The new league season is almost upon us. Coleshill Chess Club are running three teams in the Birmingham League, one in Division 3 and two in Division 5. We are always looking for new members, either to play league chess or to play social chess on a Wednesday evening. Come along and see what we have to offer. You can contact the club secretary, Des Green, on 07395 291643 or 0121 246 2295 or desgreen63@virginmedia.com. Whatever your standard, you will be made most welcome!

The following appointments and decisions were made at the AGM. The following officers were elected, Chairman - Graham Barrett, Secretary & Treasurer - Des Green, Assistant Treasurer - Malcolm Jones, Publicity Officer - Richard Bailey, Internal Tournament Director - Tom Vanes. It was decided to enter three teams into the Birmingham & District Chess Chess League, one team in Division 3 and two teams into Division 5. Peter Thompson would be organising an internal club tournament and would be organising demonstrations based on a variety of topics during the close season. Junior members attending the club would be encouraged to play an adult during the first hour.

The AGM of the Coleshill Chess Club is to be held on Wednesday 10th May at the Coleshill Social Club commencing at 7:30 pm. Anyone interested in chess is welcome to attend and enjoy the atmosphere of a friendly club.

Tuesday 25th April 2023 was double disappointment for Eamon Murphy and Des Green. Both players had reached the final of their respective grading competitions. Both players were heavily out graded by opponents who had been given extremely low estimated grades at the start of the season.

Wednesday 19th April 2023 was cause for double celebrations by Coleshill Chess Club. The Division 3 team obtained two points to leave them well clear of relegation when they entertained Oscott Chess Club at the Coleshill Social Club. The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Graham Barrett, Tom Vanes, Paul Barrett and Richard Bailey were victorious by 4-2 and retain their spot in Division 3 for next season.

At the same time the Minor Division team travelled to play Solihull "D" looking for a point to be crowned league champions. The team of Thomas Cassisi, Rob Payne and Des Green obtained the necessary 1.5 - 1.5 draw to finish top of the table.

There are only two individual finals left to be played by Coleshill players. Eamon Murphy and Des Green travel to Olton Chess Club on Tuesday 25th April to contest the Maximum 1450 and Maximum 1300 Tournaments respectively.

Wednesday 12th April 2023 witnessed two victories on home territory.

The Division 3 team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Graham Barrett, Tom Vanes, Paul Barrett and Malcolm Phipps eased their relegation worries with a closely fought victory by 3.5 to 2.5 over Mutual Circle. The team now require one point in their last match next week against already relegated Oscott.

The Minor Division team of Malcolm Jones, Rob Payne and Thomas Cassisi eased past Solihull "D" by 2-1. The team now need a single point from their return match next week to be crowned champions of the Division.

On Tuesday 11th April 2023 Tom Vanes travelled to Olton Chess Club to play against Chris Cox of Mercia Chess Club in the Final of the Birmingham Chess League tournament for players graded no more than 1600. He triumphed when his opponent resigned after 53 moves.

On Wednesday 5th April 2023, the Coleshill Minor Division team travelled once more to Solihull to play their "C" team. The team of Thomas Cassisi, Rob Payne and Des Green returned home victorious after a 2-1 victory. The team moved into second place in the league and require three points from their remaining two matches, both against Solihull "D", to win the league title.

On Wednesday 29th March 2023 the Minor Division team entertained Solihull "A". The visitors could only call on two players due to a late withdrawal meaning that Colin Bissell won his game by default. Malcolm Jones obtained a draw and Rob Payne's victory ensured that the team won 2.5 to 0.5. The result leaves the team still in with a chance of winning the league title, three games remain against Solihull "C" away and two fixtures against Solihull "D".

The Division 5 team of Peter Thompson, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Tom Vanes, Malcolm Phipps and Des Green travelled to play Warley Quinborne on Thursday 23rd March 2023. All six games were closely contested with five ending in draws, the solitary win for the home team resulted in a 3.5 to 2.5 result for the hosts. The result leaves Coleshill still needing points to avoid being relegated or ending up with a relegation play off. The team have two remaining matches both at home, Mutual Circle and fellow relegation candidates Oscott. It will be a close call!

