Clacton on show

Clacton Chess Club competes in both the Suffolk League and the North Essex League, a total of three teams.   Their Secretary John Lambert is unclear as to why Clacton play in Suffolk, especially as some long distances are involved when travelling to matches.   When the opponents are Bury St Edmunds or Saxmundhgam, Ipswich is used as a halfway venue.   Probably the longest journey is to Stowmarket, some 40 miles each way.

Last Tuesday I continued my visits to the clubs in the SCCA by visiting Clacton Chess Club at the Holland Public Hall, where a warm and friendly welcome was received.   In the photo above, those playing include Martin Alvin, Mike Coughtrey (nearest), John Lambert, Melvin Steele (next board), Andrew Salmon.   In the left background is Dennis Brown who is playing junior Alex O’Brien.   Others not easily discerned included Richard O’Brien and Nigel Lake.