Mike Truran wrote:David
I've suggested it before, and I'll suggest it again - instead of posting (at some length) on this forum, why don't you step up to the plate yourself?
Living off past volunteering glories (whatever they may be) doesn't really help our current volunteer deficit.
Alex, Mike T, ...Andrew Z..
I`ve mentioned the possible establishment of a new Northern Chess Powerhouse, and the need to reawaken the sleeping giants of that region.
Same goes for the Midlands... a Midlands chess powerhouse would be great, to rekindle the enthusiasm for our great counties/regions offerings.
So, for the Midlands, I see Warwickshire, Nott's, Leicestershire and Staffs forming the core block, and certainly capable of raising half decent Open teams.
An `all play all` contest between that group to find the Open Champs and National Qualifiers should be possible.
Similarly a Minor Counties/U180 events with Shrops & Welsh Borders, Worcestershire & Hereford, Derbs, & Lincs + Northants could well be a viable option. Or maybe Northants could link in with Leicestershire.
It must surely be possible for these groups to play 3 Qualifier matches between Oct and March, to create a second wave of power to challenge the mighty South in the National stages.
Yes, I can see that there are challenges, not least, because you have the 4NCL and other events all vying for space. But at the Qualifier stages, it may not be necessary to turn out the mightiest armies to do battle... that can come later in the National stages, when 4NCL stuff has finished, and more top players become available (potentially). The juniors should be given there chance to gain experience and shine in the Qualifier stages, and they might drop out in the latter stages due to exam pressures etc..
As for Manchester in this North/ Midlands equation, it might well be that Manchester's Open squad joins the Northern titans and the U160 squad remains with the Midlands, where we have had years of good chess competition. If they could then maybe move forward and bring in an U120 team, that would be good.
Then the mighty armies of the North & Midlands can do battle with the South, in true titanic fashion, and if regional teams from the East and West zones could join the fray, so much the better.
If the sleeping giants can be roused into action, there are great possibilities for our counties events. Whether we need to look at prize funds and other options, we`ll see.
All this is about `inclusion`, and creating the right positive atmosphere, and to use these great events to help drive forward our chess offerings.
There are too many folk looking for reasons why things shouldn't work, and maybe the focus should be moved towards the positive beneficial aspects, and what good things can be achieved.
Politics is all about the art of the possible... and this is definitely possible.
Yes, we really do need leadership to motivate the troops and inspire our various chess bodies to come out more positively.... with a `can do` approach.
Cyril Johnson was a great ambassador of chess, who made a great contribution to our chess. The ECF probably needs others of that ilk to stir the legions.. We have some very good administrators already doing much good work, but a respected figurehead (or two..) to offer encouragement and motivation would be good. Others can serve by making there various contributions, and as Mike T has said, all our chess bodies really do need fresh volunteers to step forward at this time to keep the wheels turning. These people can bring fresh energy and vitality to the party, and there are always others around to offer help and support..should this be needed.
We`re now well into the AGM season, for clubs, leagues, county bodies, and our National bodies, so it is important that these bodies send out `welcome` invitations to a wide range of parties, including those who might come along to observe and maybe make ad hoc contributions. It is also vital that our chess bodies make maximum use of these meeting to encourage new initiatives, and to allow time at the end of meetings for `open discussion` from the floor, so that everyone has a chance to contribute.
And remember too that we now live in the internet era, where communications are easier (in some respects), so try to avoid shelving important business for a whole year just because the meeting has `timed out`.
Finally.. the old addage.. Rome was not built in a day... so sometimes a little patience can be important..