Paignton Congress 2013. Rd. 1

It’s the first week of September; it’s Torbay; so it must be time for the Paignton Congress.

True enough, but this year there are fundamental changes. For the 1st time it’s not at Oldway Mansion – it’s not even in Paignton, but at the Livermead Hotel, near Torquay railway station. Inevitably, entries are down, mostly because of the proximity in time and distance, of the British Championships, held recently just a few hundred metres from this very spot. Players coming from a distance would probably need to be highly motivated to make the long journey twice in a month. However, a late surge has brought the numbers up to c. 150.

Apparently, two of them reported to an empty Oldway Mansion, presumably out of force of habit, or maybe just curiosity, but by 13.45 everyone was in place for the welcoming remarks of the DCCA President, Paul Brooks.

These pictures set the scene……

Sea front entrance to the new venue.

Standing on the same spot, but looking towards Torquay.

... and in the opposite directon towards Paignton.

The playing area is on the ground floor to the left.

Paul Brooks welcomes allcomers.

Colin Gardiner receives his Grand Prix award.

At last... play gets under way.

General view of the Premier Section.

Arkell vs Chris Fegan - a repairing of Game 2 in Keith's recent autobiography.

The games in the Premier Section went thus:-