Player History

Stuart Conquest

Jan 17, 2005 at 7:11pm

GM Stuart Conquest is an honorary life member of the chess club.

By Stuart Conquest

Do No Adjust Your Chess Set

When one’s surname is Conquest, and when one spends ten years of one’s life in the town of Hastings, then the line: ‘Is your middle name Norman?’ (or similar witticisms) does tend to crop up with alarming frequency. I hold my parents entirely responsible, for it was their decision to move away from the rustic charms of Braunton, North Devon, and cross instead to the historically vulnerable town of Hastings, East Sussex, an area officially designated as ‘1066 Country’ by the local tourist board. In Braunton no-one had even heard of the Norman Conquest.

After I’d been up to the castle, and jumped off the pier a few times, and been blown off my bike by Force 10 gales whilst cycling along the sea-front, I started thinking that I’d exhausted all the possible leisure activities that the town had to offer, and so I informed my parents that I was completely and utterly bored with life. That’s when my father took me to the Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club for the first time.

I was nine years old. I was already keen on chess – my father had taught me the game when I was five or six – and I suppose that I had some sort of talent for it: I could beat my mother blindfolded (me, not her). But I had never been to a proper chess club before, so I imagined that I would meet other children of my own age, like at school chess club, except that was full of kids who thought that ‘pawn’ was a rude word. I wanted serious opposition.

The sun was high up in the clear, blue sky, and a refreshing summer breeze glided up from the calm sea, gently stirring the golden sand. An attractive young girl had stretched out on a beach-towel; she motioned to a tanned, muscle-flexing hunk down by the water’s edge, and he slowly walked over to her and started to rub coconut oil into her shoulders. ‘For the last time, will you turn that TV off, and get into the car,’ my father was saying. Outside it was pouring with rain. I hit the on/off switch, and the ‘Bounty bar’ girl disappeared from the screen.

The chess club is in the centre of town, just around the corner from the railway station; it is a tall, terraced building, with huge red lettering outside that says: ‘CHESS CLUB’, and yet were you to poll Hastings residents and ask them: (i) For which game is the town most famous?, and (ii) Where can one go to play this game?, then the most popular responses would almost certainly be: (i) crazy golf, and (ii) down on the sea-front by the trampolines. Perhaps we should have formed a combined ‘Chess and Crazy Golf Association.’ I once played crazy golf in the pouring rain with two chess club colleagues, and on the last hole one of them won a free game by fluking a hole-in-one, so the three of us went around again. Life was never dull in Hastings.

On the front door it says: ‘Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club. Founded in 1882.’ There was a notice of the opening hours, and a sign which read: ‘Open every day of the year except Christmas Day.’ Next to that was a piece of paper that said: ‘Please do not leave bicycles in the hallway.’ Clive Chamberlain once had his old bike pinched from there while he was upstairs playing a match game, so the following week he came on a brand new ten-speed racer (indexed gears, cantilever brakes, Reg Harris frame) and lashed it up to the outside railings with all manner of chains and padlocks. When he came downstairs again four hours later the thing had been nicked. After that some joker put up a new sign: ‘Please do not leave bicycles tied to the railings.’

Inside was a notice board with all kinds of information, and on a small table there was a musty old envelope addressed to some Club member whom nobody had ever heard of, and who had probably pushed his last pawn circa 1900. Along the walls were black and white photographs from past Hastings Congresses, with captions like ‘Fine plays Tartakower; Alexander looks on’, or, my favourite, ‘The Russians at Dinner.’ (I often thought of swapping all the captions around to see if anyone would actually notice the difference.) Halfway up the stairs was the toilet, from the window of which you could just glimpse the trains coming into the railway station. As you reached the landing there was a door marked ‘Kitchen’ to your left; the other door said ‘Club Room’. My father pushed the door open, and in we went …

You can find some of Stuarts games on this external website, be warned there are several pop up adverts so we take no responsibilty for the posts on any external site https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessplayer?pid=11659

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Ken Lucas

– March 2021

Ken had been a member of the club since the late seventies and in that time held posts on the International Congress Committee and as Club Secretary, a job he did wonderfully – this was probably because of his profession as a primary school deputy head at All Saints School. Ken also enjoyed opera and playing in weekend congresses.

