Notes on the History of Gloucester Chess Club
Introduction
These notes on the history of Gloucester Chess Club have been selected from two books of AGM minutes and newspaper cuttings from 1928 to date, kept by previous club secretaries and currently in my possession. I have also taken material from The Gloucester Citizen and the Gloucester Journal via the British Newspaper Archive web page.
Although the numbering system of the AGMs indicates that the club was founded in 1892, and The Citizen also refers to a newly established club in the city in that year (and the club celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1967), there are reports in The Citizen of meetings of a Gloucester chess club as early as 1877.
In the research done so far I have been intrigued to find how much about our chess club I did not know – the tragically premature death of one of the club’s founders, how the club room once burned down, visits by grandmasters including a world chess champion, and glimpses of the lives of members to whom chess and their chess club obviously meant a lot.
It was a very different world in Gloucester over 100 years ago, but I have also been struck by how much things at the chess club have stayed the same. A letter to The Citizen in 1901 mentions that there were “fifteen or so” members of the chess club – about the same as there are today. An invitation in the paper to join the chess club also reveals that the club secretary in 1910 lived in Heathville Road – over 100 years later he still does!
There is a lot more material to cover and I have concentrated on the club’s early days, but these extracts from the club’s history show a part of its story to 1967, the first 75 (or is it 90?) years.
Pat Baker (Club Secretary, 2001-2023)
Locations of Gloucester Chess Club
1877-(1885?) Mr Clement Cadle’s house, Clarence Street
1886 – (1891?) The Garden Restaurant, Commercial Road
1892 The Foresters’ Hall
1893 The Gloucester Hotel
1894-1900 Messrs Davis and Sons Library, 6 Northgate Street
1903 Debenham’s studio, Clarence Street
1903 Northgate Mansions
1906-1912 Messrs F W & S Longman’s photographic studio, Clarence Street
1921 Gloucester Conservative Club
1923- Botherway’s Café (later renamed The Cadena Café), Eastgate Street
1935-1939 Urch’s Café, 14 Southgate Street
1940-(1951?) Unitarian Chapel, Eastgate Street
1952-1961 YMCA, 18 Brunswick Square
1/10/1962-(1965?) Ukranian Club, 37 Midland Road
1966-31/12/1974 Gas Club, Brunswick Square
1/1/1975-31/4/2012 Services Club, College Street
1/5/2012- The New Inn, Northgate Street
Gloucester Citizen 25th October 1877
The members of the Gloucester Chess Club met at Mr Clement Cadle’s, Clarence
Street on Monday evening when it elected the Rev E T W Thomas (vicar of St Mark’s) President and Mr C. Cadle hon.
Sec. for the ensuing year. Mr Cadle having placed a room at the disposal of the
club it was decided to hold its meetings every Tuesday evening. It was announced that
several matches were in contemplation, and a very interesting session is
anticipated.
Gloucester Citizen 27th October 1881
LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS
The lovers of the game of chess will be glad to hear that the Gloucester Chess Club have commenced their winter session, and meet every Tuesday evening, at the house of the honorary secretary, Mr Clement Cadle, Clarence St, Gloucester.
Gloucester Citizen 27th September 1886
LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS
CHESS CLUB
Mr Knight will be glad to see any lady or gentleman interested in the formation of a chess club for the city at the “Garden”, Commercial Road tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8pm to elect officers, adopt rules etc.
Gloucester Citizen 30th September 1886
LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS
CHESS CLUB
A meeting, convened by Mr Knight, of “The Garden” Commercial Road, was held on Tuesday evening to formulate a chess club for the city. Mr Fluck, Brunswick Square, was elected President, and Mr Knight Secretary, and the following gentlemen were elected as an Executive Committee, viz Messrs A Ashbee, J Dixon, T B Fox, D Jones, W Warwick. Rules were adopted and several details settled as to time and place of meeting which will be communicated to anyone interested on application to the secretary.
Gloucester Citizen 22nd, 23rd, 24th November 1886
CITY CHESS CLUB – The desire
expressed by so many beginners, viz to be able to cultivate the game of chess,
can now be fulfilled, The Club-room at the Garden Restaurant, Commercial Road,
will be open on Thursday evenings, and a competent person will attend to give
any information required. Subscription, 2s 6d per annum. For further particulars
apply at the above address to W H Knight, Sec. (Adv)
Gloucester Citizen 27th October 1890
To the Editor of The Citizen. Sir, There must be a large number of chess
players in Gloucester who would be glad of an opportunity of meeting for
practice in their favourite game. A large club has recently been established at
Cheltenham, and a vigorous though more modest one at Stroud. Both are now
entering on their second season. Could not some energetic Gloucester devotees
of the game take steps to form a club likewise? The three towns are within such
easy distances that matches might easily be arranged. At Cheltenham with some
80 members the subscription is only 5s, while at Stroud, with less than half
that number, 10s 6d per member is found sufficient to meet all expenses. I
shall be pleased to give any information, and I am sure Mr W S Branch, the
Cheltenham Secretary, would gladly render any assistance to gentlemen willing
to make an attempt to set on foot a Gloucester Chess Club. I may add that I
write to you at the request of several of the members of our club. No doubt
chess is played in Gloucester at some of the institutions or associations. If
so, I shall be glad to hear from the secretaries with a view to arranging for a
friendly match. I am, yours faithfully, Woffatt, Woodville, Stroud. Hon Sec to
the Stroud Chess Club.
Gloucester Citizen 7th October 1892
TOPICS OF THE DAY – We call attention to an advertisement which appears elsewhere giving information with regard to the formation of a chess club in the city of Gloucester, and we have received this morning the following interesting note thereupon from an enthusiastic correspondent – “”Among the evidences of progress in Gloucester we are glad to see that efforts are being made to provide intellectual amusements not only by founding a public library, but by forming into a club the large number of chess players in our city. Chess undoubtedly holds the premier place among games of mental skill, continually presenting for solution problems in which the highest mathematical ability may be employed, and calling out and developing the useful qualities of patience, ingenuity, perseverance, and equability in success and disaster. …”
Gloucester Citizen 11th October 1892
A general meeting of the Gloucester Chess Club was held on Monday evening at
the Foresters’ Hall, when a large number of gentlemen were present, including
Rev W Marsh, Messrs Brand, Brown, Burland, Clement, Clifford, Fletcher, Hunt,
James, Jones, Long, Moxley, Stephens, Wells etc. The Rev W Marsh having taken
the chair, the following resolutions were passed, viz – 1. That the society be
called the Gloucester Chess Club 2. That the subscription shall be 5s payable
in advance 3. That the provisional committee, appointed at the preliminary meeting,
shall, for the present, transact the ordinary business of the club 4. That the
permanent committee consist of the president, vice-presidents, treasurer,
secretary, and four ordinary members, of whom three shall form a quorum 5. That
the club shall met on Tuesday and Friday from 7 to 10.30pm. A vote of thanks
having been passed to the Medical Association and the Foresters for the use of
the room, and some other matters having been discussed, the meeting
terminated.
