Bucks Chess News

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The following news items were submitted by players or associates of the BCCA during earlier seasons:

August 22, 2008 Alex Niedzwiedzki - ECF Award

Submitted by Fred Day Former Bucks stalwart Alex is President of the Buckinghamshire CCA and is to receive the ECF President's Award for Services to Chess. Alex now resides in Norfolk and ECF director John Wickham will present this well-deserved honour on 2nd September (about 7.45pm) at the Fakenham Chess Club. A fun chess 15-minute tournament will follow.

August 20, 2008 Bucks players' success at British Championship

Submitted by Jonathan Melsom Junior titles were won by William Claridge-Hansen (Joint 1st U8) and James Foster (1st U15) both of Aylesbury Chess Club, whilst Sam Walker (Wycombe and Hazlemere) shared the U14 title, previously won by grandmasters Miles, Nunn, and Speelman amongst others. In the Major Open, Phil Makepeace qualified for the 2009 British Championship, as did Charlie Fry who was part of the Bucks Junior sides before re-locating to Norfolk.

June 11, 2008 Controller in Birthday Walkabout Sensation

Two members of Wycombe and Hazlemere Chess Club will be following Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk next month.

June 6, 2008 Minutes of the BCCA AGM 2008

Submitted by Fred Day The minutes of the recent AGM are now available.

May 13, 2008 Bucks Juniors in National Team

Submitted by Neville Belinfante Two juniors, Jamie Tilston (Woodside School, Amersham) and Chantelle Foster (Aylesbury CC) have made the England U11 team.

May 13, 2008 New Chiltern League Under 100 Competition

Submitted by Chris Stothert A description of the new Chiltern U100 competition.

April 30, 2008 Bucks League Division Two Champions

Submitted by Jonathan Melsom
Wycombe and Hazlemere 2 are Division Two champions.

April 15, 2008 Bucks League Division One Champions

Submitted by Jonathan Melsom
After a hard fought away win at closest rivals Wycombe and Hazlemere on Monday, Berkhamsted have clinched the league title. Many congratulations to those concerned. Fuller results will follow.

April 13, 2008 Bourne End QuickPlay 2008

The list of prizewinners from the recent Bourne End Quickplay Congress is now available. Full results will be published later.

April 13, 2008 John Sharp

Submitted by Fred Day
The funeral of John Sharp, aged 86, took place on Friday, 11th April 2008 at Bourne End (Herts).

Born in London and educated at Berkhamsted, John had volunteered for the navy, and seen service on wartime convoy duties. A keen cricketer, still playing at 60, he had been a founder-member, wicket-keeper and captain at Bourne End (Herts). He also played bowls for Cheddington. His family business (five generations) farmed water-cress beds at Cress Farm, Bourne End (Herts), later developed into a trout farm.

John had been a stalwart of Berkhamsted and Hertfordshire chess, serving both as captain for many years. A big man, he surveyed his opponents with twinkling eyes, from behind a dark, Grace-like bushy beard, and he had been both club and county (Herts) champion. He formed a deadly duo with Alex, our President, the pair playing together for Berkhamsted in the Herts League, and for the old Amersham club in the Bucks League, until they became "friendly enemies", when Berkhamsted entered the Bucks league in 1982. In his later years decreasing mobility reduced his club appearances, and regrettably we saw little of him after the introduction of rapid-play finishes, which he deplored.
He is survived by his wife, Vivien and their two sons and two daughters and their families, to whom we offer our condolences.

September 20, 2007 Ted Woolford

Submitted by Graham Brown Ted Woolford, who died recently, was a founder member of Slough Chess Club and he was instrumental in getting the club to move to its present premises in the Lady Haig British Legion club in Stoke Road in Slough.
In earlier days he was a good player with a high grade. In more recent years he no longer played but continued to help the club, acting as club president and, as British Legion treasurer, enabling the chess club to use the Legion premises on very generous terms. He will be sadly missed.

September 19, 2007 Igor Sosnin

Submitted by Graham Brown We were very sorry to hear of the death of Igor Sosnin early in August.
He was a much liked and respected member of Slough Chess Club; he was also a very good player with a grade of 182 and he played on board one for our first team. He was a Physics lecturer at Royal Holloway College and it was clear from what was said at the funeral that his work was important and highly valued.
He leaves a wife and family to whom we send our condolences. He was a good man and we shall miss him.

August 31, 2007 Berks and Bucks Congress Results

Submitted by Nigel Dennis Results of the congress are now available on the Downloads page.

