Junior Organiser needed

International Master Adam Hunt has held the post of Suffolk Junior Organiser for the past few years but has now decided to hand over the reins to someone else. His work at Woodbridge School is very demanding and he feels he cannot offer the level of attention that the role demands.

It’s vital that this post is filled. Without juniors, the chess scene in Suffolk will undoubtedly suffer. We only have to remember the 1990s, when Nick and Richard Pert, along with the likes of David Spence, Ed Player, David Whitehead and many others, were a major force on the national junior scene. Many of these are still playing at a high level, with both David and Ed still living in the county. Nick is a Grandmaster and Richard an IM. Other bright young stars have emerged in recent years, including 15-year old Alan Merry, now the county’s highest-graded player, and Emilia Jewell, aged 14 and the highest-graded girl in Suffolk.

Apart from Woodbridge School, the only junior club that has been able to continue without a break has been the Bury Knights; others including Stowmarket, Newmarket and Great Cornard have fallen by the wayside. Even the Ipswich Junior Chess Club has had its difficulties and has not been able to resume this term.

What is needed is an enthusiastic person, ideally a parent, who can commit time and energy to this role. He or she will of course have the full support of the Suffolk Executive. There are plenty of opportunities for innovative ideas and plans.

If you are interested in taking on this post, and would like to discuss it further, please contact me.