On Wednesday 22nd March, Des Green defeated Malcolm Jones in the replay of the Birmingham Chess League's semi final for players graded a maximum of 1300. Des joins Tom Vanes who has qualified for the final of the maximum 1600 section and Eamon Murphy who is the final of the maximum 1450 section. The finals are to be played at Olton Chess Club on a date yet to be determined.

On Wednesday 15th March the Division 5 team travelled to play Solihull "C" in their final match of the season. The team of Ray Bettam, Eamon Murphy, Gary Haycock and Thomas Cassisi were defeated 2.5 to 1.5.

On Wednesday 8th March 2023 the Division 5 team of Ray Bettam, Eamon Murphy, Gary Haycock and Des Green battled through the snow to play the powerful South Birmingham outfit. They played above themselves and ensured that all games never finished until after 10 pm. The 4 Nil defeat was expected but their players will know that they were in a game!

On Wednesday 1st March 2023 the Division 5 team of Ray Bettam, Eamon Murphy, Gary Haycock and Malcolm Jones entertained the league leaders Kynoch "A". The visitors were victorious by 3 - 1. 

On Wednesday 22nd February 2023 the Division 5 team of Eamon Murphy, Gary Haycock, Rob Payne and Des Green were defeated by Solihull "B" to the tune of 3.5 to 0.5.

The Division 3 team were beaten by a Sutton Coldfield outfit from Division 2 in the final of the Homer Trophy. The winners paid Coleshill the compliment of playing their strongest team. Heavily out graded on the majority of the boards, the team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Graham Barrett, Paul Barrett, Tom Vanes and Richard Bailey aided by a 1.5 point handicap advantage went down by a score of 5 to 2.5. The team are to be congratulated on reaching the final stage of this competition.

There were two matches played on Wednesday 15th February 2023. The Division 3 team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Graham Barrett, Paul Barrett, Tom Vanes and Malcolm Phipps drew with South Birmingham and gained a valuable point in their bid to escape relegation. The Minor team of Malcolm Jones, Thomas Cassisi and Rob Payne travelled to play Solihull "B" and were defeated 2 -1.

The division 5 team travelled to play Kynoch "B" on Monday 6th February 2023 and were defeated by 2.5 to 1.5. The team was Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy and Des Green. On the same evening at the same venue, Tom Vanes entered the the final of the individual tournament for players graded less than 1601 with a win over his Kynoch opponent.

The Birmingham League have ruled that Solihull played an ineligible player on board 1 in the Minor League match on Wednesday 1st February. The league have deducted the win from Solihull on board 1 and also deducted them a penalty point. The original score of 2 - 1 in Solihull's favour has now been amended to a 1 - 0 victory to Coleshill.

The Minor Division  team of Malcolm Jones, Thomas Cassisi and Des Green entertained Solihull "C' in a home fixture on Wednesday 1st February 2023. The team were defeated 2 - 1 but Solihull played an ineligible player on board 1. Coleshill have appealed and await the outcome.

The division 3 team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Paul Barrett, Tom Vanes, Richard Bailey and Ray Bettam(deputising for the non availability of Malcolm Phipps), travelled to Lichfield on Thursday 26th January 2023. They were out graded on five of the six boards and were beaten 4 - 2.

The division 5 team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy and Rob Payne played out a 2 - 2 draw with Halesowen on Wednesday 25th January 2023 at The Coleshill Social Club. The point gained moves the team into fourth place in the league.

Monday 16th January 2023 was a night of mixed results for Coleshill Chess Club. The Division 3 team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Paul Barrett, Tom Vanes, Malcolm Phipps and Richard Bailey defeated fellow Division 3 team Oscott in the semi final of the Homer Trophy. Meanwhile the Minor Division team of Malcolm Jones, Thomas Cassisi and Colin Bissell travelled to Ward End Social and suffered their first defeat of the season with an emphatic 3 - 0 defeat.

