Eccles Chess AGM, Awards & News 2025
A Remarkable Year for Eccles Community Chess Club
The 2024/25 season has been an exceptional one for bringing people together to play chess across Greater Manchester.
Two delegates from Eccles were invited by Salford City Council to take part in the French European FIDE Chess Tournament held in St Ouen, Paris. Eccles achieved a historic result — taking first and second place in the event. The last Eccles player to win this tournament was Marcial Flores (Totty), who triumphed in both 2010 and 2011.
Salford is twinned with St Ouen, and the connection continues to grow. Barbara Farrar has once again been asked by Salford City Council to select two leading players, ideally with one rated above 1800 ELO, to represent Salford in the next tournament scheduled for December 12–15, 2025.
If you are a strong player from a Salford-based club and would like to take part in this FIDE-rated event, please get in touch before November 10, 2025.
The tournament is sponsored jointly by St Ouen and Salford City Council as part of the towns’ twinning partnership.
See more on Salford Now: https://salfordnow.co.uk/2024/12/20/eccles-chess-club-members-win-the-french-european-chess-tournament/
2024/25 Trophies & Awards
- ECCLES WIN THE MANCHESTER & STOCKPORT CHESS LEAGUE 2024/25
- Manchester Chess Federation (MCF) A Division: Silver King — Winners: Eccles
- MCF B Division: Silver Queen — Winners: Eccles
- MCF B Division: Wahltuch Cup — Winners: Eccles
- Stockport League: Double winners — League & Charnley Cup — Winners: Eccles
- Warrington C Division: Trophy retained
- South East Lancashire Summer League D Division: — Winners: Eccles
- French European FIDE Chess Tournament — First & Second place
Individual Awards
Mike Surtees — Bramley-Harker Award for best individual performance (MCF B Division)
Please Note: Eccles had initially won the C Division Silver Rook, but this result was later reversed by members of the MCF Council.
Similarly, Mick Connor, who qualified for the individual Bramley-Harker Award in the C Division, had his award later removed following an MCF Council decision. The award was then given to 3C’s player Andrew Lewis
Eccles AGM — October 4, 2025
Relations with the Manchester Chess Federation (MCF)
During the meeting, members discussed ongoing issues with the MCF. A minority of the MCF Council had declared Barbara and Stephen Farrar “unwelcome” for any future involvement in MCF league match activity — despite six years of service that included council attendance, team captaincy, result reporting, and venue provision.
Under new MCF restrictions, The managers of Eccles were told their only duty was to provide a venue to facilitate league matches, effectively excluding them from all other roles. A trial period to delegate responsibilities to others proved unworkable.
Consequently, the Eccles Management Committee voted unanimously to withdraw from the MCF for the current season. Members viewed the actions of the MCF Council as unjustified and unfair.
The club will remain open to rejoining the MCF once a clear explanation are offered and they are made to feel welcome.
This season, Eccles will field teams in the Stockport, Warrington, and Bolton leagues — hosting matches at both the Eccles home and High Street venues.
The club reaffirmed its belief that chess is for everyone — regardless of age, gender, nationality, or background — and that mutual respect should guide all Manchester chess activities.
Hosting More Tournaments
Eccles recently hosted its first FIDE/ECF Classic Chess Event at Eccles Town Hall, which proved a great success. Building on this, the club aims to host more FIDE-rated events, including a potential Classic Tournament designed to help ambitious players work toward Grandmaster status — an ambitious but achievable goal.
Looking Ahead
Interest in chess among junior and beginner players continues to grow. To nurture this enthusiasm, Eccles has introduced a Ladies and Learners Night, giving new players the chance to develop their skills.
The goal is to help emerging players gain experience through inter-club matches against opponents of similar strength. Unfortunately, most local Autumn/Winter leagues lack divisions for entry-level players, leaving the South East Lancashire Summer League as the main opportunity for them to compete.
To address the shortage of organisers and arbiters, Eccles will soon launch a Chess Arbiter Training Course. If you’re interested in becoming an arbiter, please get in touch.
Membership Subscriptions 2025/26
| Category | Yearly Fee |
| Adults | £24 |
| Pensioners | £10 |
| Juniors (under 16) | £5 |
| Visitors & Non-Members | Free |
Honorary Members
GM Keith Arkell (Patron)
GM Danny Gormally
Your membership helps support a friendly and welcoming venue and covers the cost of equipment, coaching, rated games, and more. Donations are always appreciated – every £1 donated helps keep the club running.
Membership Benefits
- Comfortable, welcoming venue
- Full chess equipment
- Training, coaching, and mentoring
- Game analysis and homework support
- ECF-rated and friendly games
- League matches and tournaments
- Regular community chess events
- Free refreshments
- Great atmosphere and friendships
- Excellent value for money
Volunteers Needed
Our biggest challenge is the shortage of volunteers. We urgently need help with:
- Team captaincy
- Setting up boards and equipment
- Teaching beginners
- Transporting players to away matches
- Opening and closing the venue
- Making tea and supporting events
Every contribution makes a difference — together we can continue to make Chess in the Community thrive
A Big Thank You!
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played, supported, and donated to Eccles Chess. Your continued commitment keeps chess alive and vibrant in the Chess Communitty of Greater Manchester.
Chess in the Community brings people together — here’s to another exciting year ahead!
Club Nights
Monday:
- Ladies, Learners & Beginners — 6:30–7:30pm
- Entry-Level Coaching — 7:30–8:30pm
- Intermediate & Advanced Play — until late
Wednesday:
- “Chess for Everyone” Night — from 7pm until late
- Friendly and ECF Rapidplay games for all levels
Free Refreshments – Free Local Parking – Donations Welcome
- 21 Church Street, Eccles, M30 0DF
- Email: eccleschess.com
- Contact Barbara: 07743 888585
Chess in the Community – Keeping Chess Live!