Gloucester Citizen 9th December 1892
The first match of the newly
formed Gloucester Chess Club was played against the A team of the Cheltenham
Club on Wednesday evening at the Rotunda, and resulted in a win for the home
team by 14 games to 5. Dr Brand, Mr EB James and Mr Harris-Burland scored
victories for Gloucester, and the Rev W Marsh and Messrs Wells, Mott and
Clement drawing a game each, while Messrs Buchanan, Kilgour and Robertson and
Miss Gooding were the most successful representatives of Cheltenham. The result
is highly satisfactory to the city club, as, owing to its recent formation and consequently
small numbers, almost every playing member was in the team, while that of
Cheltenham was selected from a large number of players.
Gloucester Citizen 3rd February 1893
Chess. Gloucester v Charlton Kings. This match took place in Gloucester on
Thursday and resulted in victory for the home team by 14.5 games to 2.5.
GLOUCESTER CHARLTON KINGS
E B James 1-.5 A E Attwood 0-.5
Rev W Marsh .5-.5 R Mott .5-.5
Dr Moxley 1 J Garrard 0
H Chubb 1-1 E Bond 0-0
D Jones 1-0 F J Peacey 0-1
W Stephens 1-1 R Burroughs 0-0
J E Herbert 1-1 E J Attwood 0-0
R Clifford 1-1 W Walker 0-0
H Clement 1-1 J Gray 0-0
Gloucester Citizen 25th February 1893
Chess. Gloucester v Cheltenham. This match was played on Friday evening in the
rooms of the former club at the Foresters’ Hall and ended in a victory for the
home team by 9.5 games to 5.5 – a most unexpected result. The following is the
score –
Mr E B James 0-.5 Col Noyes 0-.5
Rev W Marsh 0-.5 Mr W S Branch 0-.5
Dr Moxley 1-.5 Mr W H Buchanan 0.-5
Mr Chubb 0-.5 Mr F Cowley 0-.5
Mr Herbert 1-0 Mr H Kilgour 0-1
Mr Wells 1-1 Mr J Robertson 0-0
Mr W Stephens 1-.5 Mr G B Smith 0-.5
Mr D Jones 1-0 Mr G Blake 0-1
Mr Clement 1-0 Mr W H Lunn 0-1
Gloucester Citizen 22nd July 1893
Death of Dr Moxley. Dr Stephen Moxley chief surgeon of the Gloucester Medical
Aid Association, died at his residence, no 51, Park Road, Gloucester, early
yesterday morning, after a short but very painful illness. Just a fortnight ago
he was a seized with an attack of acute ascending paralysis, and despite the
attentions of Dr Batten and Dr Oscar Clark he succumbed shortly after two
o’clock on Friday morning. It is a melancholy fact that Dr Moxley was to have
married on Thursday, the day before he died, his fiancée being Miss Frances
Eleanor Gray LL.D. of Belfast, a lady of high scholarly attainments. Miss Gray
nursed Dr Moxley through his trying illness, and with his sister, and eldest
brother (the Rev J H S Moxley, senior chaplain of the Forces at Brentwood), was
present when he passed away. Dr Moxley, who was 34 years of age, was the
youngest son of the Rev Dr Moxley, formerly rector of Glenville, Cork, and he
came to Gloucester from London just over a year ago, and since his residence in
the city he has, both in his professional and private capacities, made himself
very popular. He was an enthusiastic chess player, and was the means of
starting a chess club in Gloucester soon after he came here.
Gloucester Citizen 28th November 1893
Gloucester Chess Club – The annual general meeting of this club was held at
their room at the Gloucester Hotel, Mr Neville Ricketts presiding. The chairman
read a letter from the Rev Canon
Barron regretting his inability to be present through illness. The hon
treasurer reported that he had a balance in hand of £1 10s.The chairman in formed members that a
private room had been engaged at the Gloucester Hotel on Tuesday and Friday
evenings for the use of the club until the end of the current year from 7 until 11
o’clock in the evening, and expressed a hope that the numbers would so increase
as to warrant the committee in engaging the room until the end of the season i.e. the end of
March next. The president (Mr. T Robinson MP) and the vice-presidents (the Very
Rev, the Dean the very rev Canon St John, Rev W Marsh, MA the Mayor and Mr
George Pike) were re-elected. The following officers were elected for the
ensuing season –
Committee: Rev. Canon Barron, and Messrs Clifford D Jones, Neville Ricketts, W
Stephens, and Courtney Wells. hon treasurer W E Herbert, hon secretary Mr E Bankes James, St Michael’s Rectory,
Gloucester.
Gloucester Citizen 28th February 1894
CHESS – A fairly strong team of the Gloucester Chess Club journeyed to Cheltenham on Tuesday to engage in a friendly contest with the Cheltenham Working Men’s College. The latter had their strongest team, but were one man short. To make the numbers numerically equal, and to save any application of the forfeit rule, Mr Neville Ricketts kindly stood out of the city team. The Working Men’s College won by two games. Below are the respective teams and scores –
Cheltenham Gloucester
A T Nicholls .5 E Bankes James .5
F Cowley 1 F H Chubb 0
R Hemming 1-1 A Simpson 0-0
F Jenkins .5-1 Rev Canon Barron .5-0
H Cummings 1-1 L Herbert 0-0
A Martyr 0-.5 J E Herbert 1-.5
T Butcher .5-0 Courtenay Wells .5-1
F Wintore 0-1 T Clements 1-0
H Robson 0-0 G Kingscote 1-1
Gloucester Citizen 25th September 1894
Gloucester Chess Club. The annual meeting of this club was held at Messrs Davis
and Sons Library (by kind permission of Mr Davis) on Monday. Mr R Mott was voted to the chair. Before proceeding
to business, a vote of sympathy was passed on the death of the late Rev W
Marsh, who was always a valued and hearty supporter of the club. The Hon
Treasurer reported a balance of 5s 2d in hand. It was decided that the season
commence on 2nd October and end in March next, and that the club
meet for play on Tuesday and Friday evenings in every week from 7pm to 11pm in
a private room at the coffee house in Northgate Street (corner of Worcester
Street). The membership is open to ladies and gentlemen, and it was hoped that
all devotees of the game would join, and thus strengthen the club. The
following were elected for the ensuing season – President, Mr R Mott,
Vice-President, Mr N C Fluck, match captain, Mr Chubb, Hon Treasurer, Mr J E
Herbert, Hon Secretary Mr A Simpson, Wilts and Dorset Bank, Gloucester.
