Here's my last CDCL Update, as League Chairman. I will briefly surmise this season's progress and achievements, many of which, are thanks to the hardworking efforts of the Management Committee, in particular, Malcolm Harding, who has been quite exceptional, and supportive over the last eight month.
Malcolm will be sending an email in due course, with more details for future meetings, plus anything that I may have missed, or written incorrectly, in this email!
1. Congratulations
The League Champions for the C&DCL Season 2022-23, is Kenilworth Chess Club. Which I believe makes Kenilworth the incumbant Champions of both local Leagues, the CDCL, and the LDCL. A very big well-done 🙂!
Division Two Champions: Rugby A Team
Division Three Champions: Coventry University - A particular well done to our newest club!
Divisional Cup A: Coventry A
Divisional Cup B: Nuneaton C
Knock-Out Cup: Coventry A
Plate Competition: Rugby B
2. IMPORTANT: Meetings (Management, Constitutional Review, and General)
The next Coventry League Meeting is the Annual General Meeting, which will be in exactly TWO weeks time, on Tuesday 2nd May, 2023 ('So-called' Term 2 Week 2). FYI: The AGM is earlier than usual, however the reasoning is (1) to hand over the new Chair as soon as the playing season was complete, and (2) it would be good for the new Committees from Coventry University and Warwick University to familiarise themselves with the new League Officers sooner than later.
This Season, we held a total of three in-person Management Committee Meetings. One Before the season start (September), one mid-way (January), and one on completion of the season (March).
A Constitutional Review Group meeting was held early March, after we sought volunteers from the January Management Meeting. Proposals, rules clarifications, and ideas stemming from that meeting will be circulated in due course by Malcolm. Thanks goes to Colin, Dave, Malcolm and Jonathan for their efforts on this.
3. LMS - Results submissions
A special thanks goes to the mammoth efforts of Malcolm, who set up the new system for results submission this season.
It is important that NEW club captains, are in touch with Malcolm to establish Log-ins, much BEFORE the start of the next season, so that the League hits a running start.
4. CDCL Shadow Ratings
A special thanks goes to the efforts of Jonathan Fowler, who joined us this season, as Assistant to the Records Secretary, in adminstering the shadow grades system.
Shadow Grade Form: [redacted]
Approved/Pending List: [redacted]
New links will be issued for the next season.
5. The 3rd CDCL Rapidplay 2022
Special thanks goes to Malcolm for organising the CDCL Rapidplay. It was a great way to bring everyone together. The event made a modest surplus.
Additional, we were delighted to celebrate the presentation of the ECF President's Award for Services to Chess, to Colin Green, recognising his contribution to local chess, as League Chairman over the pandemic, and his decades of service to club, League and County chess.
6. League Swiss Manager
Matthew Carr, and myself will hold a training session for a number of club representatives from each CDCL Club in due course, once we find the right time over the summer. The League has purchased a license for League events and League clubs to use where appropriate.
7. CDCL Management Committee - Housekeeping
I believe this email has gone to an updated list of all voting Members of the Management Committee (this includes, all elgible League Officers and Club Representatives (one-vote-per-team), who have played at least one CDCL game this Season).
Warwick University - We welcome the new faces join the Management Committe, from the Warwick University side; Sid Panicker (President), Thu-Nga Nguyen (Chair), Tommy Coker (Vice President - Competitive Chess), Arya Cont (Warwick A Captain), Archie Lodge (Warwick B & C Captain), and Bhushita Ahuja (Warwick D & E Captain).
Thank you, goes to Meghana, James, and Kieran for Warwick's engagement and general support vis-a-vis the League this season. We are conscious that it is no easy job, and appreciate your organisational efforts and many members, in supporting League competitions and the Coventry League Rapidplay.
Coventry University - We await updates from Brandan Read, as to the new contacts for Coventry University next season. A big well done to Brandan and team, for a successful season of Coventry University returing to League chess.
8. CAPTAINS' CONTACT DETAILS
Over this season, to make it easier for Captains to reach out to each other, we created a Captain's Contacts List 2022-23: https://tinyurl.com/CDCL2022Contacts
A new one will need to be put together for the next season.
9. CDCL Officers
As I mark my last email, I will be standing down. For next season, there will be a new Chair, due to be elected in two weeks time at the AGM.
I would also like to thank Talita Frost (Marketing Officer), for assisting us in maintain the League website and social media platforms, in particular with promoting the December CDCL Rapidplay 2022 across Twitter/IG/Facebook.
I thank everyone for putting up with me for this one-season, in particular Malcolm and Dave, for their support, and everyone's constructive attitude and conduct.
10. Potential New Joiners to the CDCL
Following up from dialogue and interest from last season. We would be interested in reaching out / maintaining relations with Balsall Common, Coleshill, and Daventry.
Those who think of any potential local teams on the local circuit, or have sprung up since the Pandemic, who are within safe travelling distance of the Coventry & District area, welcome to suggest ideas.
11. Warwickshire Trust Fund Trustee (CDCL)
We previously thanked David Adams (Treasurer for Coventry Club). He will be representing the CDCL, as one of the three Trustees (from Birmingham, Coventry, and Leamington) in overseeing the Warwickshire Chess Association's Trust Funds. As a League within the County Association, it is good to see more members of our League engage with Warwickshire. If there's any notable updates, we look forward to them for future Management meetings/AGMs.
12. English Chess Federation Memberships
The ECF are currently reviewing potential future membership costs / structure. More details to follow.
13. Summary
To everyone constructive contributions, it has been much appreciated this season, and hope that working together, we continue to improve and make chess a better place locally across the District.
Best wishes and good luck,
Chairman 2022-23
Coventry & District Chess League.
