The Lothians Allegro 2013 - Remembrances

"Time it was, and what a time it was, it was
A time of innocence, a time of confidences
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you"

I suppose I have to start this blog with a sincere apology.  It had been my intention to blog from the Classic this year, but I, along with most of the staff, came down with the sickness virus.  It was hard enough to keep the live boards going, never mind writing a blog with a bucket next to me...

My resolution this year is to blog more.  There is something cathartic about putting your thoughts and musings down in print. Even more so when your own parents admit to reading your blog and complaining when one has not appeared for a while!

Today is the Lothians Allegro, the first tournament of 2013 and I am approaching it with a sense of sadness (along with a healthy dose of tiredness!).  The Lothians tournaments hold something special for me.  The Allegro was my first ever tournament.  I remember it well, scoring 3.5/5 going home pleased as anything and falling asleep where I was sitting in the living room as I was so tired!  The congress was the first ever that I won so I think it is fair to say that I have a real love of the Lothians.

The tiredness is simple, I left the house at 5:30am this morning to travel there.  I still question my I put myself through this, having just celebrated my thirty twelfth birthday (I refuse to turn 40!) the realisation that I am starting to move into middle aged (if not there already) strikes me for a minute before my brain goes into self defence mode and the child resurfaces :D

Its good to see that the barrier system is being used at Glasgow Central.  Having presented my ticket to the barrier and going through, I sit on the train.  We get about 2 minutes away from the station and the conductor comes round to check the tickets.  Isn't that what the barrier is for...

The sadness comes from the news that broke on January 1st, when the year was but in its' infancy, that the former Tournament Director, David Bond had passed away.  David was the TD when I started, he was still the TD when I practically gave up playing and concentrated on Arbiting and Politics.  David is going to be missed and will be in our thoughts today.

I will remember David fondly.  Apart from being the TD of the first ever tournamet that I played in, and being a fantastic help that day, David was the first person I ever played in an allegro league match, back in 2001.  It took place in a large pub come eaterie in the outskirts of Edinburgh and I was playing for the Livingston B team.  I was nervous but I really enjoyed the games (I liked the score even more!).  Our paths crossed a few times after then, then I became an arbiter and joined his team :D



(c) Chandler Corner.

Who is it that keeps saying that Chess in Scotland is dead???  161 entries at the tournament today.  I don't think I have ever been so busy in my life!!!  What was really pleasing was my section was fought out by a J15 and a J10.  In fact 2/3 of the top 9 were juniors!

Things are looking up again!