The division 3 team gained a valuable league point against fellow strugglers Solihull. The team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Paul Barrett, Tom Vanes, Malcolm Phipps and Richard Bailey was heavily out graded on three of the boards but secured a creditable draw to help in their fight to avoid relegation.

On the same evening Malcolm Jones and Des Green played out a draw in their semi final of the BDCL individual tournament for players grade less than 1301. A date for the replay has yet to be determined.

The Division 5 side of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy and Des Green were defeated 3-1 when they visited Westminster Chess Club who now play at the White Swan in Edgbaston.

The Division 5 team remain undefeated after visitors Ward End Social secured their first league point of the season with a 2-2 draw at Coleshill Social Club on Wednesday 14th December 2022. The team was Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy and Thomas Cassisi. On the same evening Tom Vanes defeated Chris East from Sutton Coldfield in the first round of the Birmingham League individual tournament for players graded less than 1651. Tom now enters the semi final draw which has yet to take place. 

On Monday 12th December 2022 the Division 3 team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Malcolm Phipps, Paul Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes travelled to the Aldridge Social Club for a match against high flying Rushall. The home team heavily out graded Coleshill on five of the six boards and were victorious by 4-2. 

The leaders of Division 5, Solihull "A", were the visitors to Coleshill on Wednesday 7th December 2022. Four very close games were decided in the favour of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy and Rob Payne who continued the unbeaten run in the division by winning 2.5 to 1.5

Wednesday 30th November 2022 was good night for the two competing Coleshill teams. In the Third Division, the team of Peter Thompson, Paul Barrett, Malcolm Phipps, Tom Vanes, Richard Bailey and Eamon Murphy, deputising for captain Graham Barrett,  entertained high flying Olton "A". The team was successful and recorded a win by 3.5 to 2.5. Meanwhile the Minor Division team of Malcolm Jones, Des Green and Colin Bissell defeated the current leaders Solihull "B" by 2-1 to maintain their 100% start to the season.

On Wednesday 23rd November 2022 the Minor League team of Malcolm Jones, Rob Payne and Thomas Cassisi returned victorious from their trip to play Solihull "A" at the Blossomfield Club. The winning margin was 2.5 to 0.5 and continues their winning start to the season.

The division 3 team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Malcolm Phipps, Paul Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes travelled to Olton Chess Club for the second week in succession on Tuesday 15th November. They faced a difficult task in the first round of the Homer Trophy when facing the Olton division 1 outfit. They returned with a win and two draws and aided by a handicap allowance of 3.5 were victorious by 5.5 to 4. They now await their semi final opponents for the match week beginning 16th January 2023.

The Division 5 team welcomed Warley Quinborne and a keenly contested match ended in a draw. Coleshill were represented by Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy and Colin Bissell.

The division 3 team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Malcolm Phipps, Paul Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes gained their first league point of the season when they visited Olton to play their "B" team.

The scheduled fixture on Wednesday 26th October 2022 for the Division 3 team against Oscott has been postponed due to the inability of the visitors to raise a team. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday 19th April 2023.

The Division 5 team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy and Des Green made the short journey to Minworth to play the Sutton Coldfield "A" team. They returned victorious in their first league match of the season.

On Tuesday 11th October 2022, the division three team travelled to Halesowen to face a strong set of opponents. The team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Malcolm Phipps, Richard Bailey, Tom Vanes and Des Green (deputising for Paul Barrett who was ill), battled hard but were beaten by 4.5 to 1.5.

The team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Malcolm Phipps, Paul Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes performed well to earn a draw against their higher rated opponents. However, there needs to be a winner in the trophy competitions and the visitors were successful 4-6 on board count.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Graham Barrett, Malcolm Phipps, Paul Barrett and Tom Vanes encountered strong opposition in their opening division 3 campaign. Their opponents travelled home victorious with the two league points on offer.

Coleshill entertained local rivals Ward End Social in the Minor Division of the Birmingham League. The team of Malcolm Jones, Rob Payne and Thomas Cassisi overcame their opponents by an emphatic 3 - 0 scoreline.

