News Archive

Published 12 November 2012. Most recent stories at top. Season runs September to August.

2009-10 Season

Leading Midland Juniors At UK Chess Challenge Terafinal

24 August. Brandan Clarke (Littleworth, Leics) was among the leaders with 5/6 at Warwick held 21-22 August. He was followed by Joseph McPhilips (Bolton, Gtr Manchester) and Craig Whitfield (Cheddleton & Leek, Staffs) who scored 4/6 in this leading junior event. In the Challengers, five Midlands players scored 4/6: Chris Smith (Warley Quinborne, Worcs), Michael Fletcher (Nottingham High Sch, Notts and under-10!), James Friar (Hagley, Worcs), Leo Tsoi (Boldmere St Michael, Warks) and Astghik Stepanyan (Sutton Coldfield, Warks). This two day event with first prize £3000 is organised by Mike Basman and sponsored by British Land plc. For detailed scores...

ECF Council Meeting: Andrew Farthing bids for CEO post

24 August. The English Chess Federation Council will meet 16 October to elect officials and decide policy for next year. Closing dates for nominating direct members (27 August), directors (8 September), proposing policies (8 September) are fast approaching. For links to more information click here. If you would like to stand for an elected post or would like to propose a policy further information is available here. Four elected officials are not standing for re-election so new volunteers are needed for the post of Chief Executive Officer, Chair of Finance and two Non-executive directors. Andrew Farthing, a Non-executive Board member of the MCCU and current Strategic Planning Officer for the ECF, has thrown his hat in the ring for the post of CEO. He has been nominated by the MCCU, Worcestershire and the ECF Board. You can read Andrew's statement about his intentions if elected here.

Midlands Grand Prix and NEW U150 Rapidplay Grand Prix 2010-2011

23 August. It is the last week for congress organisers to request their event is included within the Midlands Grand Prix. The rules for the new under-150 grade Rapidplay Grand Prix are here.

Mickey Adams and Jovanka Houska win British titles at Canterbury

8 August. Top Midlands players were: Stephen Gordon (Oldham, Gtr Manchester), and Don Mason (Shirley, Warks) on 7 from 11; Paul Cumbers (Grantham, Lincs) and Ali Jaunouby (Oldham, Gtr Manchester); Alex Crombie (Newark, Notts) and Pablo Padillo (Ashfield, Notts) 5 from 11. Brendon Clarke (Littleworth, Leics) is joint under 15 champion. Former Midland GM Keith Arkell (ex Droitwich, Long Eaton, and MCF) scored 7 and Adam Hunt (Woodbridge, Suffolk) scored a GM norm in the championship. Read more...

MCCU CEO Julie Johnson to get ECF President's Award

4 August. Congratulations! The webmaster understands that the last ECF Management Board approved the award to Julie Johnson. Julie has served on the ECF Board as well as being the current Chief executive of the MCCU and a long time officer of her local club in Syston, Leics. The presentation will be at the ECF Meeting in October. Read the full citation here.

British Championship Canterbury first week

31 July. At the end of the first week Michael Adams leads with 5½ from 6. Players from the Midlands are Stephen Gordon (Oldham, Gtr Manchester) on 4½ points; Don Mason (Shirley, Warks) on 4 points; Ali Jaunouby (Oldham, Gtr Manchester), Paul Cumbers (Grantham, Lincs) on 3½ points; Pablo Padillo (Ashfield, Notts) 3 points; Brendan Clarke (Littlethorpe, Leics) and Alex Combie (Newark, Notts) on 2 points. Former Midlands GM Keith Arkell (ex Droitwich, Long Eaton, and MCF) was on 3½ points after a poor start.

2nd Worcestershire Open results

Held on 24-25 July at Worcester University, this event attracting 110 players. First in the Open section was Lawrence Cooper (Stafford) winning the play-offs against Jane Richmond (Swindon) and Derek Pugh ( Bristol). For pictures, other results, and details of the massive 7-way tie in the Minor Tournament read more...