Gloucester Citizen 14th March 1900
CHESS. GLOUCESTER V CHELTENHAM This match was played in the room of the Gloucester Chess Club on Tuesday evening, when, as usual, the Cheltenham team proved far too strong for the Gloucester players and won a somewhat one-sided match 7.5 points to 2.5 points. Scores –
GLOUCESTER CHELTENHAM
F H Chubb = R C J Walker
Rev E B James = Dr Mason
R Mott 0-1 Col Law
H T Browning 0-1 Col Chisholm
N E Ricketts 0-1 H A Foxwell
A J Wells = W S Branch
W Minchin = Col Forbes
D Jones 0-1 S W Billings
A D Lansley = G V Bright
H Minchin 0-1 W H Lunn
Gloucester Citizen 3rd November 1900
Gloucester Chess Club. The annual general meeting of the above club was held on Wednesday evening at 6, Northgate Street, Mr J E Herbert in the chair. The balance sheet presented by the hon. Treasurer (Mr. W Minchin) showed a deficit of a few shillings. The Rev E B James was elected president of the club for the ensuing season, and the vice-presidents (Mr. Courtney Wells and Mr. J E Herbert), the hon. Treasurer (Mr. Minchin) and the hon. Secretary (Mr G P Davies, 6 Northgate St) were re-elected. It was decided that the club shall meet for play on Friday evenings at the Pioneer Club, Northgate Mansions. The President kindly consented to open the season by simultaneous games against all comers, on Friday November 9th. Chess players in the city and neighbourhood who wish to take a board on this occasion are requested to send their names n to the hon. Secretary before that date.
Gloucester Citizen 3rd December 1901
A PLEA FOR CHESS
Sir, May I be permitted in the columns of your widely circulated paper to deplore the taste of Gloucester people in the matter of indoor games? Hour after hour is spent in draughts, games of cards, billiards, and the everlasting ping-pong, but chess the greatest game of skill – so much so that it is often called a science – is dreadfully neglected. The games I mentioned as being much in evidence are all admirable, but surely, among a population of between forty and fifty thousand, there should be more interested in this great game than those fifteen or so who constitute the Gloucester Chess Club.
As mental exercise chess can hardly be surpassed, and no player ever regrets the hours he has spent at it, especially when he has passed his prime, and can no longer spend many of his idle hours in bodily exercise.
Thanking you for inserting this letter,
I am, yours truly,
A CHESS ENTHUSIAST
Gloucester Citizen 4th December 1901
IN PRAISE OF CHESS
Sir, I cannot agree with “Chess Enthusiast” that only fifteen people are interested in chess amongst the population of Gloucester. In my personal experience I have come across a far greater number than this who are players.
The YMCA and Gordon League have chess teams in addition to the club he mentions, besides a number of players who are not organized, but take a very great interest in this splendid game.
Would not a chess column in your paper be the means of bringing chess more prominently before the players in our city and district?
Yours faithfully,
ANOTHER ENTHUSIAST
Gloucester Citizen 24th September 1903
The tenth annual general meeting of Gloucester Chess Club was held on Wednesday
in Debenham’s studio, Clarence St …
Gloucester Citizen 30th September 1903
GLOUCESTER CHESS CLUB – The Rev E Bankes James gave his annual display of simultaneous games against the members of the Gloucester Chess Club at Northgate Mansions on Tuesday evening. Visitors were invited to take a share in the play, with the result that the secretary was able to add two or three names to the list of membership. The result of the match was the same as last year, namely, a draw, but the number of players was greater, and out of 17 games, Mr James succeeded in winning 8.5. The games at several of the boards were very interesting. The following is a list of Mr James’ opponents with their scores – W Minchin 1, R H Hill .5, Rev W C Macklin 1, A J Wells 1, B James 0,H Herbert 0, F W Longman 1, R Platt 0, S Baker 0, A C Cooke 0, E Best 1, W Stephens0, H M Crabbe 1, G P Davis 1, T B Fox 0, Dr Grosvenor 0, S Ackers Andrews 1.
Gloucester Citizen 7th December 1904
GLOUCESTER V CHELTENHAM
Played at Northgate Mansions on Tuesday evening. This was the biggest match which has ever taken place between the two clubs, no fewer than eighteen boards being occupied by the contending players. The result was a decisive victory for Cheltenham by twelve points to six. During the whole history of the meetings between the two clubs Gloucester has only been victorious once, and it would appear that there is little chance of the city team repeating that victory, at any rate for some considerable time.
Gloucester Citizen 9th January 1905
GLOUCESTER CHESS CLUB
VISIT OF MR BLACKBURNE, CHESS CHAMPION OF ENGLAND
Mr Blackburne will play 25 games simultaneously against members of the Gloucester club in the large assembly hall, Northgate Mansions on Tuesday January10th at 7pm.
Spectators’ tickets 1s each may be obtained from Mr A J Wells Hon Sec, 139 Barton St.
Gloucester Citizen 21st March 1906
We are informed that the Gloucester Chess Club has failed to fill its obligation to play the return match with the Stroud Chess Club at Stroud, and the match therefore goes to the latter club by default.
Gloucester Journal 12th May 1906 and Gloucester Citizen 9th May 1906
Shortly after 7 o’clock on Tuesday evening a fire, which might have resulted in serious consequences, broke out at Messrs F W & S Longman’s photographic studio in Clarence Street. It appears that Mr Longman had lighted a stove, which had been in constant use, in preparation for a chess club meeting which was to have been held there in the evening, and returning to the studio after being away for a few minutes found the wall of the studio in flames. Both fire brigades were quickly summoned and with their help the fire was soon extinguished. The principal damage was to the glass roof, which will have to be entirely re-fitted. Some furniture was injured, but fortunately none of the valuable photographic plates and apparatus were near the fire. A gas pipe which was fixed on the wall over the stove augmented the conflagration as the pipe melted and the gas ignited.
Gloucester Citizen 5th February 1907
GLOUCESTER V WORCESTER
Played at Worcester on Monday evening. The Gloucester team was much handicapped by the absence of Mr F H Chubb, who failed to put in an appearance. Worcester, who were undoubtedly fully entitled to score the game by default, offered in a most sportsmanlike manner to forego this privilege, but their offer was not accepted, as Mr E A Pryor, who had experienced no difficulty in accounting for his opponent at the bottom board, gallantly undertook the forlorn hope of playing against Mr Paley Hughes at the top board. Though, as was to be expected, he met with defeat at the hands of the latter gentleman, Mr Pryor has had the satisfaction of what is probably an unique experience in the annals of chess by representing his club, in the same match and on the same evening, both at the bottom and the top boards. The match resulted in a victory for Gloucester by 7 points to 3, certainly the best performance the city team have accomplished this season. Gloucester scores – E A Pryor 0, A J Wells .5, R H Hill 0, D S Hole 1, G P Davies .5, D Jones 1, S Longman 1, T S Brooke 1, F W Long,man1, E A Pryor 1.
