🕰️ The New Season Beckons
Hammers, the new season kicks off on 1st September, so please take this as a gentle reminder to:
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- renew your ECF membership;
- pay your Hammer membership fees this month.
It’s going to be an amazing year of chess at the club, with a packed calendar of events already taking shape. I urge you all to get involved.
🏆 Opening Night: The Hammer Oscars – 1st September
We’ll be launching the season with our traditional Hammer Oscars, hosted once again by our great friend GM Daniel King. This is our opportunity to celebrate last season’s stars – a brilliant evening that always delivers.
A highlight of the night will be the Game of the Season award, chosen by Daniel himself. If you have a game you’re proud of, submit it (with PGN or scoresheet and any context) to our club captain, Gaston, by 10th August. Just email him directly or speak to him at the club.
The winning game will be featured on Daniel’s Power Play Chess YouTube channel.
🌍 Hammer Goes Abroad – Save These Dates
🇧🇪 Ostend, Belgium
Our friends there are hosting a fantastic week of chess, including a 9-round Swiss tournament from 6–12 September.
Tournament details here.
🇫🇷 Marseille, France
Thanks to sterling work by Benji and Matt, we’re lining up a club weekend with the legendary Marseille Chess Club from 17–19 October. This promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Confirmation to follow within 7 days.
🇪🇸 Bilbao, Spain
Early talks are underway for a June 2026 visit to the Bilbao Chess Club. Watch this space.
Enjoy the rest of the summer – and see you soon at the board.
John