Coleshill Chess Club started their 2022/2023 season with an emphatic win over Ward End Social in the Birmingham League Minor Division. Malcolm Jones, Rob Payne and Thomas Cassisi, playing his first league game, beat their local rivals by 3-0.

Wednesday 27th July 2022 the club welcomed Nuneaton Chess Club who play in the Coventry & District Chess League. The team of Peter Thompson, Graham Barrett, Paul Barrett, Tom Vanes, Des Green and Thomas Cassisi were victorious by 4-2. It is hoped that this fixture will be held on an annual basis with the teams alternating who acts as hosts.

The return fixture against Ward End Social was played on Wednesday 20th July at Coleshill Social Club. The Coleshill team were victorious by 4 - 2. The club will be entertaining Nuneaton Chess Club on Wednesday 27th July 2022.

The AGM was held on 18th May 2022, if anyone would like a copy, please contact Des Green. Email desgreen63@virginmedia.com.

The club will be entering three teams into the Birmingham League for the coming season. Division 3 (6 boards), Division 5 (4 boards) and the Minor Division (3 boards).

Three friendly matches have been arranged. The first one was an away fixture against Ward End Social on Monday 20th June 2022. The match was won by Coleshill  by 4.5 to 1.5.

Wednesday 20th July v Ward End Social at home.

Wednesday 27th July v Nuneaton at home.

Anyone interested in joining Coleshill Social Club please contact Des Green on 07736 066825 or 0121 246 2295.

The AGM of the Coleshill Chess Club will be held on Wednesday 18th May 2022 at the Coleshill Social Club commencing at 7:30 pm. If you are a member, please do your best to attend. If you are interested in playing, whether league or social chess, please come and have a look. Further details can be had by contacting the secretary, Des Green, on 07736 066825.

The Division five team of Eamon Murphy, Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones and Des Green recorded their fourth consecutive draw in their last match of the season.

The season ended with a defeat for the Minor Division team of Malcolm Jones, Des Green and Colin Bissell.

The Minor Division team of Eamon Murphy, Oliver Kettlewell and Rob Payne were defeated in their penultimate match of the season against a strong Solihull outfit who gained revenge for the reversal in the previous league encounter.

Coleshill welcomed Rushall for what turned out to be a close encounter against a team placed third in the league and looking for promotion. The team of Ray Bettam, Malcolm Jones, Gary Haycock and Colin Bissell fared well when encountering a team that out graded them on every board. The draw ensured that Rushall will remain in Division 5 for next season.

The Minor Division team of Eamon Murphy, Oliver Kettlewell and Rob Payne earned a hard won  battle against against a strong Solihull outfit. The win is the second in succession for the team and keeps them in third place in the league.

The trip to play South Birmingham resulted in a 3-3 draw which ensures that promotion to Division 2 is now out of the question. The team of Peter Thompson, Mike Wildboar, Graham Barrett, Paul Barrett, Tom Vanes and Des Green (substituting for Covid victim Richard Bailey) played out a close encounter against players who out graded our team on four boards by over 300 points.

The team of Peter Thompson, Mike Wildboar, John Smith, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey suffered a defeat against local rival Sutton Coldfield which has seriously dented their chances of promotion to Division Two. They have one game to play, which they need to win to be in with a chance of finishing in the top two.

The team of Ray Bettam, Malcolm Jones, Gary Haycock and Des Green travelled to Mutual Circle and returned with a 2 - 2 draw.

The team of Peter Thompson, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes returned home from the trip to Mercia with an outstanding 5 - 1 victory to enhance their chances of promotion to Division 2.

The team of Oliver Kettlewell, Rob Payne and Colin Bissell completed a 3-0 double over their opponents.

The team of Peter Thompson, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes were defeated for the first time this season when they went down in a close match with league leaders Oscott "A".