Midlands Grand Prix and NEW Rapidplay Grand Prix 2010-2011

17 July. The Midlands Grand Prix is expanded this year with a new Rapid Play GP as well as the Standard Play GP. Midlands Standard Play Grand Prix. Winner receives title if Individual Midlands Champion and a bursary to the British Championships in 2011 in Sheffield for the best score in competing standard play events in the GP. Rules for the 2010-11 MCCU Grand Prix are here. Midlands under-150 Rapid Play Grand Prix. For the first time, MCCU offer a grading-limited £50 prize for the best score in participating rapidplay congresses organised in the MCCU Area by clubs, counties or individuals eligible for County Chess in the Midlands.
Congress Organisers. Your congress will be contacted, but if you wish to be proactive and send your details in now to Cyril Johnson, MCCU Events Director (Tel: 0116 2609012. e-mail) marking them "MCCU GRAND PRIX", the Controller would be very grateful. Last date for organisers for congress entry into the standard play Midlands GP is 31 August 2010 and for the new U-150 Rapidplay is 14 calendar days before the event.

Warwickshire u180 are National Champions

12 July. Moat College, Leicester saw four MCCU county sides battle for championship honours. Local MP Sir Peter Soulsby welcomed players. The u180 competition guaranteed an MCCU champion team with Nottinghamshire facing Warwickshire. Warks ran out winners with a 9 - 7 victory. In the new u100 competition, Warwickshire were put to the sword(s) by Essex. In the u140 competition, Nottinghamshire lost on board count to Hampshire. For other Finals match details, click here. MCCU stalwarts Julie and Cyril Johnson were key organisers of the 2010 counties finals.

Bushbury win Minor Plate in National Club Finals

11 July. Bushbury, Staffs with two teams, and Leamington League associated Chipping Campden teams made it to the finals. In the Minor Plate, Bushbury beat Forest of Dean 3-1. In the Intermediate Plate, Bushbury were beaten on board count 2-2 by Hackney. In the Minor Cup, Chipping Campden defaulted a board and lost ½-3½. The finals were held at Syston, Leics and Golden Lane Community Centre, London on 11July. View the full report by Julie Johnson on the ECF site.

David Anderton New President of Staffordshire CA

10 July. David Anderton, captain of Staffs open team, was elected President at their AGM at the end of June. David is a past captain of the England team and has also been President of the ECF and an ECF Director of international chess, a post now held by fellow Staffs member Lawrence Cooper.

Don Mason MCCU Champion and Grand Prix Winner

22 June 2010. The leading players in the Grand Prix have been announced. Read more...

Warwickshire have two teams in the National Finals!!

An All-MCCU final for u180 competition

Lincolnshire out of Minor Counties

19 June. A strong Middlesex side beat Nigel Birtwistle's side at Syston. Detailed results ...

International Chess

19 June. Fisher's body to be exhumed to settle paternity dispute to distribute his estate reports the Guardian. Russian chess Federation raided after supporting Karpov against Ilyumzhinov in FIDE race reports The Times.

Keith McLaughlin wins MCCU Correspondence Competition

6 June. The 2009-2010 Peter Gibbs Correspondence Tournament has been won by Keith McLaughlin, Leics. Paul Walters, Staffs, is second, but three players are in contention for third place. Read more...

MCCU Annual General Meeting: Saturday 26 June at Syston

6 June. Read the agenda, minutes of 2009 AGM, and proposals for rule changes to the MCCU inter-counties competitions using links from the admin page.

Government Slashes Support for Chess

2 June. The Department of Cutlure Media and Sports (DCMS) has just announced a 25% reduction of its support for chess. This shortfall could be made good by raising game fee by about 5p, raising subscriptions, cutting services, or a combination of measures. Read the DCMS letter here.

Proposed Changes to MCCU Rules

1 June. Proposals to change rules for the MCCU inter-county competition will be discussed at the MCCU AGM to be held 26 June. Proposals cover several issues: the MCCU open and minor competitions, digital clocks, mobiles and electronic gadgets in ithe playing hall, neutral venues, notification of match results and postponements. If you would like to make points about these proposed changes, please contact your county delegate or secretary. Better still, ask your county secretary whether you can attend as a delegate. Read the full text of these proposals here.

Nottinghamshire field 60 Players in County Quarter Finals

29 May. Notts had four teams playing on Saturday 22 May. They were the U-180 and U-140 at Milton Keynes, the U-160 at Huntingdon, the U-120 at Huddersfield. Every one of the matches went right down to the last game to finish - the two at Milton Keynes down to the last two minutes- with Notts victorious in two and losing in two. Read more on the ECF stage page and its links.

Two MCCU Teams through to Semi-Finals in Minor County Competition

24 May. Both Leics and Lincs had convincing wins, but Notts had mixed fortunes winning in the u140, but losing in the u160 competition.

