News 2007 - Jan  to June

 

  Chess Petition - Please Sign

If you can help please do so.
On the PM web site there is a petition which people can sign

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Mindsports/

Please sign it, every little helps!
 
27/06/07 *NEW* Chess Club!?

Brian Whitaker & Mike Creaney are running a *NEW* chess club @ The Griffin Public House, Thornaby each week on a Tuesday night. Anybody from novice to seasoned players are invited. This is a free and easy night to meet and play some games of chess. If enough people show an interest then it is quite possible that a team could be put together to play in the CCA League this coming season.

So that was every Tuesday night from 7pm @ The Griffin Thornaby!
 
26/06/07 Chess for blind players Durham Aug 2007

To chess clubs in the north east
I hope some of your members might find this item of interest.
I hope you may be able to give the event the publicity it merits.

The Braille Chess Association will celebrate its 75th anniversary by hosting the European Individual Chess Championship for visually impaired players in Durham. The generous support of Durham County Council and Skipton Building Society Charitable Trust and many north east associations have made it possible.

From 14th to 23rd August the best of European blind players (current and two former world champions included) will battle with seven British entries including Chris Ross originally from Stockton-on-Tees and Les Whittle from Morpeth for the European title. Most days chess will start at 1.45 pm and on the final day at 11 am. Monday 20th is a rest day. Anyone who wishes to visit St Aidan's College, Durham University to observe the chess will be very welcome.

We also hope the top games will be live on the internet via www.braillechess.org.uk 
Bill Armstrong
 
19/06/07

 - AN extraordinary general meeting has been arranged for

Friday 20th July 2007. 7.30pm prompt start.
Venue- Cypress Road Community Centre, Marton, Middlesbrough. (Middlesbrough Chess Club Venue)'

Agenda
1. Final disposal of the Ivory Chess set and thereafter the management of the capital raised. It is right and proper that the maximum amount be raised by this sale/auction and it is thought it would perhaps be good if the set could be sold to someone who is a member of the CCA. Anyone interested in obtaining this set is therefore advised to attend this meeting. The decision to sell it has already been made following the recent ballot and the rights or wrongs of that will not be discussed. This will be the final meeting to bring to a conclusion this long running contentious issue.

2. A decision is required regarding Cleveland becoming a member organisation within the ECF. This has arisen because the NCCU has authority from the ECF to become a member organisation and Cleveland's current MO expires before the new season starts.

 
17/06/07  - CCA Officials page updated
Some changes to note
Steve Dauber is now the Treasurer and Registration Secretary
Ernie Lazenby continues as League Organiser
Brian Whitaker + Peter Ridsdale will run the County U125 Team
Steve Henderson takes up the President's post after Gerry Walsh stood down

ECF delegates post is vacant

CPM latest column online now!
http://www.peterleechessclub.co.uk/attracting_new_players.htm

 
15/06/07  - Web Site update - June AGM
Members voted for an Official CCA website
A new domain name has been sorted with web space courtesy of Bill Wilson.
New domain name - www.clevelandchessassociation.org.uk

This site will be built over the summer months.

Dave R has been in touch and has decided to transfer the domain name
clevelandchess.co.uk to the CCA, this will be done soon.

This web site (clevelandchess.co.uk) will close and a new official CCA web site will take its place (clevelandchessassociation.org.uk), this will mean that some things that are on the .co.uk web site will not be on the new web site e.g the forum.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support.

Steve H

 
10/06/07  - Ivory Chess Ballot Results

For selling 64
Against 31
08/06/07

HARTLEPOOL CHESS CLUB - New Venue

Mondays 7PM+

The Hillcarter Hotel
The Hillcarter Suite function room
Church Street
Hartlepool
TS24 7DH

Keith Smith has sent me the following short report on Hartlepool's run in the NCCU Club Championships.

Hartlepool finished as runners-up in this season's NCCU Minor Club Championship after losing 3-1 to Crusaders of Blackburn in the Final. The team had good wins in the previous three rounds but found the Lancashire club too strong on the day and we had to settle for the £100 runners-up prize.

