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Adult chess club in Collingwood this fall
15 August 2010
Just a heads up for those readers who enjoy playing chess, and like the ambiance of a chess club, with its social interaction. Tim DenBok is starting an adult chess club this fall at the Collingwood Library. It will meet weekly and, at least at the start, be no charge to join.
Should we collectively decide to join a national organization and become more formal (for those who want to move up the rungs of the rating ladder), a fee may be necessary, but that's for the future.
Tim already runs the very successful and popular chess club for kids, also at the Library. But he felt it was time we had an adult club there. There is an informal chess club that meets Monday nights at the Admiral's Post, but Tim felt that it might be better to have an environment without alcohol as well. I agree: I think both venues will be welcomed by the chess-playing community here. The meeting nights will, of course, be different. More to come when that's finalized, but I think it might be Tuesday.
The Library has purchased a number of chess sets for the kids, and these should be sufficient for the adults for now (assuming we wipe the peanut butter and jelly off the pieces first...). Members may be encouraged to bring their own sets later if the group grows sufficiently to need them (and chess clocks - I think the Library only has two... I have a nice weighted tournament set I can add, but I'm reluctant to bring my House of Stanton set until I'm more comfortable with the members).
It might also provide a venue for the younger kids to compete with some higher-rated adults if we can agree on some cooperation between the groups. At the very least, the kids can watch (although the idea of a bright ten-year-old kibitzing while I fumble around looking for a good move may sometimes discourage me...)
Volunteers are needed to help organize, set up the room, clean up after, publicize, promote and encourage. Call the Library at 445-1571 for more information or to volunteer. I have volunteered my own services to help Tim get this group going. At the very least, come out to play.
One of my favourite chess epigrams: "Of chess, it has been said that life is not long enough for it, but that is the fault of life, not chess."
Should we collectively decide to join a national organization and become more formal (for those who want to move up the rungs of the rating ladder), a fee may be necessary, but that's for the future.
Tim already runs the very successful and popular chess club for kids, also at the Library. But he felt it was time we had an adult club there. There is an informal chess club that meets Monday nights at the Admiral's Post, but Tim felt that it might be better to have an environment without alcohol as well. I agree: I think both venues will be welcomed by the chess-playing community here. The meeting nights will, of course, be different. More to come when that's finalized, but I think it might be Tuesday.
The Library has purchased a number of chess sets for the kids, and these should be sufficient for the adults for now (assuming we wipe the peanut butter and jelly off the pieces first...). Members may be encouraged to bring their own sets later if the group grows sufficiently to need them (and chess clocks - I think the Library only has two... I have a nice weighted tournament set I can add, but I'm reluctant to bring my House of Stanton set until I'm more comfortable with the members).
It might also provide a venue for the younger kids to compete with some higher-rated adults if we can agree on some cooperation between the groups. At the very least, the kids can watch (although the idea of a bright ten-year-old kibitzing while I fumble around looking for a good move may sometimes discourage me...)
Volunteers are needed to help organize, set up the room, clean up after, publicize, promote and encourage. Call the Library at 445-1571 for more information or to volunteer. I have volunteered my own services to help Tim get this group going. At the very least, come out to play.
One of my favourite chess epigrams: "Of chess, it has been said that life is not long enough for it, but that is the fault of life, not chess."
