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Hi all, I thought I'd get the forum started with a chat about the congress in 2024. As you know, a few of us are working to hold a large scale congress around the end of September, aiming not to clash with Hampshire, so will depend on their dates. The date is flexible currently and open to other suggestions.
So far we have looked at several venues in Ryde. The Castle Hotel and the Yelf's being options. Does anyone know of a hotel or venue with a large function room that could fit 25 to 50 chess boards and 50 to 100 players? We are hoping to have around x100 players if we can have a large enough prize pool to attract players from the mainland. Any ideas or thoughts on the congress very welcome. We will hold a general meeting on it also in the new year.
Thanks
The Trouville Hotel on Sandown Esplanade has held Bridge weekends so presumably have suitable tables. I don't know the capacity though. Ken
Hi David, this is a great idea which I hope takes off. Having been on the island for 25 years I've often thought it would be an ideal venue for a quality congress and serve to promote chess on the island as well. I mean if the Isle of Man can do it! Ryde would probably be the best place to do this due to proximity to ferries ,accomodation and amenities. I live near Yarmouth, which has a few suitable venues, but not much in the way of affordable hotels. My initial thoughts would be that it might be worth contacting wightlink/red funnel to see if a reduced rate can be negotiated for participants, also speaking to the council to see if they can help. Also, there's a lot of businesses on the island who might be interested in offering some sponsorship. I've never organised a congress but if I can help at all then let me know.