Check out Hartlepool's progress to the Final below:

FINAL

Hartlepool v Crusaders of Blackburn [Penrith RAFA club - 3rd June]

K. Smith ½-½ D Gaston (124)
G. Marshall 0-1 M. Horne (103)
G. Matthews 0-1 D. Walmsley (48)
P. Harker ½-½ D. Reeves (57)

Crusaders win 3-1

SEMI-FINAL

Hartlepool v Wallasey [Penrith RAFA club - 12th May]

K. Smith 1-0 M. Spriggs (105)
G. Marshall ½-½ M. Hargreaves (101)
G. Matthews 1-0 G. Heath (90)
P. Harker ½-½ M. Cockerill (70)

Hartlepool win 3-1

2ND ROUND

Austin Friars v Hartlepool [Carlisle Liberal Club - 31st March]

I. McKay (107) 0-1 K. Smith
S.A. Shetty (102) 0-1 G. Marshall
S.H. Shetty (102) 0-1 G. Matthews
J. Barnsley (38) ½-½ P. Harker

Hartlepool win 3½-½

1ST ROUND

Hartlepool beat Barrow-in-Furness 3-1

Keith Smith

 
05/06/07  - CCA Trophy page updated - New Individual Minor Trophy
 
29/05/07 The AGM of Cleveland Chess Association will take place at
Synthonia Club, Belasis Avenue, Billingham
on Wednesday, June 13th 2007 at 7.30 p.m.

AGENDA


1. Presentation of Trophies
2. Apologies for absence ( the attendance sheet is to be filled in before start of meeting)
3. Minutes of 2006 AGM
4. Matters arising
5. Minutes of EGMs - 3rd August 2006,1st December 2006,23rd March 2007 (to be tabled)
6. Matters arrising from each
7. Correspondence/announcements
8. Reports from officers and officials
* President
* Chair
* Treasurer
* Secretary
* NCCU delegates
* Registration Officer
* League Organiser
* Grader
* County Captain
* Individual Organiser
9. Resolutions
10. Election of Officers and Officials
11. AOB

Item 9 RESOLUTIONS

Those not concerned with rule changes

From Ernie Lazenby:

1) It is proposed that CCA maintains its own database of members' contact details i.e.home addresses,telephone numbers,email addresses.

2) It is proposed that CCA reviews the current policy of not awarding individual trophies to winners/runners up of the three divisions and that gold/silver medals in a presentation case be awarded annually.

From Steve Henderson:

In order to play chess in CCA events an individual must: 1)be a CCA registered member and 2) be an ECF member either direct,registered,or basic through an MO scheme.

Rule changes

From David Smith(Middlesbrough):

Change Rule 10 of the Individual Championship to read:

The time limit shall be 36 moves in one and a half hours, followed by an allegro finish with a further 15 minutes for each player - unless both players agree to some other time limit.



PHIL SEMP, CCA SECRETARY

 
24/05/07
Sad News - John Lightfoot (Billingham Synthonia Chess Club) passed away peacefully on May 17, in the Butterwick Hospice aged 52 . Funeral and Reception took place Thursday 24th May.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all family and friends. CCA

 
24/05/07  - New CPM is now online - Are we being served

Norfolk 9-7 Cleveland - County Chess Page Updated - Report By Cpt Brian Whitaker with individual results and photos supplied by Ernie Lazenby.
 
24/05/07  The agenda for our AGM will be published soon. The first item will be 'Presentation of prizes'; these will be to the wining teams in the ABC divisions and to the winners of the individual competitions. There will also be a special award, details to be announced on the night.

During recent weeks I have obtained;

1.A new C Division trophy endorsed 'Tony Kiddle memorial' & 'CCA C Division winners'

2. A new Individual minor championship winners cup to replace the shield that is full up and falling apart. Last year and this winners names will be engraved on the cup before the AGM

Steps have been taken to ensure that the winning teams names are engraved on the trophies before the AGM

The officers & officials of the CCA hope you turn up to our AGM to congratulate the winners and then remain to be active participants in the formal business. much of which is of direct concern to each member.

