Bangor Chess Club

Let's have some match reports when the results are coming in.

A very successful simultaneous display was given by Gabor Horvath, current Ulster Champion, on Thursday 24th September 2015 in Groomsport. A total of 17 opponents made the starting line. A special mention must go to Michael Sheerin who beat the master! Now the opening events are out of the way the season will begin in earnest with teams selected and matches organised. all members are urged to turn up and compete for team places on offer. The Chess Season gets serious in October!!

Please refer to the Chess articles in Bangor Spectator on 10th and 17th September 2015.

Bangor Chess Club. To open the new season the Club has secured the services of the Current ULSTER CHESS CHAMPION, Gabor Horvath, who will take on up to 20 opponents on 24th September 2015 in a simultaneous display at the Groomsport Parish Hall. Gabor was one of 4 players to defeat Raymond Keene in the Spring so a tough match is promised for anyone who wants to take part. The board fee is £5 which is very modest. So all of you, members and non-members who fancy your chances against a top player, let's see what you can do!!! Start time is 7.30PM so no latecomers

Notice to All Members. there is an important meeting on Thursday 17th September 2015 in Groomsport Parish Church Hall. this is the start of the season and a big turnout is essential. UCU are asking that we decide the number of teams to be entered this year which means we must elect captains and put together some eligible players. Also, the club would like members to start remitting subs as soon as possible as it will help get all members registered for new gradings from the beginning. The suggestion is that we stick with the same level of sub as before, which is £40 Adult member (includes £10 registration fee to UCU) and £20 Student or Concessions.

Annual General Meeting of UCU is to be held on 11th June 2015 at Groomsport. This is the first time it has been held outside Belfast. All Bangor members are invited along with other UCU members. Start time is 7.30PM..

Raymond Keene so enjoyed his visit he says he would like to return in 2016. May not be to Bangor but another club would certainly arrange a display. here's hoping.

Meanwhile there have been some discussions about having another simul in September with another strong player. Maybe not a grandmaster but someone strong enough to play 20 boards.

We'll keep it posted here.

The visit of Raymond Keene on 9th April was a resounding success. The grandmaster took on 19 opponents, should have been 20 but one was a no show. He won 14, lost 4 and was held to a draw in one. A number of VIPs attended the event including the newly appointed Mayor of North Down & Ards. The winners were given one of Raymond's current chess books signed by him. There were a number of anecdotes and some history of the world chess scene before the start at 7.30PM. This was a great event for the Bangor Club and all credit must go to James O'Fee who secured the services of Mr Keene with whom he had attended Sussex university. James also organised the whole display with the help of a small team of volunteers who looked after the setting up and catering. There were many visitors from various walks of life and a few from the political scene. The Club gratefully acknowledges the kind sponsorship received from Mr Lyle Bailey to whom we are indebted. The Bangor season finishes at the end of April but will resume in September. All existing, former and new members are asked to attend our reopening and move Bangor back into its rightful place as one of the best chess clubs in Ulster.

James O'Fee has been appointed Treasurer of the Club in succession to Martin Rogers who has now retired. It is hope that all members will give support to James as he organizes the planned simultaneous with Raymond Keene on 9th April.

Raymond Keene, grandmaster and chess author, will be coming to Bangor on 9th April 2015 to play a simultaneous match against 20 chess players from the Belfast and District League. The list is open for nominations and those who would like to take part may apply to James O'Fee for inclusion. It is anticipated that interest will be high and an early application is recommended. There will also be room for spectators and a limited number will be admitted.

Owing to advancing years and poor health I am obliged to give up all offices held in Bangor Chess Club in April 2015.I am preparing a set of accounts for the current year except closure will be 31st March and nor 30th September. If the Club is to continue in its current and excellent venue there will have to be a new set of officers in place to agree bookings for 2015/6. I usually booked 30 weeks from 2nd last Thursday in September to 30th April. In addition there will have to be a new keyholder name given to the Church and fresh nominations for Safeguarding Trust child protection measures. When I present the 2015 accounts I shall step down from all these duties immediately. The Church will need to know the names of my replacements as I shall be notifying them personally. So, Club members, it is now up to you.

James O'Fee is trying to organise support for a simul by Keene who is coming to Belfast early next month. There would be a fee to lay but the chance of taking on a grandmaster is not to be missed by any serious player. Talk to Gary Johnston next Club night.