Author: Lewis

July 13, 2026

Founded in 1866, South Shields Chess Club has spent 160 years bringing people together through chess. From the very beginning the club was intended to be a place “where learners and lovers of the game meet”, and that simple idea still sums up what we are all about today.

Thanks to support from the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Community  Fund, we were able to purchase a gazebo and additional equipment to support our outreach activities. The fund is part of Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s wider commitment to support coastal communities and local organizations that improve quality of life and encourage community participation.

The gazebo gives us a highly visible presence at community events and, just as importantly, provides welcome shelter from the wind and rain that are never too far away on the Northeast coast.

So far this year we have attended Armed Forces Day and the Monkton Relay for Life, introducing people of all ages to the game. We are also looking forward to attending the Ocean Road Mela on 9 August, where we hope to meet even more members of the local community.

A key part of our outreach work is our Play It Forward campaign. The aim is to encourage parents and grandparents to share their knowledge of chess with younger generations. Quite often, though, we find it works the other way around, with children teaching parents and grandparents how to play.

Chess is a game that crosses generations, backgrounds and social boundaries. It develops concentration, patience, problem-solving and confidence, but perhaps most importantly, it brings people together. Time and again we see complete strangers strike up conversations over a chessboard and families enjoy quality time together through the game.

None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm of our members, who freely give their time at events, teach newcomers and help spread the benefits of chess throughout South Tyneside. Their willingness to pass on their knowledge and passion for the game embodies exactly what Play It Forward is all about.

On behalf of everyone at South Shields Chess Club, I would like to thank the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operator Fund for supporting our vision. Their contribution is helping us take chess into the heart of our community and ensuring that, 160 years after our club was founded, we continue to live up to our motto:

South Shields Chess Club – Where Learners and Lovers of the Game Meet

July 8, 2026

The event brought together a strong field featuring Grandmaster Daniel Gormally, FIDE Masters David Walker and Andrew Burnett, Arena International Master Nathan Ekanem, and a host of talented players from England, Scotland, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain and Sri Lanka. The tournament provided a fitting celebration for one of the oldest chess clubs in the world, which was founded in 1866. 

After nine rounds of fast and exciting chess, it was Gustavo Leon Cazares of Mexico who emerged as the clear winner with an outstanding score of 8 points from 9 games. Gustavo produced a series of impressive victories throughout the day to finish ahead of top seed GM Daniel Gormally, who secured second place on 7½ points. 

Third place went to Thomas Eggleston with 7 points, narrowly ahead of AIM Nathan Ekanem, who finished on the same score. 

Final Standings 

Gustavo Leon Cazares (MEX) – 8/9 

GM Daniel Gormally (ENG) – 7½/9 

Thomas Eggleston (ENG) – 7/9 

AIM Nathan Ekanem (NGR) – 7/9 

FM David Walker (ENG) – 6½/9 

FM Andrew Burnett (SCO) – 6½/9 

Several local and regional players also produced notable performances. Michael Yianni finished on an excellent 6 points, while Raj Singh, Gautham Sathishkumar, Caleb Asaolu, and Sanjay Sathishkumar all scored an impressive 5½ points against strong opposition. 

Prize Winners 

Main Prize Winners 

1st Place: Gustavo Leon Cazares 

2nd Place: GM Daniel Gormally 

3rd Place: Thomas Eggleston, Nathan Ekanem 

Senior Prize 

Michael Yianni 

Junior Prize 

Gautham Sathishkumar 

Grading Prizes 

Raj Singh 

Caleb Asaolu 

Sanjay Sathishkumar 

The performances of the younger players were particularly encouraging, with Gautham Sathishkumar claiming the Junior Prize alongside a grading prize after a mature and confident display throughout the tournament. Sanjay Sathishkumar, Caleb Asaolu and Raj Singh also achieved excellent results to secure grading prizes against a very strong field. 

The anniversary celebrations also saw the continuation of the club’s popular blitz competitions. The competition has now been running for seven consecutive years and continues to go from strength to strength. This year’s event was renamed the Paul Bielby Shield  in honour of the outstanding contribution Paul has made to chess in the Northeast over seven decades. Through his dedication, enthusiasm and service to the game, Paul has played a major role in developing and promoting chess across the region, and it is a fitting tribute that the competition now carries his name. A commemorative Shield was presented to Gustavo to be engraved and held for 12 months.  

South Shields Chess Club Chairman Eddie Czestochowski thanked all the players, arbiters, volunteers and supporters who helped make the event such a success. The tournament showcased not only a high standard of chess but also the strong community spirit that has helped the club flourish for 160 years. 

As the final games concluded and prizes were presented, the South Shields 160th Anniversary FIDE Rated Blitz proved to be a memorable occasion that celebrated the club’s rich history while looking confidently towards the future. With players of all ages competing alongside titled masters in a friendly and competitive atmosphere, the event perfectly reflected the values that have sustained South Shields Chess Club for over a century and a half. 

