MartinCarpenter wrote:The problem with things like that free pub venue for Stannington - which sounds fantastic! - is that they never last forever and then you find everyone expecting something else similar for free/being very reluctant to pay the amounts you'd need to get it when they do go.
Well....I dont think the New Barrack is going anywhere soon (did I mention it is one of the best pubs in the Country ? )
Last tuesday I played away at Barnsley...not been to that venue before . It is at a working mens club. The venue was absolutely fantastic....in the main function room I guess. On a night when nothing else is happening....very quiet....access to drink (if thats important) . Plenty of space , comfy chairs and what not. Lighting seems to be an issue to some....I dont re-call the need to use a torch to see the board .
Apart from the actual match , there were half a dozen or so club members playing as well (bit of a novelty...though at Stannington we have many , many playing chess/skittles on a club night in the main pub area! )
I think the point I want to make is that as long as you have a club that has a few officers willing to put something back into the game and work to find something decent...well...the places are out there !
The Sheffield League has in the main cracking venues ! Maybe you should all consider a relocation to Yorkshire ?