Gloucester Citizen 14th February 1907
Chess. GLOUCESTER V CHELTENHAM. Played at Cheltenham on Wednesday evening. Both teams were well represented, Gloucester for the first time this season being at full strength. The match resulted in a most unexpected victory for Gloucester by 10 points to 4 but the superiority of the Gloucestrians on the evening’s play was even more marked than the score indicates, as out of the fourteen games played Cheltenham only managed to win two. ……..The Gloucester club by finishing up the season with victories over Worcester and Cheltenham, have restored their reputation to a great extent, but their match record for this season cannot be considered satisfactory, as out of seven matches played, four were lost, one drawn and two won. At least two of the defeats sustained by the club are to be attributed to the great difficulty the indefatigable match secretary (Mr T S Brooke) has experienced this season in getting anything like a representative team to play on Thursdays.
Gloucester Journal 13th April 1907
GLOUCESTER CHESS CLUB The championship medal for 1907has been won by Mr A J Wells, Mr F H Chubb not competing. Mr Wells, who is undoubtedly the strongest player in the Gloucester club always of course excepting Mr Chubb, whose services are now occasionally available, has been hitherto curiously unfortunate in the contest for the medal. For the last five seasons he has figured in the final tie, and after disposing of all other adversaries with ease, has five times met with defeat in the final game. His victory is, therefore, now a most popular one.
Gloucester Citizen 25th September 1907
CHESS. THE GLOUCESTER CLUB. The annual general meeting of the Gloucester Chess Club is fixed for Tuesday next, and the first meeting of the season for the week later, when the hon. Secretary, Mr A J Wells, 137, Barton Street, will be pleased to welcome new members. Mr Wells will be glad to give particulars to any inquirers.
Gloucester Journal 26th December 1908
Miscellanea. February 25 – Dr Emanuel Lasker, World’s Chess Champion, visited Gloucester Chess Club.
Gloucester Citizen 28th September 1910
GLOUCESTER CHESS CLUB MEETING
A general meeting of the Gloucester Chess Club was held at Messrs Longmans studio, Clarence Street on Tuesday night, Mr G P Gorton presiding. It was decided that the club should open next Friday week at Northgate Mansions. The committee were hoping to arrange shortly a display of simultaneous chess by a well-known amateur exponent, and it was thought that a lightning tournament would probably take place the same evening. Any persons wishing to join the club can get particulars from the Hon Secretary, Mr D S Hole, Heathville Road.
(Douglas Stanley Hole was one of three brothers living with their parents, Francis and Jane, at 8, Heathville Road. They were a very well-known Gloucester family. Francis was the headmaster at the National School, London Road from 1872 to 1880, when he became an H.M. Inspector of schools in Gloucestershire. Married in 1877, Mr and Mrs Hole celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1927 when they were presented with a solid silver coffee set and two gold sovereigns by the parishioners of St Catharine’s church in recognition of their services to the church. As well as a “distinguished Freemason” Francis had been a member of the choir, sidesman and churchwarden for more than forty years. )
Gloucester Citizen 30th November 1910
CHESS
THE GLOUCESTER CLUB
It is a long time since Gloucester made such a poor show against Cirencester as last Thursday, and, after making due allowance for the fact that Cirencester are playing better than ever and are full of enthusiasm, it must be a matter for regret to chess enthusiasts in Gloucester that the city club is reduced to playing matches with a part of a team only. The Gloucester club has just lost the services of Mr R H Hill (for many years treasurer and one of its strongest players) as well as others who have been prevented from playing regularly, but surely there must be in Gloucester (with a population of about eight times that of Cirencester) many able chess players who could, if they would, combine to make the city club a success. Unless this is done we fear the club must be disbanded as it cannot at present give its opponents a fair game. The club takes this opportunity of appealing to chess players in Gloucester to attend its meetings, and cordially invites players to come to the games held every Tuesday evening at Northgate Mansions from 7 to 11. The subscription has been reduced from 7s 6d to 5s yearly. The royal game of chess is one of the very oldest and highest forms of recreation and education; it is specially needed in Gloucester and we trust that this appeal will have the desired result of rallying new and old players to the support of the city club, and once again raising it to its former position of one of the leading clubs in the county.
Gloucester Citizen 8th November 1911
GLOUCESTER CHESS CLUB
The annual meeting of the Gloucester Chess Club was held on Tuesday evening by the courtesy of Messrs Longman in their studio on Clarence Street. The meeting was fairly well attended, and it was decided to take a room for the season at the Gresham, Westgate Street, and to meet from7 to 11pm on the second Tuesday in each month instead of weekly as formerly. The club, having lost many of its older members by death and removal from the city, is compelled to retrench in the matter of meetings, and would like to appeal to the chess players of the city to support the “royal game” by becoming members and regularly attending, which last is the most important point. Visitors and others will be cordially welcomed. The first meeting will be on the 14th instant.
Gloucester Citizen 8th February 1912
Chess. GLOUCESTER V CHELTENHAM
A match was played on Tuesday evening between these clubs at the Queen’s Hotel, Cheltenham.
Scores –
Cheltenham Gloucester
S W Billings A E A Pryer
Dr Mason 1-0 D S Hole (absent)
J S West 1-0 Dr J S Crees
A W Martyn 1-0 G P Davies (absent)
Rev H Noott 0-1 F W Longman
Miss Gooding 0-1 G P Gorton
I M Philips A W J Stephens
R McArthur = R O Platt
(A – to be adjudicated. Each side claims one win)
(A second match between the clubs took place in Gloucester in March over ten boards, Cheltenham winning 5.5-2.5 and two games awaiting adjudication – Gloucester Citizen 27th March 1912)
Gloucester Journal 3rd October 1912
The 19th annual meeting of Gloucester Chess Club was held on Tuesday by the courtesy of Messrs Longman at their studio in Clarence Street, when it was decided to commence the season on Tuesday next at the Gresham Restaurant, Westgate Street. The programme for the winter was discussed with keen interest by the members, and the subscription was fixed at 5s. The following officers were appointed: President: Mr E A Pryer; Vice Presidents: Dr Crees and Mr D S Hole; Treasurer: Mr R Oswald Platt; Secretary: Mr W J Stephens, Belvedere, Linden Road, who will be prepared to extend a hearty welcome to all new members.
