Hello Darling....

[David Pardoe]

....TON..!!!
The 4NCL North road show rolls into town this w/e and promises a feast of good chess at the Redworth Hall.....pity there are no North East teams present to share the joys of this event this year.
Hopefully some from Teeside, Tyneside, or Durham will give this some consideration and come forward with new teams.
Certainly, with that hot bed of learning at Durham, it would be good to see this area represented.
I seem to remember many years ago, Durham provided several excellent college teams for the local leagues. Maybe last years `British` at Tynemouth/North Shields will help to trigger a revival of interest...
And its worth noting that it (the 4NCL Northern league....), caters for players of all strengths...grade 225 down to circa 145, so, with teams of 6 required, theres bags of scope for putting together 6-man teams (from squads of about 12 players), to represent local areas/groups in this quality competition, which features some excellent venues and playing conditions.
We`ve just been discussing dinning options for the Saturday night....probably kicking off with bar snacks/drinks, with social banter..chess chat..blitz games..analysis. Some might venture forth to various eating houses...Chinese, Indian...or maybe the local village pub, for more substantial meals and further social...and the odd glass of beer/wine... Some might even watch match of the day...Sunderland must be due another win...!!
Then its up for full english breakfast and back to battle on Sunday morning.

Happy New Year....