Ernie Lazenby
Chair & League organiser
18/05/07

As in the football season our chess season closes with the cup finals.
Monday 21st May.

Venue is the Hillcarter Hotel, Hartlepool and clocks start at 7.15 pm prompt. Light refreshments are being provided FOC by the CCA. Spectators are very welcome.
The Tom Wise Cup & Jeremy Burnett Plate will be presented by me to the winners on the night. I hope all the players have a good evening and may the best teams win!
In respect of the now completed league I thank those involved in the small number of disputes I have had to resolve for their understanding and acceptance of the decisions that I made.

Congratulations to the promoted teams and commiserations to those who have been relegated.

Ernie Lazenby Chair & league organiser.

 
17/05/07  - The AGM of CCA will take place at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 13th June 2007, at Billingham Synthonia Club. Agenda and minutes to follow.

By now all CCA members should have received their ballot paper for the Ivory Chess Set Ballot. If, by any chance, you have not received yours yet please contact Cynthia Gurney at ECF Head Office

Tel : 01424 775222

email:

 
09/05/07  - Ivory Chess Set Ballot

Below are some links that give information about the Ivory Chess set. I hope reading these will aid you in coming to a decision.

Key Points EGM 23/03/07

Report by Ernie Lazenby - Ivory Chess Set

Pictures and information about the Ivory Chess Set

 
08/05/07

Just a reminder to all CCA members that resolutions concerning changes to the CCA rules and/or the constitution must be sent to me for inclusion at the forthcoming AGM by Tuesday 15th May 2007 (I shall notify details of the AGM very shortly). Please send by letter or email.

Address: 24 Fairfield Road, Stokesley, North Yorks TS9 5EA
email:
or

Phil Semp CCA Secretary

 
05/05/07 CCA - Ballot - Ivory Chess Set
Phil Semp the CCA Secretary has, on your behalf, gone to great lengths to ensure that the ballot introduced to decide the final outcome of the Ivory Chess set saga is conducted in secret and made easy for all to participate.

The ballot papers should be with you now and we ask that you do your bit by returning the completed paper in the postage paid envelope provided. The issue of what do to do with this valuable assest has rumbled on for far too long and you now have the opportunity to bring closure one way or the other. Thank you for your contribution.

Ernie Lazenby. Chair & League organiser CCA

 
04/05/07 REMINDER- Tom Wise KO CUP Finals

Monday 21st May at the Hillcarter Hotel, Hartlepool

7.00pm for 7.15pm prompt start.


Tom Wise KO CUP
Middlesbrough Wasps v Peterlee


Jeremy Burnett Plate
Darlington A v Middlesbrough Rooks

First named teams to provide all the equipment

Free buffett. Spectators welcome.
02/05/07  - Individual Open + Minor Updated and Complete

Congratulations to the winners

Open
David Smith & David Baillie - both finished on 5pts

Minor
Kevin Wilson & Jason Gentle - both finished on 6pts

Well done to all that took part :-)

 
23/04/07 CCA Announcement
As a result of a recent incident referred to the league organiser for a decision; all players are reminded that they must not interfere in someone else's game and that includes pointing out flags have fallen.

Team Captains, in the absence of an arbiter, in consultation with one another are able to intervene in such circumstances. FIDE laws of chess relating to the situation where both flags have fallen directs that where it cannot be determined which flag fell first the game is declared drawn. Therefore it appears to be a clear that if it can be determined which flag fell first the result is a win for the other player. Perhaps this type of situation needs discussing at the next AGM. A decision has been made on the disputed game and those involved have been notified.

Ernie Lazenby League Organiser & Chair CCA.
 
05/04/07  - Grading List Updated - New Player Added

Daniel Bowler - U/G - Billingham Synthonia

 
31/03/07  - Well Done David & Norman!

In the April 2007 list, David Eggleston hit the fide-2300 qualifying limit and, thus, qualified to become a FM (fide master).
Now that he has achieved this ... his Coach's target for the year ... the young man has begun the quest for his IM-norms.