The University advised us late on Tuesday evening by email that they would be fielding five players only. They further advised early evening on the match date that one of their players was unavailable due to injury and that the remaining four players would be travelling to honour the fixture. An email sent at 6:45 pm advised that due to bad weather the four players would not be travelling. We were surprised as to why contact was not made by phone or text, we therefore claimed the match.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy, Gary Haycock and Des Green were outplayed on the night and slumped to a disappointing defeat.

The Minor Division team of Des Green, Colin Bissell and Oliver Kettlewell travelled to Solihull to play their "A" squad. The reverse fixture had seen a 1.5 all draw, this time the hosts were the victors with a 2-1 victory.

A strong Shirley & Wythall outfit out graded the home team on three boards and were deserved winners in this Division 5 encounter.

This rematch against Stourbridge was again a very close affair with neither side able to claim the advantage.

The Coleshill team of Eamon Murphy, Des Green and Rob Payne travelled to Solihull for their third match in the Minor Division of the Birmingham Chess League. They suffered their first defeat of the season after three close games.

The team of Ray Bettam, Malcolm Jones, Gary Haycock and Eamon Murphy travelled the short distance to Ward End and returned empty handed following a good performance by the hosts.

The team of Des Green, Colin Bissell and Rob Payne secured a home draw against an evenly matched Solihull team.

The team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones and Eamon Murphy went down to previously named Greenlands in four evenly matched games.

The Coleshill team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones and Eamon Murphy lost their final match of 2021 by the margin 0f 1.5 to 2.5. The visitors were previously known as Greenlands went home victorious in for well matched games.

Coleshill were victorious following a 3-3 draw in the final of the delayed 2019/2020 competition.

Board count resulted in Coleshill winning by virtue of wins on boards 2 and 3 giving a total of 5 as opposed to Stourbridge wins on boards 5 and 6 giving a total of 11, lower count wins.

Coleshill registered their first win in a trophy competition when they defeated Stourbridge in a closely fought battle on Tuesday 14th December 2021.. The 2019/2020 final had been held over due to the Covid epidemic. Olton Chess Club hosted the final and it finished level at 3-3. The board count rule was applied, winning board numbers are added together and the team with the lower total win. Coleshill won on boards 2 and 3 giving a total of 5 whilst Stourbridge won on boards 5 and 6 to give them a total of 11. Congratulations go to Peter Thompson, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes who were victorious on the night.

With three players crying off on the morning of the match, Coleshill performed well in their last match of the shortened Cannock League season. The team of Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones, Oliver Kettlewell and Des Green were out graded on all boards but matched their opponents in four close encounters.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey outplayed their opponents in recording an emphatic win.

There were two matches involving Coleshill on Wednesday 8th December 2021. The Division 3 team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey travelled to play Oscott "B'. They returned with an emphatic 5 - 1 victory to continue their unbeaten start to the season. The Cannock League team played their final match of the shortened season when they entertained Rugeley. A much changed team from the originally selected players, three cry offs on the morning of the match,  performed well but went down by 2.5 to 1.5. Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones, Oliver Kettlewell and Des Green were out graded on all boards but matched their opponents in four tightly fought battles.

A first win of the season for the team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones and Des Green. They travelled to local rivals Sutton Coldfield and returned with a well deserved victory.

The Division five team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones and Des Green enjoyed their first win of the season when defeating local rivals Sutton Coldfield 'B' at Minworth.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes continued their unbeaten start to the season with a victory over Kynoch.

The Division 3 team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes beat Kynoch 4 - 2 to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

A draw was a fair result between two teams who were matched evenly.

On Monday 29th November the Division 5 team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones and Rob Payne returned from playing Kynoch "A" with a creditable draw. The teams were evenly matched and a draw was a fair result.

The team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Mike Felgate and Eamon Murphy suffered defeat against a very strong South Birmingham outfit.

Kieran Mills was defeated in a close encounter in the Maximum 80 Individual Trophy on Tuesday evening. The following night the Division 5 team of Ray Bettam, Gary Haycock, Mike Felgate and Eamon Murphy were defeated by an extremely strong South Birmingham outfit.

