About the club:
Ealing is always looking for new members and offers a warm welcome to chess players of all strengths, nationalities and ages. Whether you are a keen amateur or a budding GM we want to hear from you. For seasoned players we can offer the opportunity of competitive chess in one of our eight league teams. Alternatively, if you just want to enjoy a game of social chess, there are always members happy to oblige with a game. Although we are not a club for complete beginners, we can promise that your chess will improve with regular practice against our stronger players.
We are fortunate in having a comfortable and relatively tranquil venue in a function room above the Harvester Restaurant and Pub at the corner of Boston Manor Road and Haslemere Avenue W7. Here you can play an enjoyable game with an accompanying drink, or follow your game with a meal from the restauraunt below.
We meet on Thursdays from 7.30 pm throughout the year, save for Christmas and New Year.
The club currently runs eight teams in the local chess leagues, which run from September to May each year, providing competitive playing opportunities for players of all abilities. Our first and second teams involve contests with some of the strongest players in the area, with top boards typically ECF 175+. Conversely, the Hillingdon League third team offers a "nursery slope" for the aspiring player.
| League | Captain | Div. | Team | Strength |
| Thames Valley | David Ebbett | One | 1st | ECF 175+ |
| Alastair Johnstone | One | 2nd | ECF 140+ | |
| Geoff Richards | Three | 3rd | ECF 140- | |
| Sainbayar Tserendorj | Four | Juniors | ECF 100+ | |
| Middlesex | Simon Randall | One | 1st | ECF 175+ |
| Chris Greenshields | Two | 2nd | ECF 140+ | |
| Hillingdon | Raj Jhooti | One | 1st | ECF 140+ |
| Alastair Johnstone | Two | 2nd | ECF 100+ | |
| Gerry Blick | Three | 3rd | ECF 100- |
During the summer months, the club runs a number of in-house competitions, such as the Summer Handicap Tournament (with playing time determined by grade) and an Annual Lightning Championship. The club also runs a series of highly popular and fiercely contested graded tournaments. The Club Championship itself is played for a prestigious trophy that has been awarded every year since 1903! From time to time, the club also hosts special events, such as simultaneous displays or instructional talks from strong players. A few years ago we even played host to a visiting team from Mongolia! We have an excellent Club magazine full of interesting articles, members games and reviews of all the teams' performances and results. Members on our e-mail list also receive regular newsletters to keep them informed and entertained.
Player Grading
All games from internal club tournaments and league games are submitted to the ECF (English Chess Federation) for grading. Dont worry if you dont have a grade when you first join - our stronger members will soon form a view of your playing strength and estimate your grade.
Club History
Ealing has a proud tradition as one of the oldest chess clubs in the country. Founded in 1885 we have met ever since, including during the two world wars! It has a long and fascinating history.
In recent years, the club has enjoyed some tremendous success, with multiple league titles:
|
Thames Valley League Champions |
2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 |
| Middlesex League Champions | 2009, 2011 |
| Hillingdon League Div.2 Champions | 2010, 2011 |
Following the 2010-11 season, Ealing has teams in Div.1 and Div.2 of the Middlesex League, two teams in Div.1 of the Thames Valley League along with one in Div.3 and teams in each of the three divisions of the Hillingdon League.
In September 2011, a new chapter for the club opened with the creation of Ealing Juniors. In their debut season, the Juniors will compete in DIvision 4 of the Thames Valley League as well as the League's knockout competition. Ealing Juniors will meet at the Docking Station, 108 High St, Brentford on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm. For full details visit http://www.londonrapidplay.co.uk/londonrp/ealingjuniors.html#top
Are you interested?
If you are interested in joining the club please either contact the Secretary,
David Ebbett - Telephone 0208 997 7872 - email davidebbett@yahoo.co.uk
Alternatively turn up at the Club any Thursday. Come along, without obligation and to see if Ealing is the chess club for you. After three visits, if you decide to join, the membership fee becomes due. The annual subscription is £40 (unwaged £20) due in June each year.