Hi Folks,

I am delighted to say SNCL is back!!

The dates are on the front page of Chess Scotland. 

At the end of the last season it was too tight to call who would be winners or losers so we are going to keep all teams in the divisions they were in during 2019/20  All teams need to email me that they are coming by the 15th January and any new teams will go into the lowest division. The entry fee is £50 per team for this season only as a welcome back. We intend to start again in October 2023 for the traditional season unless the AGM decides they like the new date format.

For multiple teams I am also suspending the rule that higher graded players need to play in the top team, owing to grades not being accurate following Covid lockdowns and lack of competitions. However, the rule remains that players within their assigned team will then play in grading order with a 100 point flexibility.

Please pay on the first day, preferably cash.  

Look forward to seeing all teams back on the 29th January 2023 for rounds 1 and 2.

Glynis
ggrant1@outlook.com

Starting today, entry on events calendar still at details to follow. Anyone know when or if this will be updated?

As many of you will know, I became President at the recent AGM.

In my view it is important to let players know what is happening and to get support for initiatives which will be taking place.

There are lots of opportunities for people to help promote chess in Scotland.

The following post will give you a better idea of my thoughts for the way forward.  These rely on an increase in the number of people working on behalf of Chess Scotland and their local chess community.

I would also love to hear any ideas which can help to grow chess in Scotland.

Either post your ideas or comments here or contact me privately at president@chessscotland.com


Alex

A week to go and Edinburgh looking quite healthy though 31 places left at time of writing.

On the other hand, Ayr next Sunday is in danger of being cancelled as no-one appears to be very enthusiastic about this one with just 11 entries at the moment.

That will require a lot of entries really quickly to go ahead.

Usual links to usual sites will appear here later.

Happy birthday to the Edinburgh Chess Club.
200 years old today. 

HI all, another month, another allegro.

This Sunday from 10, earlier if you would like to help set up    

Usual places for draws and results will appear here when I can be bothered.

At time of posting 1 place left, so a full house is what looks like happening and probably full by Tuesday.

So enter soon if you to intend to.  If you miss out on the OTB we also run the monthly online allegros and standard events over the days too.

It is with great sadness we report that Joe has passed away yesterday.

Joe was a stalwart of Kilmarnock chess club and Ayrshire chess until 2015 when he moved to Glasgow.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when we know them.

Our condolences to his family.

Alan Ferguson has died of cancer. This further sad news from Edinburgh comes just over a month after the death of his friend and former bridge partner, Ian Crorie. Originally from Falkirk, Alan was a regular at the Scottish congress up to about the 80s. He last played for Sandy Bells in the noughties. I was pleased to reconnect with him when he travelled to Luxembourg for Tim Upton's memorial. He is survived by his wife Sue and two sons.

His funeral service will be held on Tuesday 25 October at 3.30 at Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh.

Apologies but the website is misbehaving this evening and won't let me post

The Annual General Meeting of the members of Chess Scotland will be held on Saturday 26th November 2022 12:00 -16:00 and will be held online. Link to follow

The business of the Annual General Meeting will be:
1. To receive the Annual Report of Chess Scotland, incorporating a Statement of Account for the financial year to April 30 2021 certified by the Auditor.
2. To elect Directors from the Individual members willing to serve.
4. To elect holders of other specified posts
5. To consider matters raised by members

Nominations for elections must be received by the Executive Director in writing (including e-mail) at least three weeks before the meeting (i.e. not later than 23:59 on Saturday 5th November, 2022), and must be proposed and seconded by members, and confirm the consent of the nominee to serve.

Any proposals for consideration at the AGM must be received by the Executive Director in writing (including e-mail) at least three weeks before the meeting and must be proposed and seconded by members.

The Executive Director will publish all nominations for elections and proposals for consideration at least two weeks before the meeting (i.e. not later than Saturday 12th November 2022).

The following positions are up for election
President
Executive Director
Finance Director
International Director
International Director (Junior)
Home Director (unfilled from last AGM)
Scottish Championship Director (unfilled from last AGM)

We also require members and clubs to serve on council.  

Online voting form will go on line from Saturday 19th November until the end of the meeting on Saturday 26th November for anyone unable to attend, to cast their votes.

I was advised today that Jim Montgomery passed away last month.

I have no more details but I always remember him as a tough opponent and tactically a very tricky customer.