Cotswold Congress 2025 30/5/25 Congratulations to Zack Norris, who won the 55th Cotswold Congress held at King’s School at Gloucester over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. In winning the tournament out right, with an impressive score of 5/6, Zack also won the title of 2025 Gloucestershire Individual Champion. It’s believed that Zack is the youngest ever winner of the tournament. Runners up were Oliver Stubbs and Joe Varley. In the Major First place was shared between Tommy Wilkins and Hayden Grifiths who both finished on 5/6. The Minor was a 3 way tie with Aviraj Bhaduri, Paul Foster and Dexter Wildsmith all finishing on 5/6.

Peter Wells Simultaneous 30/5/25 on 14th May, Stroud Chess club had a successful evening with their first Grand Master Simultaneous. Grand Master Peter Wells, one of England’s top players and chess authors, took on close to 30 challengers at once in the fun and relaxed setting of Star Anise cafe. Congratulations to Alex Carey of Stroud club and Jim Beaty of Cheltenham who both manage to score victories against their illustrious opponent.

Phil Meade - updated 14/4/25 The sad news of the death of Phil Meade reached us on 22nd February. Phil was a true stalwart of chess in North Gloucestershire, a long standing member of Cheltenham Chess Club, a strong player and qualified arbiter. Phil was often to be found arbiting at The Cotswold and other local Congress. For many years he helped with the running of the North Gloucestershire Individual Championship, a tournament which he won in 2017. Phil also undertook the job of drawing up the North Gloucestershire league fixtures, something he did with his characteristic care and attention to detail. He will be greatly missed. Phil’s funeral will be held at Cheltenham Crematorium, Willow Chapel at 3.30pm on Wednesday April 23rd. No flowers, but donations to The Woodland Trust or English Heritage

Indy Southcott-Moyers FM 30/5/25 Congratulations to Stroud junior Indy Southcott-Moyers who at the recent Fagernes in Norway, scored 4.5/9 including draws against no less that 4 GM’s and a victory over an IM. In the process he also managed to push his FIDE Elo rating over the critical 2300, and in so doing secured himself the title of Fide master. At the time of writing, Indy’s international success is continuing at the Norway Open, where he’s currently on 4/6 with 4 more draws against GM’s and two victories, one against IM Marta Garcia Martin

Stroud Spring Rapid 28/11/25 Stroud Chess Club have announced Saturday 28th February 2026 as the date for the next Stroud Rapid tournament. The venue will once again be St Matthew's Church Hall, St Matthews Church, Stroud GL5 4JE As for the previous Autumn tournament the number of places has been expanded to a maximum of 72 competitors and this will be the first Stroud rapid with 7 rather than 6 rounds. Full details can be found on the Stroud Club’s website here… https://www.stroudchess.club/spring-2026-rapid- tournament

North Gloucestershire Lightning Tournament 28/11/25 With Christmas fast approaching, it’s nearly time for something else which is fast, fun, but hopefully not furious!… The annual North Gloucestershire Lightning Tournament will take place at the Cheltenham Chess Club venue, the Victory Club, on Monday December 22nd. 10 sec per move, move on the buzzer. Arrive 7.15 for a 7.30 start. £2 entry fee, all fees returned as prizes.