June 10, 2026

Fide Blitz on Sunday 5^th of July at The Word Library South Shields

We are aiming to start at around 11 am and finish around 3 pm. We open from 10 am.

Please note The Word is situated at the End of King Street South Shields. about 5-minute walk from the Shields Ferry Landing, the Bus Station, and the METRO Station

If you are planning to come by car, then the best and free all-day parking is available at the Mill Dam Car Park near Customs House (well sign posted) – choose bays that do not say 3-hour limit.

The WORD CARPARK is a few minutes closer, but it is limited to 3 hours free parking, if you are going to use this then remember to use the parking machine, get a ticket and be ready to pop out over the lunch break to move it.

The event will be held on the third floor of THE WORD library in THE ROUND, there is a lift, there is a canteen area in the Atrium (ground floor – teas and coffees, snacks, food are reasonably priced.

We do intend to have a 30-minute break, we are minutes from the town centre so there are lots of sandwich shops.

You do not need to have any Fide or ECF membership for FIDE BLITZ competitions, you will receive a FIDE BLITZ GRADE if you have not already got one, following the competition, if you meet the following criteria,

You need to have played a minimum of five games against players that have a recorded FIDE GRADE, and you need to have a minimum of one draw against one of these players. My advice is do not worry about the grades and just play the player.

Please note Entry fee is £10, most of the entry costs will go into the prize fund. A Sponsor may cover the cost of the venue. We need forty entrants to guarantee the prizes, if we get less then we may adjust accordingly. Any Fees can be paid on the day, but if you want to save some time.

(For you and the organizers then we can accept payments direct to the South Shields Chess Club Bank Account 53622142 sort code 20-83-69. Please reference your name.

1st Prize £150 2nd Prize £100 3rd Prize £50

2 x grading prize of £30 (cut-offs to be decided on the day according to entry) ,

Junior (U18) prize – £20 ,Senior (S65) prize – £20 Maximum of one prize per entrant. Advertised start time: 11 am — we will there from 10am . Time control: 5+2 (game in 5 minutes with a 2 second increment)

My Phone number is 0772 5027873, if you have entered but face some last-minute delay or reason you cannot come then please text or email before the competition starts it will help us to ensure we have a prompt start and with the administration on the morning.

Any questions please ask.

Send entries to Blitz@southshieldschessclub.co.uk Please include your name and Date of Birth.

Entries can be viewed here South Shields Summer Blitz 2025.

 

October 1, 2025

Here are the upcoming fixtures for South Shields in the Northumberland League, covering all scheduled home and away matches. The list below brings together everything that’s currently arranged, so you can see the full run of games at a glance.

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June 2, 2025

Fide Blitz on Sunday 6^th of July at The Word Library South Shields

We are aiming to start at around 11 am and finish around 3 pm. We open from 10 am.

Please note The Word is situated at the End of King Street South Shields. about 5-minute walk from the Shields Ferry Landing, the Bus Station, and the METRO Station

If you are planning to come by car, then the best and free all-day parking is available at the Mill Dam Car Park near Customs House (well sign posted) – choose bays that do not say 3-hour limit.

The WORD CARPARK is a few minutes closer, but it is limited to 3 hours free parking, if you are going to use this then remember to use the parking machine, get a ticket and be ready to pop out over the lunch break to move it.

The event will be held on the third floor of THE WORD library in THE ROUND, there is a lift, there is a canteen area in the Atrium (ground floor – teas and coffees, snacks, food are reasonably priced.

We do intend to have a 30-minute break, we are minutes from the town centre so there are lots of sandwich shops.

You do not need to have any Fide or ECF membership for FIDE BLITZ competitions, you will receive a FIDE BLITZ GRADE if you have not already got one, following the competition, if you meet the following criteria,

You need to have played a minimum of five games against players that have a recorded FIDE GRADE, and you need to have a minimum of one draw against one of these players. My advice is do not worry about the grades and just play the player.

Please note Entry fee is £10, most of the entry costs will go into the prize fund. A Sponsor may cover the cost of the venue. We need forty entrants to guarantee the prizes, if we get less then we may adjust accordingly. Any Fees can be paid on the day, but if you want to save some time.

(For you and the organizers then we can accept payments direct to the South Shields Chess Club Bank Account 53622142 sort code 20-83-69. Please reference your name.

1st Prize £150
2nd Prize £100
3rd Prize £50

2 x grading prize of £30 (cut-offs to be decided on the day according to entry) ,

Junior (U18) prize – £20 ,Senior (S65) prize – £20

Maximum of one prize per entrant.

Advertised start time: 11 am — we will there from 10am .
Time control: 5+2 (game in 5 minutes with a 2 second increment)

 My Phone number is 0772 5027873, if you have entered but face some last-minute delay or reason you cannot come then please text or email  before the competition starts it will help us to ensure we have a prompt start and with the administration on the morning.