Coleshill commenced their season in the Minor Division with a 3 - 0 victory. The team was Eamon Murphy, Des Green and Oliver Kettlewell.

The team of Eamon Murphy, Des Green and Oliver Kettlewell travelled to Ward End Social on Monday 22nd November for their opening fixture in the Birmingham League Minor Division. They returned triumphantly following a comprehensive 3 - 0 win.

The adjourned game was conceded by Coleshill. This ensured that the match was drawn 3 - 3

On Wednesday 17th November 2021, the Division 3 team played Olton. The result on the night was 3-2 to Coleshill with one game adjourned until 22nd December. On the same evening, Malcolm Jones progressed to the semi finals of the Ray Dolan Trophy with a replay win over Fred Biles from Lichfield.

The unavailability of several players has resulted in the club making a couple of important decisions. The BDCL Division 4 team has been withdrawn and a team has been entered into the BDCL Minor Division. The Cannock League team has also been withdrawn from the new season that commences in early January 2022.

The team of Gary Haycock, Malcolm Jones, Des Green and Colin Bissell recorded their first win of the season in their penultimate match.

A depleted Division 4 team slipped to a 3-1 defeat to local rivals Sutton Coldfield. Despite being heavily out graded on three of the four boards, the Coleshill team were not disgraced and all of the team battled well.

Four very close games ended with honours even. All boards were evenly matched and played in a very good spirit.

The Division 5 team finished their first league match of the season with a draw. Their opponents were unable to field a full team.

The team of Gary Haycock, Eamon Murphy, Rob Payne and Des Green travelled up the M6 and encountered traffic congestion to fulfil their Cannock League Division 3 obligation. The match was played in a good spirit and the visitors returned empty handed after a 3.5 to 0.5 defeat. No one was disgraced despite being heavily out graded on all boards put in a good performance.

Coleshill's team started the season with a hard fought victory over an experienced Lichfield outfit. All members of the team matched their opponents endeavours and came out victorious.

The game on board 3 was awarded to Coleshill player Malcolm Jones after his opponent admitted to using his mobile phone during the match.

A Coleshill team depleted by the non availability of two registered players suffered defeat to a strong South Birmingham outfit on their first outing of the season. Two replacements, one being at the late hour of 6:15pm, performed well and ensured that the club did not default a board.

The AGM will be held on Wednesday 11th August 2021 at the Coleshill Social Club commencing at 7:30 pm.

The Chess Club is up and running again and we are operational on Wednesdays. Covid regulations are currently still in place, this means that you must enter via the rear door, sign the register and make your way upstairs to the playing area. Further details will follow when we are advised which leagues we will be playing in for the 2021/2022 season.

The chess club has been unable to meet since the new regulations came into force. As soon as restrictions are eased, we will let you know.

Coleshill Chess Club is now open and operating under strict regulations.  We are currently open on a Thursday evening from 7pm to 10pm. This will change to our normal Wednesday evenings from Wednesday 14th October 2020.

If you wish to visit you will need to follow the procedures:

1. Enter the Coleshill Social Club at the rear entrance.

2. You must wear a face covering.

3.. You do not need to sign in as we have our register upstairs in the playing area.

4. If you require a drink from the bar you must sit down and a member of the bar staff will organise payment and bring the drink to your table.

5. Make your way through the large dance floor and through the door leading to the stairs.

6. There is a sanitiser at the bottom of the stairs, please use it.

7. Outside the playing area there is a register for you to complete.

8. Once seated you may remove your face covering if you want to.

9. It is suggested that you play the same opponent for the duration of your stay.

10. Sanitise your hands as many times as you wish during your stay.

11. Drinks glasses and bottle should be placed on the bar in the playing area when you are finished with them.

12. It goes without saying that you should not enter the club if you have any signs of Covid-19.

Further details can be obtained from Des Green on 07736 066825 or 012 246 2295

Nothing to report as the Leagues are still suspended. 