News from previous seasons has been moved here

August 25, 2007 Bucks Individual Championship Submitted by Fred Day The entry form for the Bucks Individual Champiosnhip is now available on the Downloads page. August 19, 2007 Chiltern League Venues Submitted by Nigel Dennis Directions to Chiltern League venues are now available on the Downloads page. August 19, 2007 British Chess Championships Submitted by Dave Turner Three Bucks players, Phil Bonafont, Roger de Coverly and Phil Makepeace competed in the British Chess Champioships at Great Yarmouth. Full details are at the ECF web site. July 7, 2007 Jovanka Houska Simultaneous Submitted by Fred Day The entry form for Jovanka Houska's Simultaneous at Slough Chess Club on Thursday, September 13 is now available on the Downloads page. June 30, 2007 BCCA AGM Submitted by Fred Day Copied of the minutes, constitution, officers' reports, and summary of the season are now available on the Downloads page. June 30, 2007 Bourne End Quickplay Submitted by Kevin Hawkins The results of the 2007 Bourne End QuickPlay are now available on the Downloads page. June 30, 2007 Berks and Bucks Congress Submitted by Nigel Dennis The entry form for the Berks and Bucks Congress is now available on the Downloads page. June 30, 2007 BCCA Website Submitted by Dave Turner The BCCA website is now hosted in England and, as you have discovered, has a new URL - remember http://www.buckschess.org.uk May 20, 2007 BCCA AGM The BCCA AGM will take place at Gerrards Cross on Thursday, 7 June starting at 2000. All are welcome. August 31, 2006 Bucks and Berks Congress 2006 Results - submitted by Nigel Dennis Championship and Challengers Sections
Reserves A
Reserves B
Reserves C
Lightning Tournament
August 30, 2006 Gradings - submitted by Dave Turner The latest gradings are now available at the ECF website. Four submissions were accepted from Bucks covering the League, Bucks Individual, Bourne End Quickplay and Wycombe and Hazlemere's Club Championship. August 30, 2006 Bucks Individual Champioship 2006-7 - submitted by Fred Day (with modifications by Webmaster) The entry form for the coming season's Individual Competition is now available in PDF format or MS Word format. I will let club secretaries have some hard copies. Please note the slightly earlier date than usual (Sunday 8th October) for closure date for entries, as I shall be away in the second half of October. Hopefully we can can make make an early start to the competition. July 21, 2006 Bucks and Berks Congress 2006 - submitted by Nigel Dennis A reminder that the 42nd Bucks & Berks Congress will take place from Saturday 26th to Monday 28th August 2006 (Lightning: Friday 25th August 7.30.p.m. start) at Nine Mile Ride Primary School, Finchampstead, Wokingham. The entry form PDF or MS Word has useful links for accomodation and the nearby California Country Park July 18, 2006 Gradings - submitted by Dave Turner The anticipated publication date on the ECF website is 24th July, corrections are still possible after that. A definitive list, incorporating any corrections notified, will appear in late August. Only at that point will the printed list be prepared. The printed list, in book form, will be on sale around the end of August. July 18, 2006 National Club Champioship - submitted by Dave Turner Bad news for Bucks teams in the ECF National Club Championship......
Wycombe and Hazlemere were beaten in the semi-final of the Minor Plate by Ashfield. Bourne End lost to Bedford in the final of the Major tournament. July 18, 2006 Chiltern League Tables - submitted by Fred Day League tables for the Chiltern League PDF or MS Word may be viewed here July 18, 2006 AGM Minutes - submitted by Fred Day The Minutes (PDF or MS Word) together with Appendices (including Bucks Individual Tables) (PDF or MS Word) of the AGM may be viewed here May 15, 2006 Submitted by Fred Day Dear Member
Herewith the Agenda (PDF or MS Word format) for the AGM to be held at Bourne End on Tuesday 23rd May at 8.00pm. Hope to see you there.
Regards
Fred Day May 15, 2006 Submitted by Dave Turner News from the ECF National Club Championship - Bourne End beat Brown Jack of Swindon to reach the final of the National Club Major competition. Following an early collapse of Bourne End's lower boards while in comfortable positions, the outcome of the match was uncertain until Roger de Coverly achieved a draw to keep the scores level. Bourne End won on tie-break and will face either Wood Green or Bedford in the final. The venue and date have yet to be arranged.
In the Minor Plate competition, Wycombe and Hazlemere will play Ashfield (Notts) at home on Sunday, 11 June. May 2, 2006 Submitted by Dave Turner Wycombe and Hazlemere have won both divisions of the Bucks League. Bourne End were runners up in both.
The result of the Wycombe and Hazlemere 2 vs Aylesbury 2 match was reported incorrectly. This has now been updated. April 15, 2006 Submitted by Nigel Dennis The 42nd Bucks & Berks Congress will take place from Saturday 26th to Monday 28th August 2006 (Lightning: Friday 25th August 7.30.p.m. start) at Nine Mile Ride Primary School, Finchampstead, Wokingham. Players are encouraged to enter using the entry form which is available in both PDF and MS Word formats. March 20, 2006 Submitted by Jonathan Melsom More success for Bucks teams in the ECF National Club Championship - Wycombe and Hazlemere won away at Chipping Camden 2.5-1.5 and progress to the last four of the Minor Plate. March 19, 2006 Submitted by Dave Turner An unchanged Bourne End team travelled to Kippax (W Yorks) and beat Rose Forgrove 3-2 in the ECF National Club Championship. Bourne End progress to the semi-finals of the Major. February 26, 2006 Submitted by Kevin Hawkins The Bourne End Quickplay Congress will take place on Sunday, April 9 2006. Players are encouraged to enter using this Entry Form. January 30, 2006 Submitted by Dave Turner Bourne End will play Rose Forgrove (of Leeds) in the quarter-finals of the Major Section of the National Club Championship. No date has been decided, but the match must take place no later than April 23. January 11, 2006 Submitted by Dave Turner The Bourne End club has to close for one night in January each year to accomodate the Bourne End Players' (that's actors, not chess players) annual pantomine. There has been some confusion about this year's closure which will occur on Wednesday, January 18 not January 11.

