from David Reid
"It is with sadness that we announce the passing of long time Glasgow Montrose CC member Roy Smeeton. He was a much admired and loved member, a good player and wit, who loved a good story. He will be sorely missed."

I have been advised that John passed away on Friday after a long illness.

I am told also that the funeral details are as follows:

Monday 27th November
10.30 Corpus Christi Memorial Church
11.30 Clydebank Crematorium

John was a long time committee member of the Glasgow Chess League being Secretary up until just a couple of years ago. He was also the long time Secretary of the DDCA and was Secretary of Dalmuir Chess Club for many years.

He will be sadly missed by all those in and around the Glasgow area who had known him.

I've been off this forum for a few years  but I can see it's time I came back. 

Scotland Played 9 lost 9.

The two youngest players were born the year England won the world cup in 1966.
Two others turned 65 this year and the fifth was born when Alekhine was still alive!

We have an an abundance of young talent how did this happen?
(I cannot even add the tried and trusted remark after such a calamity -
'...at least they will learn from their mistakes.' 
That lot stopped learning from their mistakes in the last century. )

I know poverty will be pleaded as an excuse but we can work around that.

Forget going cap in hand asking some business to sponsor a whole team instead we 
get each league: Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire,, Edinburgh, Glasgow and North East Scotland
to sponsor one player each. Surely each league can raise amongst themselves enough to 
send one of their own league's strongest (and preferably young!) players.

Played 9 Lost 9. We even lost to that chess powerhouse the Faroe Islands (3½ -½)
whose team probably consisted of two fishermen, a folk singer and a monk.

(why has 'Wilhelm Steinitz' appeared under my name?)

Just a reminder that Oban Chess Congress is on in a couple of weeks. Its in the usual place at the Royal Hotel.

You can enter online here: http://congress.popmalc.org.uk/congress/348/home
Entrants list here: http://congress.popmalc.org.uk/congress/348/entrants

Entering and pay on the day is available by emailing Duncan Campbell directly here

The Royal Hotel is offering a room rate for chess players at £46.00 per person per night, but players will need to contact the hotel on 01631 563021 to secure these rates.

Some good early Scots results. Plus ex Scot Helen Milligan now NZ scoring an almighty battling draw today against the legendary Nona Gaprindashvili. See games live at the event website via link at fide.com

I would much have preferred the 2023 AGM to be in-person rather than remote. There is not the same level of scrutiny and democracy. As an example, the last AGM was remote and both Alan Tate and I stood for the International Director position. However neither of us spoke as to why people should vote for us even though I would have liked to have given a speech..

Nine year old Glorney Cup winner Supratit Banerjee on top board today in World Cadets under 10 in Egypt - not deterred by Middle East war.

Hi folks obviously different areas are being serious affected by the storm Babette. If your team is unable to come on Sunday you must contact me asap. This will allow me hopefully to get in touch with your opposition and save them a journey in the morning especially.
At the moment the event is still on and all teams, with the exception of Stonehaven, are expected.

FIDE Rating: The SNCL is now a “FIDE rated” event in all 4 divisions.

The results of this tournament will be submitted to FIDE, the world chess federation, for rating. Every player must have a FIDE Identification Number (FIN) to allow the events to be submitted to FIDE.

Search FIDE database https://ratings.fide.com/

If you do not yet have a FIDE ID please read the information on FIDE registration at the following link and complete the application form and return to grading@chessscotland.com and we will set up your registration.

https://www.chessscotland.com/grading/information-for-event-organisers/fide-id-operating-procedure/

There is a downloadable doc application form at this link.

Please note we require the permission of the parent/guardian of players under the age of 16 before a registration will be made. Permission can be given in the application form.

If you would prefer to be registered with another country or are not eligible for a Scotland registration please contact your home federation and they should be able to complete your FIDE registration.

Thank you,
Chess Scotland Grading

Hi folks i have had a team say they are paying Chess Scotland through bank transfer. NO DO NOT Do THAT.
Any team that does pay CS will have to get their money back themselves and will still owe me payment on Sunday.

SNCL is self funding and we have our own account which I will give you the details of when you ask me. The current account is in my name and Ian Robertson's because the bank insisted it had to be a person and not an organisation. However, the money belongs to SNCL and I would happily show anyone the accounts if they don't trust me!!(Or even if you do!) 

Payment of cheque or cash is also welcome on the first day of SNCL