The Birmingham & District Chess League and the Cannock Chess League have suspended all remaining matches and individual trophy games until further notice. 

The team of Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes, Ray Bettam and Mike Felgate outplayed Solihull and did their chances of promotion a power of good. Their next big test will be against St Georges who have already assured themselves of promotion.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey kept the pressure on Sutton Coldfield in the battle for promotion. The teams are locked on 15 points just two behind leaders Stourbridge.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy, Des Green and Gary Haycock put up a valiant fight when going down to a very strong St Georges" outfit.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey moved into the final for the second successive season with a perfect performance against a spirited Warley outfit.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Paul Tullett, Gary Haycock and Colin Bissell finished off their season with a creditable draw against a strong Lichfield outfit.

This win against a strong South Birmingham team, who arrived one player short, keeps the pressure on the two sides above Coleshill. The winning team was Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy, Des Green and Gary Haycock recorded their second win in succession in another away fixture.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Tom Vanes (deputising for Richard Bailey) won a hard fought battle to move level on points with Sutton Coldfield into second place in the league.

The team of Paul Barrett, Malcolm Jones, Des Green and Colin Bissell gained their first win of the season in their penultimate match.

The team of Kieran Mills, Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy and Des Green travelled to Kynoch and returned with an emphatic win and moved up the table to fifth.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Paul Tullett, Gary Haycock and Colin Bissell again met a side who easily out graded the Coleshill lads. Three draws was a good return. The object of the Cannock Division 3 was to encourage novice and lower graded players and the suggestion that only one player should be graded over 100. Boards 1 and 2 for the visitors were 110 and 106!

Coleshill welcomed Walsall Kipping for this venture into the Staffordshire Cup. The team of Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Paul Kelly matched their opponents and finished 2 - 2. The competition rules stipulated that board count was to be used in the event of a draw. Walsall won and progressed to the semi-final.

A team lacking two of its regular players put up a brave fight against a Rushall side that out graded the lads. Eamon Murphy, Des Green, Gary Haycock (making his chess debut) and Colin Bissell made the Rushall team fight hard and they knew that they had been in a match!

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey travelled to Shirley & Wythall Chess Club and returned with a hard fought battle to progress into the semi-final of a tournament in which they were runners up last season.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Paul Tullett, Colin Bissell and Des Green were beaten when they travelled to Norton Canes. The opposition played well and thoroughly deserved their win against a Coleshill team that never really got out of the blocks.

The team of Mike Felgate, Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes and Ray Bettam beat a strong Rushall team to move back to the top of Division 6.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey travelled to Kynoch and returned with a good win. This move the team into third place in the league with games in hand over the two teams currently occupying the promotion places.

The team of Graham Barrett, Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy and Colin Bissell came away with a point when they moved upstairs at the Guild Hall due to the venue being utilised as a polling station.

The "A" team recorded their fourth consecutive win to move to the top of the league. The team of Mike Felgate, Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes and Ray Bettam beat the Police to sit at the top of Division 6 going into the New Year.

The team of Mike Felgate, Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes and Ray Bettam defeated Greenlands "A" to move into second place in Division 6. It is early days but the points are in the bag and they face a trip to West Midlands Police next week with the opportunity of consolidating their position in their last match before the Christmas break.

A strong West Midlands Police team defeated a much changed Coleshill "B" outfit to record their first victory of the season. Eamon Murphy, Steve Charlton, Paul Tullett and Des Green were overpowered by the custodians of the law.

A strong Rugely team completed the double over Coleshill. The team of Paul Barrett, Malcolm Jones, Steve Charlton (making his debut) and Colin Bissell were beaten by a team fielding a 134 graded player on board 1.

Due to a variety of reasons the team travelled to Greenlands without two of their regular players. However the strength in depth of the squad enable them to turn out a team that gave their hosts a tight match. Representing Coleshill were Malcolm Jones, Paul Tullett, Des Green and Colin Bissell who all acquitted themselves admirably despite being out graded on all boards.

