Activity over the Summer

 

This year the Red Bull continued to support the club. The year saw new members and a returner. The club is grateful for Andrew Crosby for the recruitment work linked to the library sessions which other members have supported.

 The club held its 2nd “Chess Fest” at the Red Bull on the 12/7/25. The weather allowed it to take place outside. Around 20 people attended from several clubs for an informal Rapid play competition. The winner was Jonathan Blackburn who made a welcome return to the club where it all started for the now FIDE Master.

 The team entered division 4 in the NSDCA. There were some tough teams which allowed our new members to gain match experience.

In recent months it has been good to see members from other clubs enjoying social chess on our club night. I seem to remember 14 people there one night.

Our Internal Club Trophy has been played over the summer with the semi finals and final to be completed.  It has generated some competitive chess.

Some members from the club have continue taking part in the sessions in the Libraries in the area during the day time. This has encouraged people to attend our club.

 

Start of the New season

 The new season has begun as Kidsgrove play in Division 4 . The first 3 games have taken place with 2 wins and a defeat

Tony has provided reports for 2 games.

Teams: Crewe ‘I’ (home) v KCC (away)

Date: Tuesday evening, 24^th September 2024

 Result: Victory for KCC! (2.5 – 1.5)

Andy (board 1, white): 0.5

Rob (board 2, black): 0

me (board 3, white): 1

Carlos (board 4, black): 1

Many thanks to our driver – Rob – whose motoring skills outshone his chess on this particular occasion.

Andy (Thanks for the beer!), aware of probable wins on boards 3 and 4, successfully salvaged a draw at the end of a to and fro contest.

I played safely until my opponent’s over-ambitious attack and further errors led to his downfall.

‘Man of the Match’ must go to Carlos for his sure-to-be-legendary KCC debut. He kept the upper hand (and his nerve) throughout a two-hours-plus unusual game against a stubborn opponent.

Context: NSDCA Division 4 2024/5

Teams: Crewe ‘H’ (home) v KCC (away)

Date: Tuesday evening, 15th October 2024

Result: KCC defeated (3 – 1)

Julian (board 1, white): 0

Rob (board 2, black): 0

me (board 3, white): 0

Mark (board 4, black): 1

In Crewe ‘H’, KCC faced a significantly stronger team than Crewe ‘I’ of 3 weeks ago.

Julian had the hardest task, and was outplayed.

Rob’s performance was appreciably greater than last time, but to no avail.

I was the worst culprit of the night because of an early blunder.

‘Man of the Match’ goes to Mark for his glorious KCC debut. His attacking approach paid off.

Many thanks to Julian and Rob for chauffeuring.

 

KIDSGROVE CHESS FEST

 The club decided to try out an informal Rapid Play competition to promote chess at the the Red Bull pub. On the 20th July the weather allowed the group to play on the benches outside the pub by the canal.  The competition attracted players from several clubs as well as a few Kidsgrove.  Special thnkst to Gary the landlord for providing a meal for two winners prize and to Andy Crosby and Dave Price for organizing the games.  14 people played a series of 10 minute rapid play games. The weather held out until the final where Alan Paling of Newcastle won by an intensely watched final indoors as the rain started. The competition was a success  and it hoped to repeat this next year.

Roy Bennett Trophy Wnner..

 Congratulations to Dave Johnson as the winner of this years "Roy Bennett" Trophy which is Kidsgrove CC's internal annual competition.  Dave beat Andrew Crosby at our club night at the Red Bull.

End of Season. and Welcome to new members

 The final game in the NSDA league was completed recently. Kidsgrove beat Crewe G to finish 2nd in the league . Crewe G were champions and were unbeaten until our victory.

In recent weeks 4 new members have come along . Thanks to our members Andy Crosby and Rob Aked for helping to run events in the local libraries in North Staffs. This has meant our club nights have become increasingly active.  Should the interest continue there could be a genuine prospect of increasing the number of teams Kidsgrove can enter next season's competitions. Exciting times ahead.

Chess at Kidsgrove Library on Saturday mornings 9:30 to 12:00

 Although this weekly event is not part of this Chess club's organised events . Some of our members do attend to support the organiser Nigel and promote Kidsgrove chess club It is ideal for beginners or youngsters who may find our Thursday evening events a bit late for school days. It is free and no booking necessary. Go along and try. 

KIDSGROVE CHESS CLUB New Season

 After a quiet spell earlier in the summer ,the club completed its Summer League fixtures. The Club faced some tough opposition.

As summer ended the club gained two new members (One Returning) The new North Staff District Association League began with Kidsgrove opting to play in Division 4 . The season began well with 3 wins and a draw up to date.  (All details on the League Management System .LMS link)

With 8 active members this years internal club championship (Roy Bennett Trophy) began with some interesting results after 3 rounds.

Derek Northage

 The club is sad to announce the passing of Derek Northage. Derek had played for Kidsgrove for many years playing his last game late March . He continued to competitive chess into his nineties.. He had played chess for over 80 years. He had also played for Newcastle previously. Despite developing physical frailties his chess mind was strong to the end.