Three matches have been postponed in the Bucks League:
   Gerrards Cross 1 vs Wycombe & Hazlemere 1
   Slough 1 vs Berkhamsted 1
   Berkhamsted 2 vs Wycombe & Hazlemere 4
The re-scheduled dates have yet to be notified. January 11, 2006 Submitted by Dave Turner Firstly, an apology to anyone who has e-mailed the Bucks County Chess Association webmaster - it only became apparent recently that email was neither being bounced nor delivered, unfortunately the systems which host the old address are not under my control. A new address is now available, this works.

With the exception of Chiltern League matches between non-Bucks sides, I believe the site is now up to date. If you know otherwise, please advise! If you are running a tournament within your club and you wish to have the games count for grading purposes, please contact me. The tournament results will be posted on the website.

Finally, many thanks to Brian for the ongoing hosting of the website, for the original concept and development, and his help during the handover period. October 26, 2005 Submitted by Nick Butland Please note that, with effect from 1^st November, Aylesbury Chess Club returns to Aylesbury Conservative Club. (We're hoping to make this a smooth transition, but we do apologise in advance if there is a slight delay next Tuesday while we get sorted for the Slough match.)
See the Aylesbury Venue page for directions to the venue. October 10, 2005 Submitted by Jonathan Melsom Bourne End Chess Club have decided to withdraw Bourne End 2 from Division 1 of the Bucks League. The fixtures will therefore be deleted from the fixture list. The Bourne End 3 team will continue to play the fixtures in Division 2. The League Controller is satisfied that although the decision now leaves 6 teams in the top division and 8 teams in the second, the likely strength of Bourne End sides makes this the most sensible outcome. September 8, 2005 Submitted by Jonathan Melsom A message regarding the 2005-2006 Bucks League Fixtures now available on the web site. September 1, 2005 Submitted by Fred Day Dear Member
I attach an entry form for the 2005-6 season in Word and HTML formats. and would be grateful if you will draw it to the attention of your fellow-club members, particularly any players new to the area. Please complete (BLOCK CAPITALS please) and return the tare-off slip with the entry fee (Cheques to "BCCA") asap, so that I can start the annual juggling of names and divisions. April 16, 2006 Submitted by Dave Turner News from previous seasons has been moved here July 5, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers The web site has been updated to reflect all new roles & responsibilities for next season, and also contains the Chiltern League fixtures. July 4, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers Whilst clearing out the office I found the 1999-2000 Bucks League results and provisional 2000-2001 fixture dates. They've been added to the site here. June 12, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers The Bucks Grading results have been submitted to the ECF. See the Bucks Grading link at the bottom of this page for details. May 27, 2005 Submitted by Nigel Dennis The 41^st Berks and Bucks Congress Entry Forms are now available in either HTML format or Microsoft Word format. The competition will be held in Marlow on August 26-29. People are encouraged to attend. April 15, 2005 Submitted by Brian Lacey A Last Chance Saloon tournament will be held on April 24 for junior players that haven't yet qualified for the Bucks Megafinal. Click for an entry form. April 14, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers The BCCA Executive General Meeting was held tonight. It was agreed that the BCCA AGM will be held on May 16 at the Wycombe & Hazlemere (monday night) venue.. April 12, 2005 Submitted by Nick Butland The Aylesbury venue has moved back to the Church of the Holy Spirit. As there are no further fixtures at the Aylesbury venue this season, the League Controller has not notified any team captains. This is likely to be in effect until early May. See the Aylesbury Venue page for directions to the venue. March 15, 2005 Submitted by Nigel Dennis All four Chiltern Counties (Berks, Bucks, Hants, Oxon) are invited to take part in a 20 board jamboree with grading limits on Saturday April 2^nd, 2005 at Richard Aldworth Science College, Western Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 6HA. Refer to this document for details. March 10, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers The web site's nomination lists have been updated to display each player's team performance in terms of wins, draws and losses. It will be updated automatically as match results are submitted for inclusion on the web site. February 17, 2005 Submitted by Kevin Hawkins The Bourne End Quickplay Congress will take place on Sunday March 13, 2005. Players are encouraged to enter using this Entry Form. February 10, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers The pgn player programs have now been changed from Java to Javascript and the PGN description page has been updated. This avoids the use of Java programs of which I haven't got the source code, and also allows games to be viewed without a Java plugin (which is sometimes difficult to configure on non-Windows systems). Additionally, this player can play