I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Peter Anderson as Webmaster and Martin Clancy, League Controller, both appointed from tomorrow, 1 June ’20.

With my retirement from chess admin today, I would just like to say it has been an honour and privilege to serve both Leagues for the last 6 years in a combined role. I have worked with some inspiring people and made many friendships. I need to especially thank Niki Buskell who has hosted the Dorset Chess website and kept it running efficiently every day. With my lack of a computing technical background, I could not have been Webmaster without Niki.

Much has happened over these years and I would like to highlight 2 developments. The adoption of the ECF League Management System (LMS) 3 years ago has been tremendously successful. Captains have uploaded results quickly and added comments on the match to create interest. Secondly, the launch of the welcoming and friendly Bacchus League, enabling players to enjoy inter-club match experience, often for the first time. I think Bacchus is so important to give new and emerging members, particularly juniors, a sense of being both involved and recognised.

We have a sound infrastructure in place for the day when over the board chess eventually returns. Peter and Martin bring excellent experience and technical skills to their new roles and, on behalf of everyone involved with Dorset Chess, I sincerely wish them well. The future is in good hands.

Best wishes,

Mike (Mike Jay, Webmaster and League Controller)