Chess Scotland Noticeboard

Phil Thomas · King Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 307

Following the recent news of Donna Officer's resignation and a period of concentrated thinking and consultation I have reached a decision.

I shall be standing for the post at the 2008 agm.

guiaman · King Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 187

I will also stand for this post at the 2008 AGM.

Angus McDonald

Gorgias · Queen Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Posts: 93

Rocksy123 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 10:20 am Post subject:

When is the 2008 AGM, do Juniors have the right to vote? - Just out of curiosity.
_________________
Daniel Rocks

Discofreakz · Pawn Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 8

Excellent to see people standing for such posts Smile

Best of luk on the campaign trail Razz

!

Phil Thomas · King Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 307

admin · Site Admin Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 360

That reminds me, I must renew my membership...

Phil Thomas · King Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 307

Chris (Hampton),

You wrote recently in a private email to me.

" I must regrettably seek advice on where I go from here".

Please clarify on this notice board the nature of the advice you will be seeking.

I will no longer respond to such e mails. I am now convinced that you have been bombarding me with criticism in the most vociferous fashion in order to provoke me into saying something that you can selectively quote for the benefit of Angus's campaign.

This is not normal protocol with private e mails. My private correspondence to you will cease forthwith.

However, perhaps you would like to start answering the many valid questions I have asked both yourself and Angus recently. I seem to be rather short on meaningful responses.

Since my points and direct questions have remained unanswered then I think it appropriate to put them onto the notice board in order to allow the rest of chess community to ponder the answers.

Discofreakz · Pawn Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 8

its a shame to see yet another position tarnished by arguing and silly in-fighting. you would think it was a by-election!!

guiaman · King Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 187

I wasn't going to post again to this thread but just quickly!

I won't be campaigning. I will ask for 10 minutes to speak at the AGM.

For the benefit of juniors and parents and all those interested in Junior Chess in Scotland who might be wondering what's happening I thought it best I say something.

Also, although I had initial differences of opinion with Donna it's now entirely evident what a good job she did for the juniors as International Director. She was working in what is quite a tough atmosphere. At any point she would like to reconsider her decision I'd be happy to support her and I'd urge other parents and juniors to do the same if she reconsidered her decision. I should also mention Jacob who also did excellent work during the time my children have been involved in the international team.

Anyway, We are where we are.

I believe both Phil and I would like to build on the work Donna has done and expand the opportunities available for juniors to represent their country. I'd certainly like to try and take more juniors to International events if appointed at the AGM. I believe Phil will do the same if he is appointed.

The main difference in focus will probably come down to how we build 'team spirit' amongst our international juniors. The top juniors come from different Chess backgrounds. I also think the future of 'Chess' is inextricably connected to the success of the juniors. I believe more cohesion within junior chess in Scotland will help create greater 'team spirit' in The Junior International Team. Success tends to breed more success and if some 'Juniors' break through to make big results internationally the whole profile of 'Chess' in Scotland will be lifted. That's good for all lovers of the game.

I'd urge all the talented juniors out there to keep faith in the greatness of the game and ignore 'silly adults' for a while more. I'm sure that Phil and I believe in your talent and would like to help you take it to your highest potential possible.

There are International Junior Tournaments coming up in July and whoever organises these events will likely need the support of parents and others to make sure Scotland is represented at these events. It would also be good going forward if there was a committee of interested parents and organisers to guide these things forward. Whoever organises the July junior events, I'll be happy to support by driving down to Liverpool from the north east with either car or minibus or meet the hired coach at Dundee as was the previous arrangement.

I'd also like to further suggest that the parents of Junior Internationalists or those likely to be selected in the near future meet at The Scottish Championships to further discuss matters involving the future of The Junior International Team.

This will be my last post to this thread unless juniors or parents or others interested in supporting The Junior International Team wish to discuss further the way forward for The Junior International Team.

Yours sincerely,

Angus McDonald

Phil Thomas · King Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 307

I don't require 10 minutes to speak at the agm.

My achievements within Junior Chess speak for themselves.

super saints · Knight Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 15

When one sees the acrimony appearing it is truly amazing Donna stayed in the roll for so long. I do hope for her own piece of mind she does not reconsider her decision to resign from this post

Lynsey · Bishop Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Perth

I may consider standing for this post. I will give it some thought over the next few weeks.

I work with children on a regular basis. Most juniors and parents know who i am, familiarity and trust is important with young people.
I am ambitious and motivated. Organised and have experience with booking fllights/ dealing with organisers and would be keen to (student funds allowing) accompany our juniors to events.
I don't have time for politics, your too long dead, its about what is best for children who simply want to play chess.
I would encourage consideration to be given to who is capable of not only playing chess to international standard but who has the right attitude and ability to represent Chess from Scotland.

Donna has done an outstanding job, she has dedicated as much as she can to the youth squad considering her hectic personal committments. Any junior involved would sing her praises because she takes us all under her wing. I think Donna has set an example to us all, its not just about being able to organise, its about caring for the juniors which is most important.

On behalf of all the juniors, (past & present) thank you for all your efforts, and the many happy memories which so many of us will take forward as we move on to new challenges in life. x

Lynsey

Mike Scott · King Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 215 Location: Edinburgh

Yes!! On all counts.

GN · King Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 167

According to the contacts page on this site, Chess Scotland currently have vacancies for 4 other positions:

Executive Director
Customer Services Director
Marketing Director
Home Chess Director

So, clearly there are plenty of jobs to go around for all those willing and able to give their time to further the chess cause in Scotland. Why don't some of you candidates take-up one of these other positions instead of fighting over this one? For example, it seems to me that adults and juniors alike would benefit if a Home Chess Director could be found given the dearth of adult events in Scotland these days. By contrast, junior chess appears to be thriving. No point investing all this time and effort into juniors if the events all dry up once they hit 18.