Although not active in the club in the last few years as he devoted more time to his family, he had remained a member.

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Mid Sussex League AGM Report

An informal report on  the Mid Sussex League AGM attended by an H&StLCC Director on 07/09/21

After lengthy discussion, it was decided to adjourn the meeting until 07/12/21 with a view to starting the leagues in January 2022 with a shortened season.
This was because:
(1) Many clubs have only just started up again, and were unsure as to how many teams could be raised.
All clubs reported a reduction in numbers of players.
(2) There was no agreement on what Covid policy to adopt.
Sussex University had proposed that masks be worn by all players during matches, and that all players were either double vaccinated or had a recent Covid test.
This was felt to be unworkable.
In the meantime, clubs were free to organise friendly matches between themselves as they saw fit.

Watch this space for updates as we receive them.

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COVID 19

Dear Club Member                                                                                                    3rd July 2020

As the restrictions that have been in place to fight Covid 19 are being relaxed, the Committee has decided to re-open the club on a partial basis from Saturday 4th July.  Set out below are the initial measures that need to be adhered to in order for the Club open and remain open, yet be as safe as possible.  A copy of this guidance will be placed on the noticeboard in the Richard Almond Room.

This guidance cannot be exhaustive, and it will rely on members using good common sense to ensure all members are kept as safe as possible throughout this difficult time.  It is not a policy that can or will be “policed” at all times, but it will be assumed that members wishing to enjoy a game of chess at the club will be trying to follow this guidance.  The club has a number of members who have been shielding for the past 12 weeks, and we need to create an environment where they will feel safe and welcome should they too wish to attend.

This guidance will be under continuous review, and members should as a matter of course check the notice board for any changes.   Any changes of major significance will be communicated electronically as soon as practicable.

The intention is to make the club available for playing recreational chess, and to enable members to complete games in the internal winter tournaments, during normal opening hours.  It is not envisaged that league matches will recommence for the foreseeable future.

Marc Bryant will be available from time to time to help members should it be necessary.  If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions, please let him know.

The Committee of Hastings & St Leonards Chess Club

 

GENERAL GUIDANCE

1.1             Whilst on club premises, all members must use a face mask, unless it is not practicable for medical reasons.  Masks may be moved or removed temporarily eg to take a drink.  Players are advised to bring their own, though disposable masks will be available for members to use.

1.2             Disposable face masks, hand sanitising gel, disposable gloves and anti-bacterial wipes will be available for members to use throughout their playing session in each playing room.  Bins will be provided for disposing of these safely in each room.

1.3             It should not be necessary to use gloves during general game play (but see 9.5), provided members wash their hands regularly and follow the guidance below on cleaning equipment.  Gloves are provided for extra peace of mind, for example when a member wishes to touch something which they do not know is clean and virus free, such as a book.

1.4             Whilst both playing rooms will be open for use, it will only be possible to allow 4 games to be played at any one time in each room.  Whilst members are welcome to turn up and play a game, members are advised they may want to book a table with Marc (especially a formal Championship match) to avoid disappointment.

1.5             Members wishing to watch games in play are asked to observe social distancing guidance at all times.  Under no circumstances should members crowd “shoulder to shoulder”, however interesting or exciting a game may be.  Each playing table will have 4 chairs, and provided the players are not disturbed, members may wash their hands before using a chair which is not in use.

1.6             Members who feel unwell, have at least one of the Covid 19 symptoms (high temperature, loss of taste, persistent cough etc), are awaiting the results of a test for Covid 19, or have been advised to self-isolate by a competent person, must NOT attend the club under any circumstances, until it is safe for them to do so.

GUIDANCE ON PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

2.1         Adequate hand gel/sanitiser will be placed in both playing rooms and the entrance hall for members to use.  Hands should be cleaned frequently, and in any event, when a “change” occurs (eg a trip to the toilet, changing opponents, before cleaning other equipment)

2.2         All members MUST clean their hands on entering the Club premises.  If there is no hand gel in the entrance hall (eg because it has run out), all members MUST make their way to one of the playing rooms and use the gel there BEFORE THEY DO ANYTHING ELSE.