Gloucester Citizen 28th September 1921
GLOUCESTER CITY CHESS CLUB
The AGM of the Gloucester City Chess Club was held on Tuesday evening. The treasurer presented his balance sheet showing a small sum in hand, but intimated that he was always delighted to welcome new players. It was decided that the club should met on Tuesday and Friday evenings at their room in the Conservative Club as last year. The following officers were appointed for the ensuing season – President: Mr E L May, Vice-Presidents: Messrs W Walwin and P L Haine, Treasurer: Mr R O Platt, Secretary: Mr T C Johnstone, Elmbridge Road.
Gloucester Citizen 25th February 1922
CHESS. The Gloucester City Chess Club has made arrangements with Mr Boris Kostich, the chess master, to give a simultaneous exhibition against thirty local players at the Bell Hotel on Tuesday 28th at 7pm. Mr Kostich, who is one of the great chess master of the world, beat all comers at the Hastings Tournament in December last, and has drawn a number of games in tournament play against the world’s champion Capablanca. Anyone interested in chess will be welcomed.
Gloucester Citizen 1st March 1922
CHESS DISPLAY AT THE BELL HOTEL
Mr Boris Kostich, a Serbian, who is one of the chess masters of the world, paid a visit to Gloucester on Tuesday. He is going round the country giving simultaneous displays, and met some 27 players of the district (chiefly members of the Gloucester Chess Club) at the Bell Hotel. He won 24 games, and drew with Messrs J H Beach, D S Hole, and J C Wordsworth, all members of the city club. Mr Kostich’s record since beginning his tour on December 1st is 848 wins, 19 draws, and 17 lost games, which compares favourably with that of Capablanca, the chess champion of the world, whose record is 1,382 games of which he has lost 31. The display was much enjoyed by all who took part, as well as by a number of spectators, who were charmed by Mr Kostich’s courtesy.
Gloucester Citizen 20th September 1922
GLOUCESTER CITY CHESS CLUB
The AGM of the Gloucester City Chess Club was held on Thursday evening. The treasurer presented his balance sheet which showed a small balance on the right side. It was decided that the club should meet in future on Mondays and Fridays from 6.30pm to 10pm at Botherway’s Café, Eastgate Street………
Gloucester Citizen 15th February 1923
BRITISH CHESS CHAMPION IN GLOUCESTER
The British chess champion, Mr F D Yates, paid a visit to the Gloucester Chess Club, giving an exhibition against twenty-nine local players at Botherway’s Café. Four of the boards were taken by members of the Crypt Grammar School Chess Club, which is affiliated to the city club.
Prior to his visit to Gloucester Mr Yates had [layed over nine hundred games in simultaneous exhibitions all over the country, and had only ost about forty, very few clubs scoring more than one win against the champion.
Mr Yates won 26 games, lost two and dfrew one, the wins for the club being scored by Messrs L Mawer and R E G Smith, while Mr E L May secured the draw.
Gloucester Citizen 23rd September 1923
CHESS. The AGM of the Gloucester City Chess Club was held at the club room, Botherway’s Café, on Tuesday evening. Reference was made by the chairman, Mr P L Haine, to the great loss which the club had sustained owing to the death of the senior vice-president, Mr W Walwin.
The treasurer’s report showed a small balance in hand, which it was decided to use for the purchase of equipment required for the club. The secretary reported on the very successful season which was enjoyed last year. The winners of the tournaments were: Championship: T C Johnstone, Handicp: C G Price …..
1924 Annual General Meeting
The thirty-second annual general meeting of the club was held on Friday, 19th September
1924 in the Club Room, Botherway’s Cafe, Gloucester, when Mr G.W. Davies took
the chair.
Tournaments. After a long
discussion it was proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved that, owing to its
unwieldiness, the Handicap Tournament be discontinued, and that the said
tournament be replaced by a knock-out tournament.
Entrance Fees. It was
proposed by Mr A. Hutchison, seconded by Mr L. Mawer, and resolved that an
entrance fee of 1/- (5p) be charged in the Championship Tournament.
Medals. Proposed by Mr L.
Mawer and seconded by Mr D.S. Hole, it was finally resolved that a medal be
presented to the winner of the Championship Tournament each season. It was
further moved by by Mr T.C. Johnstone, seconded by the Chairman, and
unanimously resolved that, this matter having been under consideration for a
number of years, the presentations be carried back to the last year of Mr D.S.
Hole’s long sequence of successes.
1927 Annual General Meeting
The 35th annual meeting of the club was
held at Botherway’s Cafe on Tuesday, 27th September 1927.
…The Secretary read an application for membership from Miss A.L. France, and
Mr E.P Davies pointed out that ladies had held membership and were certainly
eligible for same. Mr D.S. Hole supported this view, and Miss France, Mr
Maurice Foston, Mr Reg Tomes, Mr R Smith and Mr J Gannis were elected
members…
1928 Annual General Meeting
The 36th annual meeting of the club was
held at the headquarters, the Cadena Cafe (the same rose under another name) on
the last Tuesday in September 1928.
Presumably Botherway’s Cafe had changed its name – PB
…On his resignation from his captaincy of the 1st team a hearty vote of
thanks was accorded to Mr D.S. Hole on his long and splendid service to the
club.
The usual club nights, Tuesday and Fridays, were agreed to.
It was decided that members registered in the 1st league matches should only be
entitled to enter the Senior Tournament for the Club Championship, altho it was
agreed that the committee should have the power to add thereto the name of any
incoming member of chess reputation, all those ineligible for the senior to
enter the junior championship if willing, also that the entrance fee for both
tournaments should be 1/- (5p).
As a difficulty arose over deciding the actual champion it was decided that
providing 50% of the games had been played the best average should be the
deciding factor.
Club Championship won by A. Hutchinson
1935 Annual General Meeting
Honorary Secretary’s Report. The
past season, though not too successful from the point of view of matches, was
undoubtedly one of the most encouraging for years from the purely club
standpoint. Attendances improved and once again it is clear that Tuesday is a
far more suitable night for the majority of the members than Friday. Several
new members joined and exhibited very promising form. A feature of our
activities during the season was the visit of M. Koltanowski who at the
invitation of the North Glos Chess Association played simultaneously against 25
members. His record was: won 23 drawn 1 and lost 1. The pleasing thing from our
club’s point of view was that the winner (Capt. Gorton) and the one who drew Mr
T.C. Johnstone are both members of this club.
