Junior Tournament Results<p>The SCA Secretary for Junior Chess, Jonathon Blackburn ran a tournament for Juniors at Newcastle Bridge Club on Wednesday 1st November.</p><p>The results were as follows:</p><p>Under 18</p><p>5/5 Winner Rhys Morgan (Stafford)</p><p>4/5 2nd= Jayden Cheung & Dexter Harper (Newcastle-Under-Lyme)</p><p>Under 11</p><p>4.5/5 Winner Ben Juan</p><p>4/5 2nd Matthew Fish</p><p>Total players: 29</p><p>Jonathon would like to thank Andrew Crosby & Richard Fish for helping him run the event </p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-30405007224555091842023-10-24T04:52:00.001-07:002023-10-24T05:06:41.836-07:00Under 1450 Staffordshire 7 Worcestershire 1<p> Congratulations to the Staffordshire U1450 Team who have become Midland Counties U1450 Champions after their victory against Worcestershire. The match was played at Newcastle Under Lyme Bridge Club and the Staffordshire Chess Association would like to thank them for the arrangements.</p><p>The match card may be seen <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/195486" target="_blank">here</a> with Staffordshire victorious on all but one board. The match was played over only eight boards due to Worcestershire having difficulties achieving a full 12 player side. Staffordshire captain Stephen Smithson sportingly agreed the reduction and thanks to the Staffordshire Players; James Topp, Bob Perry and Roger Coleman, who stood down at short notice. The Staffs Team included Gary Wicket the first blind player to represent Staffordshire in recent years.</p><p>Stephen Smithson's report on the match is included below.</p><p>Peter had encountered his opponent several times previously and dug deep to gain his first ever win against him. (<i>Not True Peter won in 2015)</i></p><p>Josh stepped up to play against their Board 2 and took down this higher rated and much more experienced player.</p><p>Rhys made a good response to Queen's Gambit, but simply needs more experience and strengthening those strategic thinking muscles. </p><p>I as Black dodged some early aggression by my opponent and built a much stronger position, forcing him into a decisive endgame in my favour. </p><p>Martin was solid against an inexperienced opponent, showing precisely how to play the person put opposite you.</p><p>Maurizio galloped to inevitable victory, managing to avoid those mistakes which can occur when still relatively new to this gig.</p><p>Gary was simply amazing! Over 4 hours, he beat down his opponent. From following d4 with e4 as early as move 5 to forcing an endgame with Rook and two pawns against a solitary Bishop. </p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-57651340785333499472023-09-24T03:47:00.000-07:002023-09-24T03:47:35.474-07:00Chess in Libraries<p> A number of clubs in the North Staffs and District Chess Association have launched a project to introduce chess sets and the playing of the game into their local libraries. It was begun by Nigel Hancock of Alsager Chess Club to use the opportunities available from Chess in Schools and Communities to further his local library initiative. This has now extended to four libraries and two NSDCA Clubs. This is seen as a contribution to reducing the problem of loneliness in the older generations. </p><p>For further details please check the detailed article from the <a href="https://www.northstaffschess.com/2023/09/chess-in-libraries.html" target="_blank">NSDCA Website.</a></p><p>This is a great initiative and it is suggested that clubs in other Staffordshire areas should join in.</p><p><br /></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-11352028927955692822023-09-13T04:52:00.003-07:002023-09-24T08:35:17.889-07:00Generation Game Latest<p> The <a href="https://www.staffordshirechessassociation.co.uk/p/mccu-generation-game-at-ryecroft.html" target="_blank">Generation Game</a> was run very successfully on Saturday 23rd September. Players from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and several Staffordshire Clubs joined the youngsters of Bloxwich Juniors and Ryecroft Home Education Junior Chess Academy in two closely contested games. Thanks are due to Ray and Eunice Dolan for all their hard work and to Ham Patel and Andrew Lambert with their team of controllers. </p><p>The full results will be published when they are available, but we had 28 boards with 56 players.</p><p><br /></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-35507330267124625912023-09-13T04:38:00.001-07:002023-09-13T04:38:52.230-07:00County Fixtures Released<p> The MCCU Championship fixtures have been released. In a disappointingly small number of fixtures the Staffordshire U1450 Team will play Worcestershire on October 21st and the Under 1850 Team will meet Lincolnshire in the new year. Should Staffordshire attempt to enter an Under 1650 Team if the MCCU would permit? Please contact <a href="mailto:peterfkevans@live.co.uk" target="_blank">Peter Evans</a> if you would like him to make a late entry.