President's Report 22nd October 2003

This year has been a successful year for The Gap Chess Club. Attendances at the senior club have been higher than in recent years. Participation and interest in our tournaments has also been higher than in any of the past five years.

The success of the adult chess club can be attributed to several factors:

• a strong inclusive social atmosphere on Friday nights
• a structured tournament schedule
• the commitment of the players to attend on Friday nights, and
• the commitment to administration duties by those on the committee.

The club has seen several new members this year, and with better publicity may be able to attract more. At least two have joined as a result of the Western Echo chess column, while several others have come to the club after visiting our website. However there is always room for improvement and any suggestions for (and commitment to implementing!) further ways to publicise the club are welcome

The club’s junior section has been in decline during the second half of 2003. Measures have been taken to arrest this decline (see Junior Report for full details). The juniors will continue to meet during school term until the end of the year, and a meeting of parents and supporters will occur on the second Friday of Term One 2004 to map the way forward for 2004.

Finally, the club continues to remember the contribution of Doug Foster who passed away in January this year. Doug was a pillar of the club, and a tireless worker for Queensland chess in general, and his presence at the club is sorely missed.

Andrew Robinson
President
The Gap Chess Club Inc.