(Chess) Life Returning To Normal

[Simon Rogers]

I am pleased to report that we had three new people turn up at our chess club on Monday.
All three won a game each, which was great to see.
Two have signed up as members on the night.

Boom Time!
Any idea how many post-Lockdown signups are still around?

Another new member tonight and one new person coming next Monday.
It is with great delight that I can report that our club, Poulton-le-Fylde has won the Blackpool & Fylde Chess League Challenge Cup since the 1991-92 season. We beat Preston Chess Club in the final last Wednesday.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Did you mean for the first time "since the 1991-92 season"?

[Simon Rogers]

Did you mean for the first time "since the 1991-92 season"?

Yes I did, thanks Matt.
Was posting on the forum whilst watching the Liverpool game at the chess club.

[Simon Rogers]

I am pleased to report that we have two newbies at Poulton-le-Fylde Chess Club tonight.
One beginner and the other has a rating of 1100 online.
I believe there are two more new players coming next Monday.

[Simon Rogers]

I am very pleased to report that we had a new player join us at Poulton-le-Fylde Chess Club last Monday and another new player tonight.
We also had two new ones a few weeks ago.

[Simon Rogers]

I've not been at our chess club for a couple of weeks due to watching coverage of the Olympics.
Back tonight and I am pleased to report that we have another new member tonight.
A gentleman in his twenties, he got the chess bug after watching the Queen's Gambit series during the pandemic.
He then started to play online and has a rating of 950.
He has now shown an interest in playing over the board chess.
A common theme with our new young members.

[Ronnie Burton]

Weekend congresses are well supported. im doing 4 tournaments during Sept and Oct,

[Simon Rogers]

Yet another new member at our club last Monday.
Very keen lady in her sixties, beginner standard.
She has returned tonight.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

This not exactly Chess Life Returning to Normal. More chess advancing with steroids.

A cricket indoor nets venue has just launched an Archery & Chess Centre in Wakefield, above the nets. It is pay to play and is absolutely fantastic, creating another commercial chess enterprise in Yorkshire. A number of club players appeared today for their launch but the majority of people were non-club enthusiasts. They have done this independently of the local chess scene and due to increasing popularity.

I will post a link with the pictures once the venue agrees.

[Ian Thompson]

A cricket indoor nets venue has just launched an Archery & Chess Centre in Wakefield, above the nets. It is pay to play and is absolutely fantastic, creating another commercial chess enterprise in Yorkshire.

Hopefully, someone will tell them which way round the board goes soon.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Me and Jacob fixed it, before the tournament started.

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

Apparently they held a chess tournament yesterday:

We’re hosting the first-ever King in the North Tournament this Sunday, 11th May at 2PM, and entry is completely FREE for all players!
This special launch event is our way of welcoming chess lovers into a space built with true passion for the game.
Format: 10-minute games
Spaces: Limited to just 30 players

(from https://www.facebook.com/groups/3300887 ... 445628403/)

[Stephen Westmoreland]

It was well attended. Myself and Jacob attended from Holmfirth, Gerald, Chris and Paul from Wakefield. Then Jon Arnott and Seth from Sheffield. Lots of non club players there and I loved the fantasy style of the place.

Had a good look round the indoor cricket nets and archery too.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Pictures and a write up can be found..


https://holmfirthchess.org.uk/2025/05/1 ... the-north/