2.3         All members should clean their hands regularly throughout their playing session.

GUIDANCE ON THE STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS

3.1         Members are asked to refrain from bringing into the club any items that are not absolutely necessary.   Any item brought in increases the risk of contamination to other members and should be avoided.

3.2         The house keeper should be informed where it has been necessary to bring items into the premises eg shopping, so that they can be stored safely away until you leave.

3.2         Coats, hats etc that need to be brought into the club should be stored on the hooks provided in the downstairs hall way and the kitchen landing.  Please leave a gap between coats to avoid cross contamination.  Coats should not be stored on the back of a chair.

GUIDANCE ON MOVING THROUGHOUT THE CLUB PREMISES

4.1         The premises is an old building with some narrow walkways and stair cases.  All members need to be mindful of each other when moving through the club-house.

4.2         Members should specifically avoid passing each other on staircases and the entrance hall.  Members should wait until their way is clear before progressing.

4.3         Members should use the landing outside the male toilets to wait until their way up or down the stairs is clear.  Members should avoid starting to use the stairs if it is obvious the landing is not free.

4.4         Members should avoid loitering on the landings and walkways, including the entrance vestibule and outside the playing rooms.

GUIDANCE ON THE PROVISION OF REFRESHMENTS

5.1         Until further notice, the kitchen will be closed for general use.

5.2         Should members wish , they can bring their own refreshments, but they must take any rubbish home with them.  Bins should only be used as per para 1.2.

5.3         Should members wish to bring a reusable drinking vessel, it will be permissible to refill it from the cold water tap in the kitchen.  Anyone using the kitchen for any reason should use disposable gloves.

GUIDANCE ON THE USE OF THE REST-ROOMS

6.1         Both rest rooms will be open for members to use.

6.2         After going to the toilet, members are asked to wipe down all surfaces they have come into contact with using the wipes provided.  After cleaning the surfaces, members should wash their hands.

GUIDANCE ON PLAYING CHESS (GENERAL)

7.1         At the start of each day, the 8 playing tables will each be laid out with: 2 boards, a clock, 4 chairs, a small pile of score sheets, a table number (table numbers should not be touched or moved).  Playing rooms will also contain gloves, hand sanitising gel, wipes and face masks for members to use.  The bins provided shoutheld be used to dispose of used wipes and face masks.

7.2         A fresh set of pieces can be obtained from the Kitchen On top of the filing cabinet     When you have finished your game(s) and the pieces are no longer required, members should put the pieces on the stairs going to the up stairs flat .

7.3         Where pieces have been stored without being used or touched for at least 72 hours, they can be considered quarantined and safe to use.  Ask Marc who will be keeping control of the sets.  If there is any doubt, each piece should be cleaned with a wipe prior to being used.

7.4         Wipes should be used to clean the board before play starts and the clock before it is set.  It is advised that only one player cleans and sets the clock.

7.5         A stock of score cards should be available in each room.  Players should bring their own pens to use if at all possible.  If a pen is needed to record a game and you do not have one, please speak to the house keeper.

7.6         The following paragraphs lay out suggestions for playing OTB chess in modified conditions.  It is essential to bear in mind they are all designed to minimise or remove all contact between members.  Used in conjunction with regular hand washing, they will make the club as Covid safe as it can be.

GUIDANCE ON PLAYING CHESS (BUBBLES)

8.1         Exceptionally and where players agree, it is possible for two opponents to be part of the same “support bubble” and play chess in the normal way without any further modifications.  Further guidance on this can be obtained from HMGov website.  Where this is the case, players should still ensure equipment is clean before play begins.

FURTHER GUIDANCE ON PLAYING CHESS (SKITTLES)

9.1         In order to avoid the further cleaning of pieces, for informal games only, each players could use one colour from their own designated set exclusively during each playing session at the club.  They should use the pieces from their set, Black or White, depending on the colour being played.

9.2         In order to avoid touching an opponent’s pieces, players should remove from the board their own pieces which have been taken.  Players may need to indicate verbally which move is being made (eg “Queen takes d5”) in order to facilitate this.

9.3         The player making the move should press his clock after he has placed his own piece on the destination square, even if the piece is in the process of being removed from the board.  If the opponent is not at the table when the move is to be made, the player with the move may pause the clock until the opponent returns, but must make the move immediately the game resumes.