Any questions please ask.

Send entries to Blitz@southshieldschessclub.co.uk Please include your name and Date of Birth.

Entries can be viewed herer South Shields Summer Blitz 2025.

June 1, 2023

We are putting our usual summer blitz on the Sunday 2nd July at the Word.

9 rounds, 5 minutes + 2 second increment, FIDE rated, £10 entry fee, generous prizes (first 3, plus grading prizes plus best junior and best senior), 11 am start, should finish about 3pm, byes available for up to the first 4 rounds to accommodate players who can’t play until after lunch

Enter by emailing blitz@southshieldschessclub.co.uk. We’ll send you the club’s bank details so you can pay online. Or if you prefer you can pay on the day. If you are not already registered with FIDE then we will also need your date of birth for registration.

Keep an eye on entries here.

October 16, 2022

Could all South Shields players who want to enter either (or both) of these club tournaments please email Brian Towers by the end of October.

The club championship games will be ECF rated so please also make sure you renew / take out ECF membership at Bronze level or above if you haven’t already done so.

Friends Bowl Rules

For each game the players are given a material handicap according to the difference in their rating. The ratings used will be the ratings on the ECF website for the players at the time (ratings updated monthly). Where a player doesn’t have an over the board standard rating, for instance because they haven’t played enough rated games, then in the first instance a provisional rating will be used if one exists for the player. Failing that an OTB rapid rating will be used and finally online ratings will be used.
The handicaps are as follows for different rating differences:
0-99 – no handicap, first named player in the draw has white
100-199 – colour, lower rated player has white
200-299 – 2 moves, lower rated player has white and makes two moves instead of one to start the game
300-399 – f pawn and move, lower rated player has white, remove f7 pawn
400-499 – f pawn and 2 moves, remove f7 pawn, lower rated player has white and makes two moves instead of one to start the game
500-599 – knight, remove b1 knight, higher rated player has white
600-699 – rook, remove a1 rook, higher rated player has white
700-799 – queen, remove d1 queen, higher rated player has white
800-899 – queen and knight, remove b1 knight, remove d1 queen, higher rated player has white
900+ – queen and rook, remove a1 rook, remove d1 queen, higher rated player number has white

Time control: all moves in 60 minutes with a 10 second increment.
Games are not gradable. Recording is not required.
FIDE laws apply apart from handicap related (i.e. initial position and possible double first moves). In cases 600+ and 900+ white may castle queenside provided the king has not moved, none of c1, d1, e1 are under attack and a1 through d1 are vacant.
This is a knockout competition. Players not completing their matches before the deadline are eliminated. In the case of a draw a rematch with the same handicap is played with 30 minutes for the game with no increment. In the case of 0-99 handicap colour alternates.

October 5, 2022

In the end we had 10 players so ran it as an all-play-all. Congratulations to Dave Walker who won with 9/9. Well done to Mick Riding (8/9) and Anthony Sweeting (5.5/9) who finished 2nd and 3rd. Full details here.

Three players also got first time FIDE ratings from the tournament. Well done to Anthony Sweeting (1805), Steve Nesworthy (1505) and Dennis Hawes (1496) on their freshly minted FIDE blitz ratungs.

August 21, 2022

The ECF are holding another UK Blitz championship in December. The last one was in 2019. The North East qualifier tournament will be held at The Parks Leisure Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields NE29 6TL on 11th September with the first round due to start at 11 am. It will be a 15 round Swiss tournament with 3 minutes plus a 2 second increment per game. Entry fee is £24. Mick Riding is organising.

The top two finishers will qualify for the finals. Cash prizes are modest. The winner gets £50, then every top player in each group of 16 players also gets £50 as a sort of grading prize. So, if there are 50 entries then the highest finishers in positions 17 to 32, 33 to 48 and 49 to 50 will each receive £50.

More details on the ECF website – UK Blitz Championships 2022 – English Chess Federation. Entry form – UK Open Blitz 2022 (wufoo.com).

In 2019, the last time the ECF ran this tournament, I held a warm-up event on the Thursday before at South Shields chess club. I plan to do the same this year. As last time, the warm up event will be 9 rounds, no entry fee, no prizes and FIDE rated. More details once I’ve registered it with FIDE and the ECF

June 26, 2022

9 rounds, 5 minutes + 2 second increment, FIDE rated, £10 entry fee, generous prizes (first 3, plus grading prizes plus best junior and best senior), 11 am 3rd July at The Word

Enter by emailing blitz@southshieldschessclub.co.uk. We’ll send you the club’s bank details so you can pay online. Or if you prefer you can pay on the day.

Don’t miss it! Enter now if you haven’t already!

If you have been sheltering from Covid and are tempted but don’t want the added cost of ECF membership note that ECF membership is not required for blitz tournaments whether FIDE rated or not. Now, in the middle of summer, with the sun’s UV light killing off viruses like Covid is a great time to rejoin the chess playing world.