National Chess Day

[benedgell]

I was forwarded an email about National Chess Day (September 12th), organised by David Levens, and was wondering what events other regions have planned for the day?

http://www.nottschess.org/files/nationa ... poster.pdf

[James Pratt]

David expands on his plans for NCD in BCM next month.

[Kevin Thurlow]

As nobody else has posted this...

"Dear David,

The ECF has been contacted by a number of people asking whether the ECF endorses this project. Unfortunately, the ECF cannot endorse your initiative for a National Chess Day this year. I applaud your enthusiasm, but please clarify to people that it is not endorsed by the ECF.

Points to resolve before the word 'National' can be used credibly:
• A national chess body--preferably the ECF--needs to take a decision to commit resources and attach its reputation to the project.
• A clear statement of purpose is needed.
• Selection of an annual date needs more justification and coordination.
• However wonderful the charity MIND may be, partnership with the charity you selected needs a better basis…other beneficiaries should be considered by the sponsoring body. For example, The Chess Trust should be considered.
• Although it looks like you are collaborating with chess organisers, it's not clear whether you are coordinating with their respective organisations. A long-lasting national movement needs organisational commitment.
• Consultation with the WCU and Chess Scotland, is probably in order.
• Consultation with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Chess is needed.
The ECF Council or Board might try to establish a National Chess Day, but they need to see a well-coordinated plan. Since you are an MCCU officer, I'd recommend a formal MCCU proposal (along with other groups) to the ECF Council or Board. If you want to develop this project along these lines, I will seek a volunteer to help you.

The ECF is happy to support independent events and festivals arranged on 12 Sep 2015. We cannot refer to them as part of 'National Chess Day'. Such a day does not exist. It has a better chance be established and to last if it pursued formally.

Kind regards,
Phil

Phil Ehr
Chief Executive
English Chess Federation
The English Chess Federation is the national governing body affiliated with the Fédération Internationale des Échecs.
Not-for-profit limited company (5293039) supporting The Chess Trust charity (1160881), both registered in England and Wales.
mobile 07740 428 029
office 01424 775222"

[Roger de Coverly]

FIDE claim an International chess day (20th July)

http://www.fide.com/component/content/a ... s-day.html

commemorating the founding of FIDE.

Notwithstanding claims that it goes back to 1966, it seems a recent invention, if Google searches are to be relied on.

From Armenia in 2013
http://www.panorama.am/en/sport/2013/07/20/chess-day/

[John Swain]

David Levens is organising a stall at the Atrium at Nottingham Railway Station between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Saturday (12th September) to help to publicise chess and to raise money for the charity MIND. Travellers will get the chance to take on some of Nottingham's junior and adult players, paying £1 which will be donated to MIND. He outlined his ideas in the British Chess Magazine and in Chess.

Are other events planned elsewhere?

[JustinHorton]

I would guess that whoever is organising National Chess Day would know what events are being planned elsewhere.

[Mick Norris]

Manchester Chess Federation, Bolton Chess Club and Manchester Mind

Saturday 12th September 2015
10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Bolton Market Place Main Plaza

Fancy trying to beat one of the children from Manchester Junior Chess?
Come and support the CHESSATHON.

[Mike Gunn]

Members of Guildford Chess Club will be found in the High Street on Saturday between 10.00am and 4.00pm offering to play members of the public and telling them about the club. We do this (or try to do this) every year. We will not, however, be collecting donations for Mind because of the licensing issue.

[Kevin Thurlow]

"We will not, however, be collecting donations for Mind because of the licensing issue."

I imagine many readers will be unaware of the licensing issue...

[Steven DuCharme]

Hope y'all have a great day