Notice of MCCU Annual General Meeting: Saturday 26 June at Syston

3 May. Julie Johnson, CEO, has notified County Secretaries that the AGM is to be held 2pm at Syston Social Club, Syston, Leics on Saturday 26 June. The business of the meeting wil include: election of officers; presentation of accounts and buget; officers' reports and discussion of any changes to rules or the constitution. If you want something discussed, for example rules for MCCU competitions, please contact Julie or your county delegate. Proposals to change rules or constitution must be formal motions received by Julie by Saturday 29 May. Some counties did not send a full quota of delegates last year and if you would like to attend to represent your county at the MCCU AGM, please contact your County Secretary.

Stafford Congress results

22 April. Over 80 players took part in this stars-barred event on 10 and 11th April. Mike Surtees (Bolton, GMC) won the u200 Premier. The rapidly improving junior player Joseph Friar, from Hagley, Worcs won the u120 Minor. For a full list of winners on the Staffs website read more...

Staffordshire U-140 through to National Inter-County Quarter-Finals

20 April. In the preliminary rounds, Greater Manchester lost to Essex in the Open, Worcestershire lost on board count to Sussex in the U-140, and Staffordshire overcame Yorkshire 'A'. Cyril Johnson (Leics) again takes role of national controller.

August Hereford 2010 congress called off

15 April. This popular Bank Holiday tournament will not run in 2010. Wreford Davies, Congress Secretary has told the webmaster that building alterations at their normal venue and no suitable alternative in Hereford mean the next congress will be planned for 2011.

Ali Jaunoobi's double at Bolton Easter Congress

10 April. This popular event was held 2-4 April at the Bolton Excel Centre in the centre of the city. Any intruding southerners were kept firmly in place. In the Open, Adam Ashton and Ali Jaunooby, both from Three C's, Oldham shared first prize with 4½/5. The Major was won by Carl Atkinson (Crusaders, Oldham) and the Knights section was shared by Chris Stratford (Huddersfield) and Anthony Roberts (Wallasey) all with 4½/5. Ali Jaunoobi took time out of the Open to win The Busy Person's 10-minute Blitz with 7½/8. For more results ... (pdf)

Otto Hardy (1927-2010)

4 Apr. The death is anounced of Otto Hardy Loughborough, Leics. He died in the morning of 4 April aged 82 peacefully at home. Loughborough Echo states his funeral is to be Friday 16 April 10:30am at All Saints Church Loughborough. Read an obituary with a link to illustrative games here.

MCCU provisional nominations of county teams for National Stages

The CEO has announced provisional nominations for the ECF stages of the inter-counties competition. MCCU Champions are: Open - Staffordshire; Minor - Lincolnshire; u180 - Warwickshire; u160 - Leicestershire; u140 - Nottinghamshire; u120 - Staffordshire Bulldogs. Warwickshire were the only MCCU county to enter the u100 and are nominated. All MCCU nominated teams are listed here and the finish of the close U-160 competition is here.

Four-way split in Manchester Rapidplay Open

24 Mar 2010. Held in the City of Manchester Stadium 21 March and organised by Sport4life for the Clayton Eagles Chess Club with the Manchester Chess Federation (MCF). Winners from the MCCU area were: Open - Mike Surtees (Bolton, GMC), Robert Shaw (High Peak, Derbys), Alex Longson (3Cs, GMC), and John Pitcher (S Birmingham) all on 4½ ; U-180 grading prize - Harry Lamb (Bolton, GMC); U-160 - First was Aaron Webber (Chorlton, GMC) with 5½; U-140 grading prize - Chris Hodgson (Worsley, GMC); U120 First was Mujo Prglukaj (Clayton Eagles, GMC) with 6 straight wins; and Kyle Reed (Worcester Junior Academy and Rushall, Worcs) won the under age 16 trophy. The tournament was opened by the Kosovo Mayor and Tony Lloyd MP. There were many visitors from Kosovo.

Hagley are champions of Midlands Junior League

24 Mar. In spite being a player short, Hagley Juniors won the Team Championship in a sudden death play-off at Malvern College, Worcestershire on 21 Mar. The event was controlled by Ray Dolan and Andy Moore. Read more .....

Aston and Warwick University teams at Oxford Team Championship

24 Mar. Two MCCU based universities competed in the British University Team Championships won by Bath University A team at Oxford. Warwick University were placed 9th and Warwick University 10th. Both teams ended with 4 match points but Warwick University had a better games score. Alex Holowczak (Worcs) was elected president of the British Universities' Chess Association.

