We welcomed back all our regulars yesterday from last year and were very pleased to see so many returning. We said goodbye for now to Nicolas, Nilay and Pavina, and wish them all the best for the future knowing they will always be good chess players.
Six new faces
I was delighted to welcome our newcomers: Alexander, Nathan, Manvik, Kiara, Adelyn and Leo. Six new juniors who we hope will enjoy coming along and learning chess. There are others waiting to join once we are back to full capacity of teachers.
Yesterday we enjoyed the company of 25 juniors, and it was a pleasure to meet some of their parents.
Despite an unscheduled fire alarm very close to 11am, where we had to evacuate the building, both sessions were well received and thoroughly enjoyable. Everyone remained safe.
The lessons
Steve took the beginners through the basics of chess in both sessions, and we look forward to seeing them develop their chess skills.
Eric had games with Alexander and Leo, and showed them middle and end game skills.
We were very pleased to have Finn back to take our advanced and intermediate sections for both lessons. He went through various puzzles, open strategy and other techniques to progress their knowledge.
Paul also returned to help out in the first session, taking the intermediate section through the advantages and strategy of the Sicilian Defence.
Paul, Steve and Finn sharing their knowledge with the juniors from our 12/9 first session.
Games and the ladder
The games were all played in good spirits, and we plan to start the ladder board games next week.
It was really good to have Peter Nimmo, one of our top senior players, along in the second session to take William through a game and help him with tactics.
Thank you
I must thank Steve, Finn and Paul for coming along to make the lessons possible, and Dee who helped with everything in the background.
I look forward to seeing you all next Saturday, when Tony will be returning and Ian Clark and Paul will also be coming along to support the sessions.
Eric Sachs