From The Gloucester Citizen (undated):
Glo’ster man beats chess champion
25 players taken on at once
Twenty five North Gloucestershire faces racked with thought staring at 25
chessboards confronted a master-minded Russian at Urch’s Cafe last night.
Urch’s Cafe was at 14, Southgate Street. Koltanowski was in fact Belgian –
PB
The 25 faces belonged to members of the North Glos Chess League, whose best
brains were being tackled simultaneously by a famous expert of the game, M.
G.Koltanowski.
M. Koltanowski has a formidable record. He is an accomplished blindfold player,
and has often played able opponents without seeing the pieces at all. Apart
from this little knack, at the Hastings Christmas Congress just ended he took
fourth prize against a strong international entry with a score of three wins,
five draws and one defeat.
Quick player
At most of the tables he hardly paused, but made his move and swept on, leaving
his opponent in a torment that he should not have moved before M. Koltanowski
was back again, because he is a very quick player. ..After half an hour last
night he had made certain of six victories. The corrugated brows grew more
corrugated. Several of the players, among whom was one woman, noted their moves
down. M. Koltanowski took about five minutes on each round, far quicker than
Yates or Thomas or other champions who have visited the League.
Captain J.G. Gorton, who has victories to his credit against both these
players, captured the Russian’s queen after three quarters of an hour, and
looked like getting another victory. About this time the first two games were
decided (in the Russian’s favour).
So great was M. Koltanowksi’s concentration that he kept a cigarette in his
mouth unlighted for a quarter of an hour.
Mr T.C. Johnstone (Gloucester City), a former Gloucester champion, had the
first favourable result, securing a draw after an hour and a half. Quarter of
an hour later Koltanowski resigned from his game with Captain Gorton, admitting
his third defeat in 70 matches.
1936 Annual General Meeting
Season 1936/7 Hon Sec’s Report
General
The past season was notable for a further increase in membership, and the
renewed interest shown in 1935/6 was again very evident. A good send-off was
assured by the visit of Sir George Thomas Bart. who played simultaneously
against about 40 North Glos members.
Matches
(a) Foxwell Cup
The record in this competition was certainly better than that of the preceding
year, the score being – played 6 won 2 lost 4. In games we won 15 lost 21 drew
24. The wins are the same as last year and the losses reduced by 7. Mr
Johnstone with 3.5 out of 4 put up the best individual score.
(b) Morton Cup
The revival of the second team was a popular move and at full strength our
second strings were a tough proposition.
(c) Friendly games
Two friendlies were played home and away against new opponents in Charfield
both of which we won.
Championship Tournament
In view of the increased numbers it was thought advisable to run this tourney
in two sections of approximately equal strength. As generally expected the
group winners were Messrs T.C. Johnstone and Mansel Davies. After his excellent
performance in the matches it was anticipated that Mr Johnstone would make a
fine bid for the trophy, but Davies was fortunate in meeting him on a decidedly
off night, and with an unbeaten record retained the championship for the fourth
time.
Lightning Tourney
The feature of the latter part of the season was a well attended lightning
tournament when a most entertaining evening was spent. The finalists were
Messrs R.E.G. Smith and Mansel Davies, the latter winning after a most exciting
struggle.
The late Mr P.R. Haine
Before concluding I must pay tribute to one who was just after the war a most
popular and energetic officer of this club. Mr Haine, whose sudden passing this
year was a great shock to all who knew him, was for some years Secretary of
this club, and when his many other activities prevented him from taking an
active part in the game he never failed in his interest in our affairs, and the
Treasurer will say that he has several times had occasion to be grateful to Mr
Haine.
In conclusion may I thank on behalf of the members those gentlemen who placed
their cars at the club’s disposal for away matches.
Mansel Davies
From The Gloucester Citizen (undated):
10 SECONDS A MOVE IN CHESS
Speeding up Gloucester Tournament
A large number of members of Gloucester Chess Club took part in a lightning
tournament at Urch’s Restaurant. Two ladies acted as timekeepers, and rang a
bell every ten seconds, when the player whose turn it was to move had to do so
immediately or resign the game. Thus the average game of 30 moves lasted only
ten minutes.
Accurate chess was not to be expected, and mistakes occurred wholesale, writes
a correspondent. It was most amusing to watch a nervous player who, having
arrived at a complicated position requiring close study, would jump a foot when
the bell rang, grab the first piece available, possibly his queen, and place it
with trembling hand just where his opponent would take it for nothing. Another
would move his opponent’s pieces in preference to his own, while a third would
move his own king into check with the most reckless abandon.
The tournament was run in four sections, the sectional winners forming a
semi-final. The semi-finalists were W.J. Burley, F.E. Tanner, R.E.G. Smith and
Mansel Davies. R.E.G. Smith defeated F.E. Tanner and M. Davies defeated W.J.
Burley. In the final Davies beat Smith.
The club was indebted to Mrs L. Davies and Mrs R.F. Newman who acted as
time-keepers.
1937
From The Gloucester Citizen (undated):
M. Georges Koltanowski, the Belgian master and blindfold expert, is paying a
return visit to the Gloucester Chess Club on Tuesday next to give a
simultaneous exhibition. Two years ago M. Koltanowski took on 25 players .. this
time it is hoped more players will pit their strength against him.
Expert plays 23 opponents in Gloucester
At the Gloucester Chess Club yesterday, Georges Koltanowski playing
simultaneously against 23 opponents, scored 20 wins, one loss (to J.R.Webb) and
two draws (R.E.G. Smith and W.F. Sheppard). This he accomplished in the
excellent time of two hours.
After refreshments had been served, M. Koltanowski addressed the company, and
gave some very amusing reminiscences of his career. The following true story
was particularly well received:
Giving a simultaneous blindfold display at Liskeard a few days ago, he was
sitting in a chair with his back to his opponents, and, of course, no chessmen
in front of him. An old lady stood watching him very intently for about a
quarter of an hour, then in a loud whisper to a friend she remarked “I
have been watching that man very closely and he is no more blind than I
am.” M. Koltanowski said he almost returned her her money.
(Born in 1903 George Koltanowski was at this time was making his living as a
chessplayer by giving displays, lectures and blindfold exhibitions. He also
offered an adjudications service at 2/6 (12.5p) per position and game
annotations at 5/- (25p) per game. He often gave several blindfold displays in
a week and the following year (1937) at Edinburgh he set up a world blindfold
record, playing 34 boards simultaneously and scoring +24 =10 in 13.5 hours. I
have a copy of ‘En passant’, a collection of games and studies written and
published by Koltanowski and signed by the author (published price 2/- (10p))
which I found in a second hand bookshop in Gloucester, and which was almost
certainly bought from the author on one of these two visits to Gloucester Chess
Club.