17 MCCU Teams in National Stages of county team competition

23 Mar. The national draw for the ECF stages of the Counties Championships has been updated now that union nominations are known. See MCCU teams' next matches here.

Nottingham High School triumph

8 Mar. The Under-14 Birmingham & District Junior Chess League team rapidplay was held 6 March at Windsor High School & Sixth Form (Halesowen, Worcs). Visitors Nottingham HS sent two teams. Their A team won the Championship and their B team were third winning the Visitor's shield. Best placed Birmingham team was King Edward's School A team, who took second place, just ahead of Nottingham HS B. King Edward IV Camp Hill School were 4th. Although not reaching the podium, home team side Windsor HS showed that it is ready to take on the national elite, a very notable achievement of school chess organiser and member of staff Andrew Payne.

Is Draw for ECF Stages of Inter-County Matches Unfair?

8 Mar. Jack Rudd has had to stand down because of ill health from his role as national controller for the inter-counties competition. Sean Hewitt (Leics) takes over.
24 Feb. Neil Graham (Notts) has raised with the national controller, the issue that nominated teams who have not had to compete within their union are treated preferentially by being given priority for a home venue, whereas teams that have had to compete within their union in order to qualify may already have played a few away matches. The controller has responded very quickly and whilst stating that the draw for 2010 must stand, has stated he has 'sympathy' with Neil's comments and is open to suggestions to alter the rules for the ECF stages. See also news item dated 6 February.

Warwickshire Open results

Feb 22. Organised by John Pakenham at Arden School, Knowle on 13 and 14 February, the event attracted over 100 players. John Naylor (Rugby) and David Coates (Lincoln) tied with 4/5 for first place. Littlethorpe junior Brandon Clarke was pipped in the last round and finished 2nd on 3½. In the u-175, Simon Smith (Warley Quinborne) was first with 4½, followed by Golam Ali (Sutton Coldfield) and Henry Brockbank (Olton) on 4. The U150 saw Keith Jewsbury (Solihull) finish a clear point in front on 4½. John-Paul Taylor (Warwick University) scored a perfect 5/5 to take the u-125 prize. In the team tournament, Solihull were winners. Full results are on the new Warks website.

Bolton Team Jamboree results

Feb 21, reported by Mick Norris. Six teams competed in this 5-round rapidplay event on Saturday 20 February at Little Lever Workingmen's Club. Bolton Club 1 (18 points, Surtees, Lamb, Jip, Lamb) were overall champions. The best Bolton League team was Great Lever 1 (13½ points); the best team with 3 players graded under 130 was Radcliffe (10½ points); and the best team with at least 3 players graded under 95 was Bolton 2 (5½ points). Star individual result was by Lee Baron of Bury graded 110 longplay who beat an opponent with a longplay grade of 187.

Stockport Rapidplay results

Feb 21, reported by Mick Norris. Over 130 players participated in this 6-round event held 5 February. The Open was won by Adam Ashton (3Cs) with 5 points, followed by Miroslav Gruca (Widnes) on 4½. Liam Rabbitte (Heywood) on 3½ won the under-185 grading prize. In the Major (under-170), Leo Keely (Huddersfield) and David Patrick were joint first with 5½. Angel Gonzales (Arden) was first in the Intermediate (under-140) and David Odunaiya (Atticus) first in the Minor (under-110) both with a clean 6 from 6. Lucy Towse (3Cs) and Angelica Dean (Shrewsbury) both with 3 points shared the Junior prize.

Draw for ECF stages of the counties competitions

6 Feb: Jack Rudd, National Controller, has published the draw and dates for completion of county matches in the ECF stages. A total of 17 MCCU county sides will be eligible to compete.

Over 100 Enter Nottingham Rapidplay

31 Jan 2010, reported by Manchester Federation. In the Open first prize was shared by Alan Smith (Stockport) and Paul Kemp (Linton). In the Major there was a 6-way tie: Richard Edwards (Gambit), Shakir Okhai (Leicester), Tim Poole (University), Thomas Robinson (Redditch), and Robert Taylor (Ashfield). In the Minor, Solihull junior. Aloysius Lip was first with Richard Wood (Padgate). Full results are available form the Notts website.

MCCU players win at Bolton Rapidplay

7 Dec, reported by Mick Norris. Three MCCU players shared first prize: Daniel Broughton (West Bridgeford, Notts) and local Ken Derbyshire (Bolton, Gtr Manch) and John Reed (Gtr Manch). Bolton and Worsley players did well in lower sections. Over 70 players participated in this event organised by Rod Middleton and Harry Lamb. For full list of winners click here.