Regards to all,
Norman Stephenson
Proud Coach

COUNTY MATCH
Sunday May 20th Cleveland v Norfolk

 
26/03/07  - Grading List updated - Added player
Richard Harris - Darlington - Grade 105
25/03/07  Ernie Lazenby has informed me that he has been re-appointed CCA Chair, CCA officers page updated.

ECF White Form - Link added to left menu

 
19/03/07  - Tom Wise KO Cup Semi Final Updated - Venue + Date Confirmed

 
18/03/07 Statement  from Ernie Lazenby, CCA League Organiser

I am currently reviewing several outstanding matters concerning league results and will endeavour to speak to all the captains involved ASAP. There are a small number of issues that are straight forward and can be addressed forthwith, these are;

1. In the event of a double default the match will be scored 0-0 because no game has been played. The current practice of each captain agreeing to a draw and thus awarding the game 1/2 - 1/2 must cease immediately. The current league tables and results will be amended to conform with this.

2. It is not acceptable for a match result to be submitted showing a default win as 1 - 0 without a name being supplied for the board claiming the point by default. Any result submitted without such a name being supplied will result in the game being recorded as a double default. ( I am not applying this retrospectively)

3. It is not acceptable to submit a match result showing a default on boards other than bottom board without including the name of the player who has defaulted. This is to ensure that the players have been played in the correct board order. I have enquired into several instances of this and am satisfied as to the explanations offered.


I have already made several decisions in respect of a number of games however I do not intend to make public on here at this stage all the reasoning behind my decisions. If anyone has any questions regarding any match played prior to me taking on board the LO position then please feel free to contact me. I hope I have your support and understanding in trying to do this job so late in the season. I for my part have used common sense, an understanding of fair play, natural justice, reference to our rules and applying the spirit of the game when making decisions.

Ernie Lazenby
CCA LO
 
18/03/07 The CCA League Organiser has sent me the following amendments

Please amend all the following double defaults to read 0-0 (currently they read 1/2 1/2) Amend the league tables and match results accordingly ( For & away totals)

A Dvision
Nov 6 - Whitby v Athenaeum was 1½-4½ - now 1-4
Mar 5 - Athenaeum v Whitby was 2½-3½ - now 2-3

C Division
Jan 22 - Elmwood Juniors v Syn C was 4-1 - now 3½-½
Feb 19 - Elmwood Juniors v Guisborough B was 4-1 - now 3½-½

December 18th
Syn B v Middlesbrough Knights

Bd 2. Bob Rowe not a registered player. Knights to be deducted 1 league point for playing an unregistered player. Please amend the league table etc.

All the above has been done

Steve Henderson

 
  18/03/07 - Sad News
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Middlesbrough Chess Club player Tony Kiddle.

Tony died on Saturday 17th March

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all family and friends.

Tony's funeral has been arranged for Monday 26th March at St. Mary's Church, Norton Green at 1pm followed by cremation at 2pm.
 
  17/03/07 - CCA League Organiser

Ernie Lazenby has volunteered to do the LO job till the end of the season.

Please still send all results to Steve Henderson, he will pass them over to Ernie to be ratified and Ernie will then pass them back to Steve who will post them to the web site, update tables etc, Steve will then pass the match results to the CCA grader.

All league matters, quires should now be dealt with by Ernie.

 
16/03/07  
IVORY CHESS SET
Agreed that a meeting be called inviting all members to discuss the single item as to whether or not to sell the Ivory Chess Set; that ECF be asked to write to each member to this effect and that they be asked to organise a ballot on this issue. The officers were asked to compose such a letter for submission to ECF. The decision to be communicated to the next AGM
[ Key Points 7 January Exec Meeting].

Following the meeting on 7 January, Gerry Walsh raised the question with Cynthia Gurney at ECF as to whether or not, as an MO, we could circulate members ourselves, thus saving a hard pressed office a job. Cynthia told Gerry that there was no problem as the MO, as local agent, have the same (restricted) use of members addresses, under the Data Protection Act as the ECF itself. Steve Henderson, as the keeper of the addresses, was accordingly given this info. However, unfortunately last years' ECF White Forms were sent directly down to ECF Head Office and so Steve only has the addresses of those who signed the White Forms for the first time this year. He accordingly contacted Cynthia to ask her whether or not she could send him the addresses that he is missing. She agreed to seek legal advice on this.