Koltanowski left Europe for America in 1938. He edited a daily chess column for
the San Francisco Chronicle for over 50 years and died aged 96 on 5th February
2000. One of his favourite sayings – ‘Pawns are like buttons. Lose too many and
your pants fall down.’ He was made an honorary GM in 1988.)
1939 Annual General Meeting
The 47th annual general meeting of the club was held at Urch’s Cafe Oct 10th
1939.
(Nine members were present – PB)
The Treasurer presented the balance sheet which showed a debit balance of 8/4
(42p), but there was one subscription outstanding which the Treasurer hoped to
receive.
(Some things never change – PB)
…It was unanimously agreed to meet Tuesdays and Fridays up to Dec 19th. Then
to restart on Jan 2nd 1940, the question to be then decided whether the
meetings should continue to be two per week.
Subscription to be 10/6 (52p) for the season, but Crypt School lads be only
charged 2/6 (12p)
It was also agreed to pay the County fee of 2/6 (12p).
As there was no probability of any matches being arranged, it was decided to
run a tournament.
1940 Annual General Meeting
The 48th annual general meeting of the club was held at the Unitarian Chapel in
Eastgate Street on November 8th 1940.
…A letter from the Secretary in which he tendered his resignation owing to
difficulties in attending during the “black-out” was read.
…The Treasurer reported that although there was an adverse balance of 2/-
(10p) the financial position was better than it had been for the past three
years.
…It was agreed that a tournament should be run as in the previous year. The
club championship for the year 1939/40 was won by Mr W.J. Sheppard. It was also
agreed that the annual subscription was to be reduced to 5/- (25p) for ordinary
members and 2/- (10p) for juniors. The membership was 17 compared with 21 the
previous year.
Owing to the national situation no matches could be arranged, and it was
decided that the meetings would be once a week only, and Friday was decided
upon.
1941 Annual General Meeting
The 49th annual general meeting of the club was held at the Unitarian Chapel on
October 10th 1941.
…The Treasurer reported that the finances of the club were steadily
improving, and he was able to show a credit balance for the first time in four
years, the balance mentioned being 7/- (35p)
The Secretary drew attention to the considerably reduced number of members, viz
12 as compared with 17 the previous year, this being solely due to the war. As
in the year before, no matches could be arranged, but it was decided to run a
tournament, and it was hoped that all members would enter. There would be no
entrance fee.
It was agreed that our meetings would be once a week on Fridays from 6pm to
10pm.
…It was regretted that Mr R.E.G. Smith who has been a member of the committee
for a considerable number of years was unable to continue in office owing to
his war time duties taking him away from home. He, however, wished to remain a
member.
1944 Annual General Meeting
The 52nd annual general meeting of the club was held at the Unitarian Chapel on
October 13th 1944.
…The Secretary reported a very successful year. The membership had increased
to practically pre-war strength and the standard of play very high, with the
result that Mr R.E.G. Smith, last year’s club champion, had to fight some
keenly contested games to retain the championship, with Mr Mr T.C. Johnstone
and Mr B.B. Partridge tying for second place.
The Treasurer’s report was also satisfactory, but reminded the members that as
they were now meeting on two nights a week it would be necessary to increase
the subscription. After some discussion it was decided to increase the
subscription to 10/- (50p) per annum and 5/- (25p) for juniors.
1946 Annual General Meeting
The 54th annual general meeting of the club was held at the Unitarian Chapel on
Friday, October 4th 1946.
…The secretary reported that the club…had waon all their matches except
one, which was lost to Cheltenham, thereby winning the Foxwell Cup.
The membership of the club had considerably increased since the war and it was
hoped a second team would compete in the league games during the forthcoming
season.
Mr Mansell Davies was congratulated upon winning the Club Championship and was
presented with the Herbet Trophy. Mr L. Winter had the honour of being the
runner-up.
The knock-out handicap tournament which was run during the summer months, was
won by the junior member Mr Alan John who beat W/O E. O’Neill in the final
game.
1947 NGCA Annual General Meeting
From The Gloucester Citizen 7th February 1947:
EMPIRE CHAMPIONS VISIT STROUD
The North Glos Chess Association held the annual social evening at the
Community Centre, Stroud, when a simultaneous display of chess was given by
21-year-old Mr D.A. Yanofsky, champion of Canada.
Mr Yanofsky, who was accompanied by his friend, Mr R.G. Wade, New Zealand
champion, was introduced by Mr G.P.Powell of Stroud, who commented on the fact
of two British Empire champions visiting Stroud together. The champion played
21 games at once.
During the interval, the Foxwell Cup was presented by Mr Yanofsky to Mr T.C.
Johnstone, captain of the Gloucester Chess Club, who won the championship last
season.
Gloucester Citizen 6th October 1950
CHESS CHAMPION LEAVING GLOUCESTER
The 58th annual meeting of the Gloucester Chess Club was held at the Unitarian Chapel Room, Barton St, the chair being taken by the President, Mr W F Sheppard.
Mr M E Poolake was congratulated on retaining the club championship trophy for another year, and it was noted with regret that he had resigned his membership on being moved to a new district away from Gloucester. It was decided to retain Tuesday and Friday evenings for meeting during the coming season, and the annual subscription was fixed at 20/- (7/6 for junior members).
Officers were elected as follows: Mr R E G Smith; vice-president, treasurer: Mr W F Sheppard, captain: Mr M Davies, vice-captain: Mr F S Woolford, County and North Gloucestershire representative: Capt C H Lynes.
1951 Annual General Meeting
…held at the Unitarian Chapel Room, Barton St, 28th September 1951. The chair was taken by Mr R E G Smith. ….The treasurer’s report showed a small credit balance, but this had only been achieved by closing the club during the summer months. The club championship had been won by Mr M Davies. The club accepted with regret the resignation of Mr W G Oliver who was leaving to join the Cheltenham club, and expressed its appreciation of his services to the club during his period of office.
(Wilf Oliver was Club Secretary and closed his report with the words “On resigning from membership from the Gloucester Club and from the position of Secretary, I wish the new secretary an enjoyable period of office and the club every success – except against Cheltenham!”)
The meeting considered the question of the club’s headquarters. Mr Mansel Davies had visited the YMCA who had put forward two proposals –
- That the chess club hire a room at the YMCA at a cost of 4/- per night or
- Each member of the chess club to become a member of the YMCA when it would be possible to play any afternoon or evening, but Tuesdays and Thursdays would be reserved for the Gloucester Chess Club. This would mean that any member of the YMCA would be able to play, except on Tuesday or Thursday when only those members who had paid their chess club subscription would be able to play. The YMCA would replace any equipment which required renewing.