Four MCCU Clubs Seek National Honours

7 Dec, reported by Julie Johnson. Three MCCU clubs are participating in the National Club Championships. In the Major, Bushbury Club, based in Wolverhampton, play winner of the prliminary round between northern clubs Barnsley and Alwoodley (Leeds). In the Intermediate, three MCCU clubs participate. Bushbury and Rushall based in Walsall have a local Derby while Newark (Notts) meet London based Wanstead & Woodford. In the minor, Syston Club (Leics) play Bushbury in a Preliminary round.

Warwickshire u180 Midlands champions

24 Nov. Warks beat Notts in u180 team competition.

Staffordshire lead the county team championship

10 Nov. Staffs are leading in the Open Championship and the first matches in the Minor Championship are due next weekend. In the U-160, Shropshire after surprise draw against Greater Manchester went one better with an emphatic win against Warks. The u-140 competition is finely balanced and Worcs have been the first home side to gain a win in this section. Only one drawn match has been completed so far in the u-120 section.

Staffordshire overtake rivals in u140 Championship

2 Nov. Staffs shoot to top of u140 competition

HE Atkins Memorial Tournament, Leicester

23 Oct. In the Open, IM Richard Tozer was undisputed first with 4½ from 5. Martin Burrows (Leics) shared 2nd-3rd on 4 points. Junior Brandon Clarke (Leics) was just out of the prize list on 3½, but with a tournament performance above his grading. In the Major, Steve Foster was placed 3-6th on 3½ showing his move to Nottinghamshire suits him. Over a hundred players took part on the weekend of 2-4 Oct. Full results are available here.

MCCU members change in ECF elections

20 Oct, report from Ray Collett. At a well attended Finance Council Meeting of the English Chess Federation held in London, Lawrence Cooper (Staffs) is the new Director for International Chess, but Cyril Johnson was ousted by Adam Raoof for the Home Chess position and Sean Hewitt failed in his attempt to become a Non-Executive Director. Other MCCU members continuing to hold key roles at national level include: Andrew Farthing (Worcs); Julie Johnson (Leics); David Thomas (Birmingham); and Bob Veitch (Leics). David Anderton (Staffs) remains a trustee of the John Robinson and the Youth Trust Funds.

In the contested positions CJ de Mooi is the new ECF President and could bring a higher profile for the game in the broadcast media. GM Nigel Short narrowly beat Gerry Walsh to become the ECF delegate to the World Chess Federation and the European Chess Union. Nigel's world class play and robust comments about the international scene are sure to create waves.

The other news from the meeting was mixed. On the positive side, the first genuine truck load of 1000 chess sets from Holloid Plastics has been delivered to schools in East Sussex. On the negative side is the poor financial state of the ECF.

The deficit from the 2008 British Championships held in Liverpool has turned out worse than expected. This loss and other budget over-runs mean that ECF reserves are now so low that they will have to be topped up from invested funds. Adding to these difficulties, the Department of Culture Media and Sports (DCMS) has suspended payment of the grant that is equivalent to over half the income the Federation receives from game and membership fees. DCMS require a viable financial recovery programme to be in place before further public funds are given for chess. In spite of these problems it must be stressed that the ECF is far from broke because there are reserves that could sustain both the current year's deficit and loss of public funding for several years. A former member of the Board stated that the threatened loss of public funding was not new and the organisation should not panic. Nevertheless, the position is serious and the Federation will have to appoint a Director of Finance, a currently vacant post. Already the likely out-turn of the 2009 British Championships at Torquay is near break even so the 2008-9 deficit will be significantly less than for the accounting year 2007-8. The report to DCMS will be able to point to significant improvements even if nothing else were done.

The DCMS requirement may be the wake-up call the English chess community needs. All players and organisers need to work together and avoid the bickering that has plagued the organisation of the game in England. Among those attending, there was recognition of this fact and the meeting warmly thanked outgoing directors for their immense contributions to English chess.

First result in the u120 Championship an exciting draw.

19 Oct.

Birmingham & District Rapid Play

13 Oct. Gregg Dyett (Worcs) was first and Jeremy Fallowfield (Stourbridge) placed 2nd-3rd in the Open.

First results in Team County Championship competitions

12 Oct. Staffs head the table after a win against Warks in the Open. Away wins in first MCCU stage matches. Shrops U-140 come a cropper to Warks, and Lincs fall to Staffs in first o-t-b county matches. Warks lead the U-140 league table.

