Minutes May 2023
2023-05-25
Minutes of the Chess Edinburgh Council Meeting
held at the Edinburgh Chess Club, 1 Alva Street, Edinburgh on Thursday 25th May 2023 at 19.30.
Present: David Stewart (Chair), Calum McGillivray, Jim O’Neil, Dave Watson, Martin Robinson,
Peter Woollven and Stewart Good.
1. Apologies for Absence
Crawford Macnab
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 23rd February 2023, were approved: proposed by David Stewart and seconded by Peter Woollven
3. Matters Arising
Child Safety Policy. Jim O’Neil proposed that we adopt the Chess Scotland policy and this was agreed by the meet-ing. It was noted that we will need to appoint a liaison officer.
4. Edinburgh Chess League
1. The League Secretary, Calum McGillivray, reported that the leagues and play-off matches were all completed as planned by the end of May.
Results:
Winners Relegated Play-off
Premier Edinburgh 1 Edinburgh 2 Badgers Brook 1 beat Civil Service 1 and so remain in the Premier
Division 1 University 1 University 2 Edinburgh 4 beat Wandering Dragons 2 and so take their place in Division 1
Division 2 Bank of Scotland 2 Gorgie/Dalry Musselburgh beat Edinburgh 5 and so remain in Division 2
Division 3 Tiger Cubs
There have been some more late cards which will result in the offending clubs being fined.
Results have been forwarded to Chess Scotland for grading.
2. Martin Robinson has gone through the records to compile lists of the past winners. Unfortunately there are some gaps and he is still to check the Division 1 Trophy to see if we now have the information needed to complete the engraving.
3. David Stewart proposed that the home club should be given the option to adopt increments instead of quick play finishes for the Leagues next season. Jim O’Neil seconded the proposal.
After a lengthy discussion where potential problems for clubs with juniors were raised, the committee voted three for and three against with one abstention and so the proposal was not carried.
It was noted that it could be raised again at the AGM.
5. Edinburgh Allegro Chess League
Peter Woolven is confident that he has what he needs to operate the league next season.
6. Lothians Allegro Congress
Martin Robinson is to confirm the booking of Bainfield Bowling Club for Sunday 14th January and will put it on the Chess Scotland calendar.
7. Summer Cup/Plate
Calum McGillivray reported that this is underway with11 teams entered, one fewer than 2019.
Dave Watson apologised that he had failed to look through the minutes of past meetings to establish who has the Summer Plate trophy. He promised to do so immediately.
8. Edinburgh Congress
As we were unable to get a suitable venue the congress was cancelled.
However, it might be possible to hold it later this year.
Edinburgh Leisure are now charging by the hour and Jim O’Neil and Martin Robinson are exploring other venues including hotels.
9. Chess in the Park
David Stewart reported that he has so far been unable to contact the owner of the cafe to get permission for it to restart and that he doesn’t know how the insurance claim regarding the equipment is progressing. There was some discussion of possible alternative venues, including Leith Links, but it was agreed that David continue with his efforts to contact the owner, although It was again made clear that Chess Edinburgh is not responsible for Chess in the Park.
10. Lothians Junior Chess
Stewart Good reported that Lothians Junior Chess had held several successful events:
(a) The Lothian Junior Championships were held on Saturday 25th February at Broughton High School. There were 118 players, compared with 52 last year, and this matches pre-covid numbers..There was a very encouraging entry in the senior event.
(b) The Scottish Girls Championships held at St Georges School on the 18th March also saw an increase in numbers; up from 32 to 41.
(c) The UK Chess Challenge East of Scotland Mega Final at Broughton High School on the 26th March had
144 players over 5 age groups.
They are also organising the UK Chess Challenge Giga Final at Broughton High School on the 24th /25th June: the first time this has been held in Scotland.
11. Website
A three year domain name registration fee has been paid.
12. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer, Jim O’Neil, circulated a detailed report prior to the meeting.
It showed a net income of £139 for the period from June 1st. 2022.
The Treasurer is still to train Martin Robinson in the online banking system so that he can provide backup if required.
13. President’s Report
David Stewart suggested that we look at Broughton High School as a potential venue for events.
(a) Martin Robinson reported that Jonathan and Keti Grant have set up a junior section for players aged 7-14 at Edinburgh West and they may want to enter a team in the leagues in the future.
(b) The date for the AGM was set as 21st September. David Stewart will book Slateford Bowling Club for
this and the Allegro League.
Date of Next Meeting
Thursday 31st August 2023 at 7.30pm at the Edinburgh Chess Club. Calum McGillivray to book