The Bridge Club was a good venue as well.David Pardoe wrote:
Disappointing about the late change of venue, due to double booking. These things really dont help...and when you find out after you have set off that the venue had been changed it really doesnt fill you with great hope... Communications were not good. As a driver, I really would like to know where I`m going, preferably before I set off...not least, so I can plan my journey. The initial clues I received were that we were playing at a `church` on the A34 in Newcastle. Gee...
I`m really not keen on this game of `blind mans buff`.....
Anyway, we arrived..only to find the match start delayed by 30 mins...which again doesnt put you in the best frame of mind to play chess...but thats part of the county picture. Things can go wrong and often do, despite the best efforts of those concerned.
For me the actual venue was ok...a typical church Hall....the Baptists Church at Newcastle U Lyme. Reasonably well lit...good tables...space not bad...refreshments quite ok.
I think there are two things here: the motorway congestion is not really anyones fault, particularly from the teams.
However the change of venue and no communication about it is disappointing.
Anyway Staffordshire under 120 are through to the national stages of the competition. A QF against Hertfordshire.