Junior players win at Leamington Rapidplay

5 Oct. Junior player Brandon Clarke (Littlethorpe) scooped up the U210 section prize leading Don Mason, MCCU's nomination last year for the British. Colin Eckloff (Coventry) made a clean sweep, 6 out of 6, in the U175 and teenager Dani Malik (S Birmingham) was second eqaul. Thomas Robinson (Redditch) was first in the U150. Twelve-year-old Leo Tsoi (Boldmere St Michael) won a U135 grading prize. Sharing second in the U120 tournament, was the young Philomena Lip (Solihull Checkmates). (based on report in Sep/Oct ChessMoves). Over 150 players took part.

Cheddleton players foremost at Leek Congress

2 Oct. A successful Leek Congress saw 87 players take part. Local players dominated in this "stars-barred" congress. In the main tournament for players graded under 210, sponsored by Alton Towers, Robert Shaw (Cheddleton, Staffs) and Gavin Cooper (Newport, Shrops) shared first place. Vlade Luzajic (Cheddleton, Staffs) and Steve Jones (Warrington) shared first in the Intermediate, sponsored by AH Brooks & Co (Solicitors). In the Minor, sponsored by Moorlands Housing, Dean Madden (Spondon, Derbys) ran out sole winner. (Based on an illustrated fuller report on the ECF website)

Wigston Win National Club Rapidplay

28 Sep. Fielding by far the strongest side and in a small entry, Wigston (Leics) won the national championship with 16 game points out of a possible 20. Another winning MCCU side was the host team from Syston (average grade 107) who won the handicap competition. For full results and a report from organiser Cyril Johnson click here .

MCCU players storm Paignton

GM Keith Arkell (Cheddleton & Pointon, Staffs) bounced back after a recent loss of form to win the Premier with 6/7. Peter Hempson (Eccleshall, Staffs) won the Senior with 4½.

MCCU players in contests for top ECF positions

Nominations closed on Wednesday 9 September for ECF elected posts. There will be contests for the President, the two Non-Executive Directors, the Director of Home Chess and the FIDE/ECU Delegate. The election will be held at the ECF Finance Council Meeting to be held shortly where most county and union ECF delegates and some representatives of leagues and congresses, will have voting rights.

Chris Majer, the current Chief Executive, was nominated by 5 of the 7 constituent members of the ECF and is unopposed. Most incumbents will also be re-elected unopposed and there remains a vacancy for Finance Director.

There are two unopposed changes. Peter Wilson steps down from the role of Director of Marketing and is succeeded by Stewart Reuben. Stewart leaves the post of Director for International Chess and is succeeded by Lawrence Cooper (Stafford). In spite of the grand-sounding titles that some of these positions have, all are voluntary and unpaid.

Connaugh-Joseph de Mooi from the BBC Eggheads team will face John Paines, a Director of MENSA for the President's post. De Mooi has the higher media profile, but Paines has existing involvement on as a member of the Governance Committee.

The contest to be the ECF delegate for the World Chess Federation / Federation Internationale Des Echecs and the European Chess Union is a re-run of the previous fight for President when Gerry Walsh beat Nigel Short by a short head.

The Director for Home Chess is contested by incumbent Cyril Johnson (Leics) and Adam Raoof (Hendon). Both are good organisers of chess tournaments.

Three members have been nominated for the two Non-Executive Directorships: Sean Hewitt (Leics) who would be a new face if elected, Alan Martin (Southern Counties Chess Union, incumbent), and John Wickham (East Anglian Chess Union, incumbent).

You can access all papers for the ECF AGM, which include election addresses from candidates who are keen to be elected.

MCCU County Matches 2009-2010

1 Sep. Entries for the MCCU County Tournaments have now closed with 29 teams taking part. Derbyshire join the Championship against Manchester Federation, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire. A total of 29 teams compete, Warwickshire having one team at every level.

Chris Majer for CEO role at ECF

After consultations by e-mail and telephone, all MCCU Board members thought Chris should continue in the role of CEO for the English Chess Federation. It is understood that Chris is concerned about slow progress with the Holloids free school chess sets project and whether as a result he should seek re-election as CEO. MCCU board members felt that the difficulties surrounding this project are not of his making and he deserves our support.

Read archived news from the 2008-9 season