illegal moves (see Somers vs Savory!) and understands notation such as ? and !. February 2, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers It's now possible to add miscellaneous graded results that aren't graded through the BCCA to the web site. Submitting such results to me allows me to better estimate an individuals grade for the following season. Such results will only appear in a players summary page. February 2, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers The web site can now display individual chess games. Players are invited to submit PGN files for inclusion on the site. Details can be found here. January 20, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers A message regarding the AY3 vs WH4 match played on January 18: League Controllers letter. January 18, 2005 Submitted by Brian Somers A message regarding the GX3 vs AY3 match played on January 13: League Controllers letter. January 7, 2005 Submitted by Fred Day The Bourne End Buzzard Memorial results are now available on the Bourne End Club page. December 22, 2004 Submitted by Nick Butland An end of year update for the Chiltern League's U180 division. December 15, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers An update to the Aylesbury 1 vs Gerrards Cross 1 match mis-fixture: League Controllers letter. December 8, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The 2002-2003 grading files have been re-processed into result files and added to the web site. See the Bucks League tables, the Individuals Results, club championship details for Wycombe & Hazlemere and Gerrards Cross, and the Bourne End Congress Results. November 22, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers An update to the Aylesbury team situation: League Controllers letter. November 13, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers Aylesbury are finding it difficult to put forward three teams this season. Details can be found in the League Controllers letter. November 2, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The Wycombe & Hazlemere Club Championship has begun and the first round draw is now available via the club page. October 6, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The Aylesbury 1 vs Gerrards Cross 1 match last night didn't take place. Details can be found in the League Controllers letter. September 2, 2004 Submitted by Jonathan Melsom A quick review of an interesting book; Bobby Fischer Goes To War - not your average chess book! August 31, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The Wycombe & Hazlemere chess club Monday & Wednesday night sessions will resume on September 6^th and 8^th respectively. The Intermediate club will resume on September 10^th. The AGM will be held on September 20^th. August 26, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers A reminder that the Berks and Bucks Congress Entry Forms are available in either HTML format or Microsoft Word format. The competition will start tomorrow in Wokingham (August 27-30). August 11, 2004 Submitted by Fred Day The BCCA Individuals entry form and rules for the 2004-2005 Bucks Individuals competition is available here. Alternatively, the document can be obtained in Microsoft Word format. July 31, 2004 Submitted by Fred Day The latest version of the BCCA Constitution has been published. All Bucks League and Tournament players are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these rules. July 14, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers Provisional fixtures for the 2004-2005 Bucks League have been created and given to team captains and club secretaries for review. The latest version can be seen on the League page. July 7, 2004 Submitted by Mike Mobbs Mike now has the Wycombe & Hazlemere trophies for 2003-2004, duly engraved. They will be awarded at the Club AGM in September.

Club Championship:	Winner - P. Makepeace;
	Runner-up - B. Somers;
	Grading Prize - D. Saunders
Fastplay Competition:	Winner - P. Makepeace;
	Runner-up - J. Melsom
Free-For-All Competition:	Winner - L. Tomkins;
	Grading Prize - D. Reed

July 2, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The Bucks Grading results were submitted to the ECF - 2 days late, but with the agreement of the ECF. See the Bucks Grading link at the bottom of this page for details. June 10, 2004 Submitted by Nigel Dennis The Berks and Bucks Congress Entry Forms are now available in either HTML format or Microsoft Word format. The competition will be held in Wokingham on August 27-30. People are encouraged to attend. May 24, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The BCCA AGM re-elected all committee members with their previous roles. Some constitution amendments took place and will be available from the BCCA page soon. April 27, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The BCCA Committee has agreed that the AGM will be held at the Wycombe & Hazlemere premises (the Hazlemere Community Center) on Monday, May 24. April 6, 2004 Submitted by Jonathan Melsom 2nd Wycombe & Hazlemere Club Newsletter January 18, 2004 Submitted by Brian Somers The Wycombe & Hazlemere Friends & Family Chess League 2004 begins January 13, 2004 Submitted by Fred Day Ron Johnson a member of the Gerrards Cross Chess club has passed away, aged 78 December 11, 2003 Submitted by Jonathan Melsom 1st Wycombe & Hazlemere Club Newsletter