Macclesfield welcomed Cheddleton in their first league game since March 2020. John, making his debut, fought hard against young star Sam Perry but succumbed at the end of a long battle. On board 3 Joachim won well against Bill Armstrong and skipper Phil was held to a draw by Roger Edwards. At 10:15 Geoff was a piece up and seemingly coasting to a win against Simon Edwards when his concentration lapsed and he blundered away a piece into a lost ending. He's obviously getting too old....
The 26th of September saw the opening moves of this year's club championship. Reigning champion, Tony was gunned down by 1st team captain John-Paul and top-rated player, John, was defeated by Carl. In week 2 Carl and John-Paul played out a draw and thus have an early 1.5 point lead.
Meanwhile Ant, stepping down from his solid performance last year in the club championship, overcame Brian in the Pomeroy. He added to this by defeating Ed in week 2. Paul also defeated Ed to get under way in this his first year of competition.
Members who were not present at the opening night of the season yesterday may not have heard of the sad passing, on August 29, of Ray Pomeroy (Picture 2014). Ray played at the club over 30 years before moving out of the area a few years back, but he had kept in touch asking to be on the circulation list for e-mails etc. When he left, he presented the club with a Cup which many of you will have played for. Ray not only enjoyed his chess but he also enhanced the club with his charm, wit and excellent sportsmanship. A minutes silence was held in his memory at the AGM.
Below are provisional minutes -
Minutes of Macclesfield Chess Club AGM 5 Sept 22
Held At The Queens Hotel : 19:15
A minutes silence was held to mark the passing of Ray Pomeroy a member of the club for over 30 years.
Present: A. Brough, G. Laurence, A. Soames, A. Green, P. Cattermole, R. Gray, J. Trier, M. Jouannet, B. Woodhall, J. Darlington, J-P. Taylor, J.Staniland, D. Lobo. S. Darwell Apologies: A. Lane
Matter Arising From Minutes of 2021 AGM: The secretary confirmed that John Astley had been confirmed as Pomeroy Cup winner as Tom Robson hadn’t played his outstanding game.
Officers Reports
Chairman; Nothing to report.
Secretary: Had attended with Phil Cattermole, an extraordinary meeting of The North Staffs League and entered a team for the coming season. He had proposed teams of 4 which had been accepted. Apologies were sent to the AGM 3 weeks later. He reported also that the Stockport League was also resuming and a meeting was expected soon.
Treasurer and Membership Secretary: With trophy engraving outstanding, the finances are reasonably healthy with a balance of over £800.
Website Manager: Denzil reported no changes
Tounament Directors: Tony reported that there had been 2 quickplays with numbers slightly down on previous years, the first won by James Heppell and the second by Ant Brough who also wins the Pollard Trophy. Geoff had organised both the Club Championship and Pomeroy Cup which had been well supported. Tony Soames and John Astley were the respective winners. A rapidplay competition added at the end of the season is nearly complete..
Presentation Of Trophies: This had to be deferred as the trophies were in for engraving.. The secretary reported that the most improved player trophy was missing and undertook to investigate further.
Club Venue: Zoe and Ernie are leaving The Queens in mid November and it isn’t known whether the room will still be available and at what cost if so. Members are asked to keep an eye out for any venues just in case….
Number of Teams for 2022 and Election Of Captains: In addition to the North Staffs team it was agreed to run a couple of teams in the Stockport League. John-Paul Taylor and Jack Staniland (with help ) were elected as captains.
Election Of Officers: Ant Brough, Geoff Laurence, and Roy Gray were re-elected as Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer and Membership Secretary respectively. Tony Soames and Denzil Lobo will organise the rapidplays for the Pollard Trophy and Geoff Laurence will organise the Club Championship and Pomeroy Cup competitions.
Subscriptions for 2022: It was felt a subscription should be charged in 2022-23, but until the venue uncertainty is resolved, the amount was left unfixed.
As there was no other business, the meeting closed at 8:10pm.