As secretary I arranged a meeting and venue and posted these on the website on 23 February - exactly one month prior to the meeting - fully expecting a response from Cynthia soon enough for us to have enough time to circulate all members by post. However, we have only just received an answer from Cynthia and, I'm afraid, the answer is "No, not without prior permission from the individuals concerned ." Accordingly, given the shortage of time and the pressures of Head Office, it's too late to expect them to circulate members in good time. We now have no choice but to circulate members ourselves without all the necessary addresses to hand. I am sending out emails to all those for whom I have email addresses and sending paper copies to those for whom we have postal addresses. In addition, I shall contact all club secretaries to ask them to check that all their members know about the meeting. This way, the overwhelming majority of CCA members should know about the meeting.

The ballot papers can be sent out by Head Office but not necessarily to be returned to them for scrutiny and counting - this can be discussed at the meeting . There may be a problem with ECF sending out material to those of our members - Hartlepool, Darlington and Peterlee - who play in both Durham and Teesside Leagues and who are registered with ECF under the Durham MO scheme + direct members. We'll check that out and, should there be a problem, take steps to obtain the necessary addresses.  So I post the following:

 

There will be an EGM of Cleveland Chess Association on Friday 23 March 2007 at  Cypress Road Community Centre, Marton, Middlesbrough at 7.30 p.m.

 

                                                                   AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence

2. Election of chair for the meeting

3.Future of the Ivory Chess Set

 

PHIL SEMP, CCA SECRETARY

 
 

 
   
23/02/07  - There will be an E.G.M on Friday, 23rd March,7.30 p.m. at Cypress Road Community Centre, Marton, Middlesbrough with one agenda item only.

AGENDA

1. THE FUTURE OF THE IVORY CHESS SET


This meeting has been called, in accordance with the wishes of the EGM of 1st December 2006, to enable members to hear the arguments concerning the somewhat contentious issues surrounding the above. Following the meeting, ballot papers, concerning whether or not to sell the Ivory Chess Set, will be sent to each member's address explaining the voting procedure, and giving a suitable interval to return these to a venue where they will be counted on a set date by independent scrutineers.

PHIL SEMP, SECRETARY CCA
05/03/07  - I have added a new link Home page - left menu - National County Championship. This is because Cleveland are now through to the National stages after winning the U125 section of the NCCU Championship!
 
   
02/03/07 Junior Chess Magazine
The ECF have launched a new Junior Chess Magazine, for juniors of all ages and abilities. Please click here for the 1st issue.
01/03/07 01/03/07 - Tom Wise KO Cup - Confirmed
Can Home Team Captains arrive early to set up Boards and put out score sheets for a 7.15pm start.

Thank You :-)
 
26/02/07  - CPM is now hosted @ http://www.peterleechessclub.co.uk

The next CPM is now online @  http://www.peterleechessclub.co.uk

I would like to thank Collin Smith for submitting his CPM articles to us here at the Cleveland Chess website and wish him every success with his new web site where you can view new CPM's from now on.

I will of course announce his latest CPM here with a link to it.

 
25/02/07  - NCCU Championships - Brian Whitaker U125 Cpt reports on Cheshire & NW v Cleveland match - Click HERE
 
23/02/07  - There will be an E.G.M on Friday, 23rd March,7.30 p.m. at Cypress Road Community Centre, Marton, Middlesbrough with one agenda item only.

AGENDA

1. THE FUTURE OF THE IVORY CHESS SET


This meeting has been called, in accordance with the wishes of the EGM of 1st December 2006, to enable members to hear the arguments concerning the somewhat contentious issues surrounding the above. Following the meeting, ballot papers, concerning whether or not to sell the Ivory Chess Set, will be sent to each member's address explaining the voting procedure, and giving a suitable interval to return these to a venue where they will be counted on a set date by independent scrutineers.

