Jovanka had pointed the way to a brighter future and plans are afoot for a collaborative plan...
Today we focus on some of the other parts of the chess festival - as seen through my own eyes - and we will conclude tomorrow with some moments from the tournament itself.
Immediately after the Brain Jar experience it was all systems go as I had to make the final preparations for my new talk - the appropriately titled To Hull and Back.
Chris always gives me a great introduction, partly because I write down what I want him to say |
While I make a late alteration or two to the script, Chris takes the opportunity to instruct people to get out while they still can |
'The weekend starts here!' |
Would you buy a secondhand chess set from this man? |
'To Hull and Back' was well-received, so I went on to deliver '32 Years on 64 Squares' immediately afterwards |
There are rarely elephants left in the room when I'm on; nobody is safe during my talks |
Meanwhile, back at the tournament... |
The tournament hall is ready for the first round! |
Chess and Bridge very kindly supplied a copy of CHESS Magazine to all competitors (and it just happened to be the one featuring my report on the Teesside Women's Tournament) |
The first of two magnificent chess cakes, although this one apparently lacks a key piece |
Between duties I even managed to fit in a trip to Carver's - for the first time in 35 years |
I enjoyed analysing the games of the players, together with Richard and Tim |
I also enjoyed meeting my excellent friends, including Rayelynn, Jo... |
...Aga and Milo! |
IM Palliser playing many games simultaneously, against a pleasant quayside backdrop |
The second chess cake provided more food for thought |
Richard lost only one game - to Richard Atkinson - and drew with host Stephen Greep |
It was wonderful to meet new people, such as Nadege, who was very keen to solve problems and to play more unusual games |
Nadege finds the answer to a tough problem while Tim looks on. All smiles and unwavering positivity; exactly my sort of person. |
More smiles, more positivity; from Milo, too! |
Peter and Michael ensured the juniors had plenty of excellent coaching |
The irrepressible Tim Wall managed to set up a room to deliver live commentary on the tournament games |
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