An excellent series of photographs from the recent Junior Congress at Kirkham Grammar School available on Flickr. There are quite a few interesting photos of the event. My favourite is the one below, I am sure we have all prayed for inspiration at the chessboard! Special thank you to Mrs Michelle Tickle for the inspiring photographs, and for sharing!
There were five sections for the junior chess congress held at Kirkham Grammar School on Sunday 17th November 2019. A damp and grey November day, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 44 children who had turned up to play.
As with all the Lancashire Junior Congress events, the sections are not aged limited, all sections are based on ability. As a result, we had Lancashire U11 players in the Kings section playing some of the senior players. Three of the section winners won with a 100% record
A grey and damp November morning greeted us as we rolled up on the car park for the Kirkham Junior Chess Congress held at the Kirkham Grammar School. Whilst the weather was typical autumnal fare, the venue was excellent and well attended taking into account the loss of the usual contingent from Aughton St Michael’s.
A special thank you to Kirkham Grammar School for being wonderful hosts and providing a warm and hospitable environment not only for the chess players but also for the parents and guardians. A great cafe service was available, which seemed to be well received looking around all the cups of tea and coffee consumed.
Michael Smith (KJGS) and Bill O’Rourke (LCA)
The playing arena was in the spacious Recital Hall, well lit and excellent playing conditions for the chess players. 44 juniors across 5 sections, all eager and raring to go. As with all of the Lancashire Junior Congress events, training sessions were set aside for all the sections. The children were all well behaved and there was some excellent chess played during the day. Full results can be found on the results page.
The spacious library area for parents and players between games.
After a long day of playing chess, it was nice to see so many parents and guardians staying behind for the prize giving, ensuring the young chess masters of the future were given a resounding reception for their herculean efforts over the chessboard. A very successful first time at Kirkham, and we hope to return to the school in the Spring / Summer of 2020.
A quick note to advise parents and guardians of a slight change in the venue for the next junior congress.
The congress will still be at the school, but on a different campus. The congress will now be taking place in The Recital Hall on the main campus, full address below. Note the change in post code.
From the M6, take junction 32 on to the M55. At junction 3 of the M55, take first turning towards A585 Kirkham. Pass through three roundabouts, keeping straight on the A585 Fleetwood Road towards Kirkham. At 4th roundabout, take first exit on to A583 / Blackpool Road towards Preston. After 400 metres turn left on to B5259 / Ribby Road. You will then find Kirkham Grammar school on your left hand side.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON THE DAY.
A great turnout for our first time at AKS Lytham Independent School for the recent Lancashire Junior Chess Congress. A great warm welcome from the school, excellent playing facilities and excellent facilities for the parents and guardians, as 50+ junior chess players battled it out in their respective sections. A special thank you to the school for making us feel so welcome, and the excellent facilities available. The restaurant food was excellent! The chess was good as well, and some excellent results all round.
Arriving at AKS Lytham on a bright and crisp morning.