Welcome to the home of Rotherham's chess players. We're currently meeting at The Bluecoat, The Crofts, Rotherham S60 2DJ on most Wednesdays from 7pm. ➡ How to find us
Andrew P Baxter (1967—2020)
Rotherham Chess Club are very sad to report the sudden death, after a short illness, of Andrew Baxter aged 53. He leaves a partner, Tracy, and a family to whom we offer our sincere condolences.
Andy was a strong playing member of our club for many years, a quiet man, and a gentleman at the board. He loved his chess whether playing in the league or in tournaments and always paid a compliment to good aspects of play from his opponents. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Chess in the age of coronavirus
With over-the-board chess being largely outlawed for the foreseeable future, it's time to think about how we keep playing through this crisis.
To that end, Oli is trying to get an online championship set up, to keep local players occupied during these strange times. If you're interested in playing, or know anyone who might be, please spread the word.
Isolated pawns
Well, our hiatus just got a bit longer. In light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) it was announced this week that all Sheffield chess fixtures are to be postponed indefinitely.
“The Executive Committee has decided to suspend the current S&DCA chess season with immediate effect because of risks of transmission of the [SARS-CoV-2] virus among potentially vulnerable S&DCA chess club members[...] Discussions will be taking place in due course about how to conclude the league programme, e.g. whether or not it would be possible to complete outstanding matches towards the end of the summer, in the "gap" left because the Summer League will not be organised in its usual format, if at all.”
In line with recent government advice to avoid gatherings—and pubs and clubs in particular—we'll be pausing club nights from tomorrow.
Maybe it's time to get into some online chess? Stay healthy, keep washing your hands, see you again soon.