</p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-21818704502093554092023-08-11T03:57:00.001-07:002023-08-11T03:57:19.617-07:00Generation Game<p> The <a href="https://www.staffordshirechessassociation.co.uk/p/mccu-generation-game-at-ryecroft.html" target="_blank">MCCU Generation game</a> will be held at Ryecroft Community Hub, New Forest Road, Walsall. WS3 1TR on Saturday 23rd September, commencing 9 40am</p><p>All the MCCU Counties are invited. The teams will consist of 5 Juniors and 5 Adults and each get two matches. <a href="mailto:jonathan.blackburn1985@gmail.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Blackburn</a> will select the Juniors and <a href="mailto:peterfkevans@live.co.uk" target="_blank">Peter Evans</a> the adults. To represent Staffordshire please contact them.</p><p><br /></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-62658331039426791172023-08-11T03:08:00.001-07:002023-08-11T03:08:30.730-07:00Congratulations to Cheddleton and Leek Chess Club: 50 Years Old<p> Congratulations to Cheddleton and Leek Chess Club who are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their founding in 1973. One of the original founders was the Staffordshire Chess Association President Robert Milner. Robert still chairs the club he founded and attends when ever possible. More details of the celebration may be seen <a href="https://www.northstaffschess.com/2023/08/cheddleton-golden-jubilee.html" target="_blank">here.</a> Congratulations to all involved and here's to the next 50 years. </p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-34710883400938029112023-08-11T02:48:00.002-07:002023-08-11T02:48:54.889-07:00Newcastle Under Lyme Invitational Chess Tornament<p> Staffordshire Junior Chess Secretary, Jonathan Blackburn is both organising and competing in an this invitational tournament. The event has commenced and will finish on Sunday 13th August. Jacob Connor Boswell of Cheddleton and Leek Chess Club is among the participants. For results, please see the competition <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchess-results.com%2Ftnr798315.aspx%3Flan%3D1&data=05%7C01%7C%7C5db91d433bfe46fd9e0608db98ee7fc0%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638271922326994789%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6rHKBd7Br7u2Ot5CVbTmfCK%2BHCnabUzskHPKlbz6TcM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">details.</a></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-18113860865538228342023-08-06T04:16:00.000-07:002023-08-06T04:16:21.961-07:00New Website for the Cannock and District Chess League<p> Just in time for the commencement of 2023-24 season, the CDCL has a new website. It was written by Ken McNulty of Stafford and the new site may be viewed <a href="https://cannockleaguechess.wixsite.com/home" target="_blank">here.</a></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-70915299820262887242023-07-27T02:45:00.002-07:002023-07-27T02:45:50.741-07:00Junior Opportunities and the Staffordshire Junior Championship<p> Staffordshire Chess Association's Secretary for Junior Chess, Jonathon Blackburn, would like to advise of two events for Junior players. </p><p>Wednesday 9th August: A five round morning ECF rated rapid-play at Newcastle-Under-Lyme Chess Club, King Street, Newcastle ST5 1EL. The event includes Under 11 and Under 18 sections and runs from 9:30 until 13:30. The entry fee is £5 payable on the day and please contact <a href="mailto:jonathan.blackburn1985@gmail.com" target="_blank">Jonathon.</a></p><p>Sunday 19th November: Following last years successful Staffordshire Junior Championship at Abbot's Bromley, the event is moving north this year and will be held at The COOP Academy, Westport Road, Tunstall, Stoke-On-Trent ST6 4LD. A full entry form is available <a href="http://staffsjuniorchess.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257557614607233784.post-87797964551089739332023-05-18T08:38:00.002-07:002023-05-18T08:38:47.440-07:00Jonathan Blackburn to provide commentary on 24 hour Chess Marathon in aid of the British Red Cross Ukraine AppealSCA Junior Secretary, Jonathon I B Blackburn will be providing commentary on this weekends 24 hour marathon in aid of the <a href="https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ecf-charity-marathon-for-ukraine-2023/" target="_blank">British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.</a> The event runs from 1700 on Saturday 20th May. Any players who wish to partake please check this out.<div><br /><div><br /></div></div>NSDCAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006439055819485673noreply@blogger.com