This Month’s Thanks

Winter is coming to an end in the new year of 2025. The second half of the season is moving onward, and the league’s volunteers are working hard. Those who attended the AGM of 2024 will remember one of the objectives we set out was to make grading quick and efficient for our members, and so I’d like to give thanks to the Grading Officer volunteer who has helped us forward.

Steven Smith has now been playing in the league for many years, joining Castell Nedd chess club when I was a youngster and returning after university. He made his way through many teams, improving as a player and eventually hitting the top team, the Emperors. I remember when Steve would play in the lower boards, and we were ever in a turmoil as his time crept ever closer to the flag fall. His games were good, but his contemplation was ever his downfall. Over the last few years, he has certainly hit a new level, mastering the clock (though I still bite my nails when he reaches less than 5 seconds!) and gaining strength that makes him one of the best in the league (15th of the 120 league players!).

Passionate about the game, both over the board and out, I’ve had many interesting conversations with this contributor about the game’s future, having chuckles when reminiscing nights out at chess events, and hopes for his home club, Castell Nedd. He now takes on the role of captain of the Castell Nedd Chess Team in the 4NCL, organising hotels and transport to let players take the game further. This year he has become Grading Officer for the League and is doing a superb job. Results are up within days (if not hours) and his sharp eyes easily spot mistakes or issues that need to be looked in to. It’s always satisfying to see your grade changing after playing a game and the sooner the better! His help has made the committee’s job much easier, being able to deal with issues faster and provide an improved service for our members.

There are many volunteers in our league, and we are always looking out for more. Funding must be hunted down if we are to help schools and junior, raise prizes to make chess rewarding, and meet the costs of advertising. Article writing and the search for publicity is required if we are to draw in newcomers and show the benefits of chess to those of West Wales. Even the Treasurer’s position must be filled, a simple job that would even give you a vote and say on the decisions the league makes!

However, for this month we give thanks to Steven for the excellent job he has carried out and the many season we hope to see him helping.