For all chess activities within Lancashire (and beyond)
Website Updates (03/12/2023)
Due to illness, the website has not been kept up to date as often as we would have liked. Hopefully, things will be back to normal soon.
2nd Ribble Weekend Congress
It is still not too late to enter the 2nd Ribble Weekend Congress, a FIDE event taking place over the weekend of 8th - 10th December, at the The Business Centre, South Ribble Borough Council Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 1DH. You can enter online here 2nd Ribble Weekend Congress last date for online entries 7th December 2023.
Blackpool Congress Dates Confirmed
Please note that the next Blackpool Congress will be on the weekend of 9th-11th February 2024. We tried to get the venue for the traditional March date, but have been unsuccessful. It looks like this weekend will be the new date for the foreseeable future. Details will be available via the Congress pages. You can enter online here 47th Blackpool Chess Conference, last day to enter online is 7th February 2024.
** Annual General Meeting **
The annual general meeting was held, remotely, on Saturday 4th November. The meeting was called at short(ish) notice to formally elect officers to posts, as both officers were in an “acting” capacity. Whilst we would have liked more attendance, there was representation from 6 clubs and 2 local leagues.
New Acting President - Executive Update October 2023
As most people will be aware, after 30+ years of service for Lancashire Chess Association; President Bill O’Rourke has announced that he would be stepping down. Pleased to announce that Richard Walsh (Lancaster Chess Club) has agreed to take up the post of Acting President. The role is in an “acting” capacity until an AGM and elections organised.
Association Funding - Finance Update October 2023
At long last, after a dispute that has been ongoing for over 18 months, we have been able to agree with Barclays a plan for access to the frozen accounts. Essentially, the money has been transferred over to the Congress Account. Access is still limited, as we still need to open up new accounts to replace those that were closed by Barclays during COVID. Hopefully, we will have new accounts setup within 6 weeks, and then look to transfer the money. Whilst is it too late for this season, it does give us time to assess next steps and plans for next year.
Association Funding - Finance Update May 2023
Afraid there has been no progress with Barclays Bank in getting the association accounts reopened, after they were closed down during COVID as a result of “inactivity”. As a result, Lancashire Chess Association is still unable to field any teams at senior and junior level. We will keep everyone informed of any developments in due course.
Lancashire Chess League Round Up
As we approach the end of May, alongside the Premier League title being sorted, we also have the local chess leagues coming to an end and champions being crowned.
Blackpool Congress Report
Blackpool Congress completed for another year, winners and runner-up can be found in the News Section.
Mark Whitehead RIP
It is with sorrow we have learnt of the death of Rochdale club player Mark Whitehead. Mark was known around the 4NCL for captaining the Manchester Manticores. Mark played many games for Lancashire at various levels in the County Championship and was a regular supporter and player at the Lancashire congresses, as well as a regular player for Rochdale Chess Club in the various chess leagues across the county.
We pass on our sympathy to his family at this difficult time.
Rossendale Chess Club
Rossendale Chess Club are currently without a venue. New arrangements being made. Please contact Peter Barlass, see details on the club page.
Please use the ‘contact us’ page with your question, and we will endeavour to get back to you as quickly as we can.
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