Training Day Tour 2021-22: Historic Hull

Hull was the latest stop on my CSC Training Day Tour, following on from this season's dates in London, Manchester, Stoke, the London Chess Classic and two online days.

As previously mentioned, Hull is a special place for me and I always try to create time to explore the city while I am there.

History awaits from the start, with significant contributions to the city commemorated at the railway station.

This report starts with some notable sights from Hull.

Philip Larkin

.

                                          

.

                                           

Impressive skyline

.

                                           

.

                                            

.

                                           

.

                                            

.

                              

I enjoyed a performance at Hull's City Hall, by Barrie Steele and friends, celebrating the music of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly.

It was soon time for the training day. We had to miss the 2021 date for obvious reasons, so this was our first one at Hull's Central Library for two years.

One thing is certain: we are always guaranteed a warm welcome from Isaac and the library team.

.

                                          

The library spoiled us by setting out a magnificent chess display, as subtly demonstrated by Jo, the official training day assistant.

Isaac was very attentive to our needs and joined the initial part of the session to address the delegates on the subjects of housekeeping and health and safety.

We were fortunate indeed to have Dan Staples with us on the day. Dan wears many CSC hats, including one as Yorkshire's Regional Coordinator.

We had another special guest, in the form of Grandmaster Nigel Davies. Nigel addressed the delegates to tell them how unsuitable he was as a classroom teacher!

.

Of course, the real stars of the show were the magnificent delegates, all whom are intent on giving something back to the chess community. They worked hard all day long and we are now looking forward to helping everyone with their future progress.

There are lot of great people in Hull and they are working very hard to create chess opportunities for people of all ages.

Plans are afoot for future visits; the story will continue...

Thank you, everyone, for making it such an enjoyable day.

The Ali Ghiassi Memorial Junior Chess Tournament

The Ali Ghiassi Memorial Junior Chess Tournament 

Sponsored by Marguerita Evans in memory of her son Ali Ghiassi 

Date: Saturday 19 February 2022 

Time: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. 

Venue: Sports Hall, John Leggott College, West Common Lane, Scunthorpe, DN17 1DS 

Tournament Format: Five-round Swiss

Ali Ghiassi

'Ali started playing at a chess club in London at six years old but it wasn't until he moved to Scunthorpe that he started playing competitively. Ali continued to play chess throughout his life and he would have been so pleased to think that through this tournament young players are being encouraged to participate playing chess into the future. '

General Information 

Entry Fee: £2.00 per player (cheques payable to ‘Joanne Hutchinson’). Closing date for entries: Wednesday 16 February 2022

Prizes include trophies, medals and certificates. Sections may be combined, depending on the number of entries.

We cannot offer full supervision outside of the playing hall and children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day. Basic refreshments will be available on the day but please bring a packed lunch.

ECF Arbiter Jo Hutchinson is the tournament organizer and controller. The controller's decision, in all matters regarding the tournament, is final. All enquiries to: johutchinsonchess@gmail.com