9.4         Once the game(s) with that opponent are completed, a player should take his pieces with him to the fresh board.

9.5         As an alternative to 9.1 – 9.4, players could wear gloves.  However, these should be changed regularly (eg when going to the toilet, when changing opponents).  It is preferable to follow the guidance in 9.6 or 10.2 – 10.8.

9.6         As a further alternative, where 2 members are playing a string of informal games against each other, players could play using the same set throughout, but when changing colour, simply swap the King and Queen over and play reverse.  Combined with 9.2, this would be an effective way significantly reducing contact between players.

FURTHER GUIDANCE ON PLAYING CHESS (FORMAL GAMES)

10.1       The suggestions in 9.1 – 9.4 and 9.6 are not within the laws of chess, and should not be used for games which are to be submitted for grading.  If the provisions of 8.1 also do not apply, players should follow the guidance in 10.2 – 10.8 in preference to 9.5.

10.2       A full set of pieces should be set up on both boards on the table.  Both players should face the same direction, with the clock placed between the boards.  Players can have their colour towards them in the usual way.

10.3       When one player makes a move and before he presses the clock, he calls the move in a manner prescribed within the laws of chess (eg “e4” or “pawn to e4”).  If both agree before play resumes to use the old notation (eg “pawn to King 4”), this would be acceptable, though the modern notation should be the default.  When the move has been made on his board and clearly called, he may press the clock.

10.4       On hearing the move, the opponent will duplicate the move on his own board, and the game continues.

10.5       If applicable, games should still be recorded on scoresheets.

10.6       Players are reminded to be clear in their intentions when calling the moves.  The following are example phrases that could be used: “pawn takes pawn” where there is only one legal move that satisfies the description; “pawn takes e5” where more than one pawn take is possible; “pawn on d takes e5” where more than one pawn can take d5; “Knight takes Bishop”; “Knight on c takes Bishop” where more than one Knight can make the capture; “pawn to e8: Queen”.

10.7       Players are permitted to glance over to their opponent’s board to check they have both have the correct position.  Where there is any dispute, the clock should be paused until the situation is resolved.

10.8       When speaking, voices should be audible but low so as not to disturb any other players in the room.

MISCELLANEOUS GUIDANCE

11.1       Members should use disposable gloves when read books and magazines in the Almond Room.  Gloves should be disposed in the bin immediately afterwards, and hands should be washed.

11.2       Should a member wish to use the library in the Pountney Room, they should arrange via the house keeper in the first instance.  At all times, members should use disposable gloves when using the library, and ensure hands are cleaned immediately afterwards.

11.2       Until the situation in the general population improves, members are advised not to bring guests to the club.  Anyone coming to drop off or collect members are advised to wait outside.  Should exceptionally a member wish to bring a guest to the club in order to play, they should only do so with the advance permission of the Chairman, and guests should be made aware of this guidance before they arrive.

 

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Chairman’s report

Chairman’s report

You will appreciate that the last two years have been some of the most difficult years in the club’s history not even two world wars or German bombing of the club’s was able to close the club in its long history however this came to an end because of covid 19 and government restrictions forcing the club to close for nearly 18 months

Being unable to call an AGM last year led to us being in breach of company law because of government regulations also having tried to call a committee meeting during Covid I was   unable to get a corium to hold the committee meeting so for the last 12 months I ruled by executive power in consultation with senior officers this of course is completely undesirable

A further problem was the ceiling in the upstairs room came down resulting in having to spend sums of money that would normally have to be authorized by the committee which was not possible so  senior officers decided spend the money they also decided to do work on the back of the club this had been needed doing since I became chairman  as a net result of this spending  approximately 16,000 pounds  all done on chairman’s authority in consultation with senior officers clearly spending this amount of money without full committee approval was a breach of the constitution however as other senior officers agreed we  must have this work done and with the club being closed   it seemed an  ideal time to do the work so I approved the expenditure on my own authority

During the closed period we received approximately 18,000 pounds in government grants which is why we were able to make the above improvements had it not been for this the expenditure would have been out of the question

