Paul Billington writes. All I can say is that this was another resounding success from Chris Lewis and his team! It was down to:
Precision planning:
Great communication, conveyed just at the right time. The team of volunteers knew in advance what was expected and how to carry out their duties.
Clear instructions, which anticipates so many intricate and nuanced questions, before they are asked.
Each Parent was welcomed beautifully, giving the Parents an instant feeling of friendliness and confidence.
The experience was enhanced when one sits down.
There was information readily available concerning what was happening around Shropshire concerning Junior Chess.
There was the old favourite word search.
4 great chess puzzles for players to study.
There were 2 very large chess sets placed on the floor, one memorable moment was when I saw a small child hiding behind a King!! The young competitor was playing ‘hide and seek!’
As you would expect, there were many, (well used,) social chess sets available.
Tea Coffee, and many beautiful home made pastries! I loved the large sausage rolls and smarty cake!
Right by the cake was a large area showing the top boards in each section LIVE on a very large monitor! Looking very carefully at the monitor was Our special guest F M Jonathan Blackburn and Oswestry’s expert Rudy Van Kermenade, with their most interesting direction and teaching!!
Many seats were available to watch and listen to the experts. There was always a large audience who were very interested and engaged Parents and Children.
There was also a large table of chess wares available from books to boards.
The competition itself:
The event started with an informative and interesting introduction from Chris.
The arbiters were experienced and very happy to be left to look after each section.
The playing area was very well organised, with plenty of room, great light and comfortable seating.
Rewards were plentiful…
The Children rewarded with medals cups and Easter eggs, together with a certificate, here is how they all did:
What a big debt of gratitude we all owe to Chris Lewis, for without him these stars of the future would NOT be so well known, and would not be playing in the Shropshire League!!