PHIL SEMP, SECRETARY CCA
 
21/02/07  - New registered CCA players

Middlesbrough - Colin D King
Hartlepool - Bill Wilson

Grading List updated
 
18/02/06  - NCCU Championship - Cleveland 6½-5½ C & NW
Individual results + some photos on the NCCU Championship page
 
17/02/06 THE BRITISH LAND UK CHESS CHALLENGE
The largest chess tournament in the world - Is your school in?
http://www.ukchesschallenge.com/
 
14/02/07  - KO Cup Updated

Plate Preliminary Rd
Redcar B 1-4 Synthonia B
I Kitchen 0-1 B Norman
A Hare 1-0 W Greenwood
J Cowle 0-1 F Brown
T Ryan 0-1 D Jackaman
W Noakes 0-1 G Edwards

Syn B go through to the next rd and play M'bro Rooks

B Div Updated - Redcar A 5-0 U Eskdale

 
12/02/07  - Individual Minor Updated
Changes in the pairings
Alan Hare (White) now plays John Littlehailes
Bernie Callaghan (White) now plays Alan Stockley

 
10/02/07  - NCCU County Championships - Report now online by Cpt of the U125 Cleveland Team - Brian Whitaker - - Also Details now available on date , time and venue for Cheshire v Cleveland.

 
07/02/07  - Collin Smith has launched the *NEW* Peterlee Chess Club website

pay it a visit here - http://www.peterleechessclub.co.uk/

 
31/01/07  - Key Points of CCA EM - updated (spelling mistakes corrected) 11.14hrs

Key Points of the CCA EM 17th Jan 2007 are now online.

Mins of CCA EM 13/09/06 (after amendments) have now being signed off as a true record.

 
30/01/07 - New local chess events added to the Chess Calendar

Player added to the grading list - Paul Gregory (Middlesbrough) 156

C Div Updated

 
26/01/07 Junior Selection

Claire Summerscale asks

Are there any exceptional juniors from your area who you wish to be included in the selection process for selection to represent England in international events.

Any suggestions need to be received by 17th February 2007.

Please can you forward this email to any parties who would be able to suggest suitable juniors.

Kind regards
Claire Summerscale
English Chess Federation
Director of Junior Chess

 
25/01/07  - MC CCA Grader has new grade for the following player
Vijay Shyam-Sundar - Elmwood - New grade is 71  - glist updated

C Div updated 18.00 hrs

Grading List updated

MC CCA Grader has revised the following players grade

Rod Harrap ( Guisborough) played 5 games and is estimated at e26

 
24/01/07  - C Div Updated 22.58hrs

Grading List updated

MC CCA Grader has revised the following players grades

Derek Botwright (Hungarians) played 5 games, and is estimated at e87
Geoffrey Botwright (Hungarians) played 5 games, and is estimated at e25

 
15/01/07  - Grading List updated

Player added - Matthew Holten - Darlington

3 players left to return/sign ECF form.

 
14/01/07

 - NCCU County Match

Sunday 14th January
York Railway Institute Sports & Leisure Club
Cleveland 7-5 Lancs

NCCU Champs page updated

Durham have withdrawn from the NCCU Championships

We are not sure at this moment what is going to happen as regards to the point Cleveland gained from drawing with Durham - More info when we have it.

 
02/01/07 CCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

The next meeting of the CCA Executive Committee will be held on Wednesday, 17th January, 2006 , 7.30 p.m.
at Billingham Synthonia Club

AGENDA

1. Appointment of Meeting Chairperson
2. Minutes of EM Meeting 13th September 2006
3. Matters Arising
4. Correspondence
5. "A" Division Trophy
6. Ivory Chess Set
7. CCA Finances
8. Inventory of CCA Assets
9. Rule Infringements
10. MO Agreement
11. Rules and Constitution Update (Philip Mitcheson)
12. Officers' Reports
13. NCCU Matters
14. ECF Matters
15. AOB
 

 
02/01/07 July to Dec 2006 News now archived