Clearly as the club is been closed for the last 18 months there is little to report so looking to the future it is our intention to get the winter’s tournaments up and running by the end of September and hopefully, we will be returning to a Full year’s chess

Due to a £700-donation by Gary Willson and myself we been able to purchase a load of new chess sets for which I thank Gary

Also, I have personally donated a new computer and printer and security cameras yet to be installed for the club

, During the year, we have received chess books as donations from  Roy Richardson the ECF and about 100 books from a non-member

We had a further donation from Stewart Reuben of various chess memorabilia mannequins chess clocks and books for which I thank him

During the year we lost five members Bill Penfold William Stock Ken Lucas Roy Richardson and lastly former member Richard St George Upton a former two-time club champion I have already written about these members in my notification of their passing

I Would also like to welcome five new members Raffi Alexians Andrew McGettigan Ted and Bill Filby and last a long rest Terry Honey

After seven years in the post is chairman, this is my second stint a total of 12 years, I have served in post it is not my intention to seek re-election this year

I would like to thank all members for their support over these 12 years and wish my successor the best of luck

May you all have very enjoyable Chess year

Marc a Bryant

Chairman

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Bill Penfold

Mr Bill Penfold (President)

It is with much regret that I have to report to the members the passing of president Bill Penfold

Bill was one of the clubs few members, left who was a member when I joined the club in the late seventies

Bills chess can be described as an afternoon coffee player by which I mean he did not play tournament chess but very much enjoyed coming in to the club in the afternoons and looking and analysing positions and took a great interest in watching players play

Bill was also a frequent visitor to the Congress in the eighties and nineties to watch the premier and in many ways just as passionate about the game as those who played match chess

Bill was also an active club and committee member being always happy to transport players to away matches but would always decline to play and sometimes he even ropes his wife Ann into the drive ring a second car for players

Bill becoming the premises officer for a number of years in which time he was responsible for the redecorating of the club and the making of the library cabinets he was also responsible for getting his wife Ann to become club treasurer. When I resigned as chairman for the first time, bill stepped up to become the club chairman and in 2010 was elevated upstairs to become the President of the club which he held until his death

It is probably fair to say the that bills health had been in decline in recent years which meant he was unable to drive over to the club from his home he also had difficulty in managing the steps which resulted in him not come over to the club as often as he would have liked as opposed to his almost daily visits when his health was better

Bill died on Sunday the 27 of June he had had a stroke five weeks before that had left it difficult for him to speak, he was admitted to the Eastbourne general hospital and had an infection for about four weeks this did not clear up Bill funeral will be held at 14.15 on the 13th of July at Hastings crematorium

I would like to offer my condolences and that of the clubs to Bill family and his wife Ann for loss of one of the club’s longest members

Marc A Bryant

Chairman

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Roy Richardson

I had hoped to be able to confirm 26th June as the date for the holding of a memorial Quaker Meeting in memory of Roy Richardson. Unfortunately it is not possible to proceed on that date due to the delay in easing regulations, including quarantine requirements and the introduction of a red zone in Roy’s home county, affecting attendance of family members.
I plan to provide a confirmed date for a rescheduled Meeting in memory of Roy, following the Government announcing confirmation of the revised date for easing regulations. I hope that any chess club members who would like to attend will be able to do so then instead.
Warm regards
Alison Green
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Roy Richardson

Dear Marc
You may remember that when Roy Richardson was cremated, it was without attendance in accordance with his wishes to keep people safe.
A remembering and celebration of Roy’s life is now planned, to follow the family scattering his ashes on the sea at Pett Level Beach, in the form of a Quaker memorial Meeting for Worship in Hastings.
I have been waiting to confirm the date, provisionally 26th June, until the confirmation of the lifting of restrictions hoped for on 21st June. However the 26th is now two weeks away and the Government announcement, which from experience may not result in immediate clarity, is not due until Monday.
Anyone from the chess club who wishes to attend the Meeting for Worship to remember and celebrate Roy’s life is therefore asked to provisionally book their diary for 3pm on 26th June. I will contact you again with the details once I am able to confirm whether this date will proceed or to advise of any alternative date if the lifting of restrictions is further delayed.
I would appreciate your circulating this email to your members. Thank you.
Warm regards
Alison Green
(Roy’s wife)

Est. 1882