Solihull defaulted the match at mid-day on Monday for a match on Wednesday. Their captain advised that they only had three players available. The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey were advised accordingly and were not required to attend.

The team of Mike Felgate, Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes and Ray Bettam defeated the league leaders to move into second place in the league.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy, Kieran Mills and Paul Tullett battled hard against their opponents who head the table, but lost out by 1-3.

The team of Mike Felgate, Tom Vanes, Ray Bettam and Kieran Mills overcame a resilient Kynoch "B" team. The match was level when Ray Bettam "pulled a rabbit out of the hat" to defeat his tough, steady opponent.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey suffered their first defeat of the season following their long journey to Stourbridge. There was some highly competitive chess played and the hosts retained their 100% start to the league campaign.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Kieran Mills, Eamon Murphy and Des Green travelled to play Ward End Social. They returned successful with a victory in a hard fought encounter to move to the top of Division 6.

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Eamon Murphy (deputising as a late replacement) outplayed their opponents who suffered their first defeat of the season.

The team of Malcolm Jones, Paul Tullett, Colin Bissell and Des Green battled hard against a determined Rugeley in four close games. The match was close on all four boards, the very reason why this division was created!

The "A" team of Mike Felgate, Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes and Ray Bettam suffered their first defeat of the season on their visit to Kynoch "A".

The Cannock League fixture resulted in a draw. The team of Paul Barrett, Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy and Colin Bissell matched their opponents to start the season on a positive note. On the same evening, Kieran Mills and Des Green were successful in their first round games in the Ray Dolan Trophy.

Coleshill travelled to Mutual Circle for a first round tie with Mutual Circle of Division 5. The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey were conceding a handicap of half a point to the home team. A comprehensive victory was achieved with the Coleshill boys having five wins and a draw.

The team of Mike Felgate, Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes and Kieran Mills defeated Ward End Social in their first home match of the season.

The "B" team of Malcolm Jones, Kieran Mills, Eamon Murphy and Des Green recorded an encouraging win over Kynoch "A".

The team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey and Tom Vanes overcame a strong Greenlands team to record their first win in Division 4 after being promoted last season.

The first BDCL match of the season pitched the A and B team of Coleshill against each other. The teams finished all square. "A" team: Mike Felgate, Paul Kelly, Tom Vanes and Colin Bissell. "B" team : Malcolm Jones, Kieran Mills, Eamon Murphy and Des Green.

The first match of the season ended in a draw when recently relegated Sutton Coldfield sent a strong team to Coleshill. The home team of Peter Thompson, John Smith, Mike Wildboar, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett and Richard Bailey secured their first point of the campaign with a well deserved point. 

On Tuesday 2019, Kieran Mills travelled to Rugeley to play his first round match against Ryan Wood. They will meet again on Wednesday 23rd October after a closely fought drawn game.

A pleasant evening of chess against a team that we do not play during the course of a season. The team of Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Richard Bailey, Paul Kelly, Malcolm Jones and Des Green blew the cobwebs away and enjoyed the hospitality provided by the hosts.

The team of John Smith, Paul Barrett, Graham Barrett, Malcolm Jones, Eamon Murphy and Des Green returned from Acocks Green with honours even. 

At the recent AGM it was proposed that the club have a monthly tournament on the first Wednesday of the months of June, July and August. Tom Vanes organised the first event on Wednesday 5th June 2019. Thirteen members participated in a five round Swiss tournament with each player having to make all moves within five minutes. John Smith was victorious on the night with a maximum five wins. On Wednesday 3rd July 2019, ten members played in a three round Swiss tournament with each player having a maximum of ten minutes to make all moves. Paul Barrett and John Smith tied for first place with a score of two and a half points from their three games. This was again organised by Tom Vanes. The August tournament was held on Wednesday 5th August 2018 and seven members contested a three round Swiss system Chess 960 competition with a fifteen minute per player time limit. The winner on the night was Paul Barrett with a maximum of three wins from his three games. All three tournaments were played in a relaxed but serious atmosphere and thanks to Tom Vanes for his organising of the three evenings.