After some discussion it was decided tom accept proposal number two, with a subscription of £1 which would give the club 5/- per member.
No further AGM minutes held until 1955 –
1955 Annual General Meeting
…held at the YMCA, 18, Brunswick Square…..on 29th September 1955. ….it was decided that four large, new boards should be purchased, and that the three clocks be overhauled. The meeting then stood in silence in memory of the late Mr E N Pearson who died in December 1954.
It was unanimously agreed to record the club’s congratulations to D Hopkin on winning the county Under 15 Championship.
It was unanimously agreed that a club championship be held, each to play each twice, with an entrance fee of 1/- per head, the winning competitor to receive a prize of 10/-, the balance to be credited to club funds.
1956 Annual General Meeting
…held at the YMCA, 18, Brunswick Square…..on 27th September 1956. …. The chair was taken by Mr F E Tanner (President). The secretary’s report included an account of the club’s activities over the last twelve months. One team of eight had been entered in the First Division of the North Glos Chess league and had won three of its matches out of eight. In one of the matches they had beaten the eventual winners, Cheltenham Bishops, by five games to three. This was the first season in which teams in the First Division had numbered eight players only. Formerly it had been ten a side.
1957 Annual General Meeting
…held at the YMCA, 18, Brunswick Square…..on 3rd September 1957. …. The chair was taken by the President, Mr T R Coughlin. The secretary’s report showed that the year had been one of increased activity. In the Foxwell Cup three matches had been won, six lost and one drawn. The best individual result was Mr Coughlin’s with four wins and two draws out of six matches. In the club championship sixteen had entered and seventy five per cent of the games had been completed. The winner, Mr T A Thomas of the RAF had gained the excellent total of 14.5 points out of 15. …..The presentation of the Silver Knight (the Herbert Trophy) to Mr T A Thomas, winner of the club championship, was made by Mr Coughlin, who expressed on behalf of all the members his regret that they would shortly be losing r Thomas who was nearing the end of his National Service. … Mr Hodgkins, who was welcomed as a new member and who is organizing an inter-school chess league, expressed the hope that members would assist him at St Peter’s, London Road.
1958 Annual General Meeting
…two teams had been entered for the NGCL League, the first time since 1951 that the club has had a membership sufficient to enable them to do so. Both teams had completed all their matches, the First winning two and losing eight, the Second winning four, losing four and drawing two. During the season Gloucester players were several times represented in County Championship matches, whilst in the Braine-Hartnell matches (65 players a side against Warwicks and Worcs they have been well represented.
1959 Annual General Meeting
… It was decided that two teams should be entered for the North Glos Chess League, with the request, which was to be put forward at the League AGM, that, owing to shortage of numbers, the registered players be reduced from eight to six. Friendly matches were to be arranged, as in the past, with other clubs. Refreshments – to consist of tea and biscuits – were to be provided for the home matches and an effort was to be made to play off the club championship.
1960 Annual General Meeting
…It was proposed by Mr Sheppard that the club championship be resumed. One shilling of members’ subscriptions had been set aside for this purpose, but for two years the championship had not been completed. It was proposed by Mr Coughlin that fixed dates should be given for the matches and a closing date fixed.
…. Some criticism was expressed regarding the inadequate heating and the smallness, especially when first division matches were held in it, of the Board Room, where the club normally meets. These matters having been noted, it was felt that they might now be left in the hands of the Committee.
1966 Annual General Meeting
….held at the Gas Club room 0n Tuesday 13th September 1966. President in the chair Mr Bye. (16 members present)… The secretary reported that in the North Glos League our first team finished fourth, having won 4, drawn 2 and lost 4. Our second team on the NGL finished fifth, winning 1, drawing, and losing 4. Friendly matches had been played against Charfield (lost) and Bristol & Clifton (won). One lightning tournament had been played recently. This was well supported and won by Mr Powis.
The club had suffered the loss of two active players, Mr Herrman who had died, and Mr. Beighton who had left the district. The secretary said that he was sure the club would join him in wishing Mr Beighton the best of luck in his new environment. The club was fortunate in getting several new members however, and they were also keen members who, the secretary said, would help the club to have a successful 1966-67 season.
Mr Hinton had won the club tournament for the second year and Mr Falconer had won the handicap trophy.
The treasurer reported that the balance sheet showed a surplus of over £17. Mr Graham also reported that there would perhaps be seen an improvement in our club room in the not too distant future, as the present caretaker was very helpful……..
1967 Annual General Meeting
….75th AGM held at the Gas Club Room, Brunswick Square on Tuesday Sept 12th 1967, the President Mr J D Ellis taking the chair. Apologies for absence were received from Mr Sheppard and Mr Leach. Mr Sheppard who has been a member of Gloucester Chess Club for 48 years has had to resign from the chess club and all chess activity owing to ill health. It was proposed that the secretary write a letter to Mr Sheppard in recognition and appreciation of his long membership and services to the club. The secretary reported that the club started the season with a welcome influx of new members. Also, our first team match against Cheltenham Knights was a win for Gloucester which was a good start.
….We were sorry to lose three of our first team players during the season. Mr Bye who left early in the season, Capt. Lynes who left a week before this AGM and one of our top board players, Mr Hinton, who it is hoped will be rejoining us in a couple of years’ time. Just before leaving us, Capt. Lynes presented three chess clocks to the club. This was a very generous and welcome gift, and it was proposed to send Capt. Lynes a letter of thanks.
We had friendly matches during the season with Charfield, Leyhill Open Prison and Sir Thomas Rich’s School. We also joined a light-hearted summer camp arranged by Tony Barnes, Sec of the NGL.
The treasurer reported that there was a healthy balance of £21-4-10 and that the season ended with 31 paid up members.
It was agreed that the social evening run by Gloster this year should take place on 14th November.
…attached to the 1967 AGM minutes is the following newspaper cutting –
Glance back
Now a glance back to the North Gloucestershire League Festival held in November. John Jeffries has received several requests for the words of the song which he composed and sang on that occasion, so, while we are still in festive mood, here they are:
(Tune – Clementine)
Chess Party Song
Gloucester Chess Club in the Cotswolds
Meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays too
They were asked to give a party
‘Twas their turn to give the ‘Do’
.
Many weeks poor Gloucester pondered
What on earth were they to do
To entertain these chessboard masters
And to cook up something new?
.
Invitations then were issued
To the chess clubs of the north
Bring your wives and bring your girlfriends
And support us all you’re worth
.
From the wilds of Northern Gloucester
Came the league men and their wives
Pawn to King Four all forgotten
For our prizes each one strives
.
Gloucester’s proud of chess achievements
And we’d like you all to know
That the Gloucester club was founded
Seventy-five long years ago
