When we hold the Rapid on Thursday 28 March 2024, the College will still be in session on the last day of term before their Easter break. With the kind co-operation of the College, space has been secured for the Rapid to proceed, playing in the Hall and, if needed, Room 7; both on the Ground Floor.
There will, however, be restrictions and players and their families and friends will need to observe and respect the following factors:
- This College specifically caters for students with learning difficulties and special needs, so we must be respect this;
- The College will be in session and will be very full. Classes finish at 15:00 at the earliest, after which at end of day, students congregate in the cafeteria and await pick up by their carers;
- It is ESSENTIAL that students have easy access to the cafeteria for meals. Chess families and friends will be required to respect this and NOT occupy the cafeteria. Those coming in cars: it is probably best for you to wait in your cars on Thursday. For others, or alternatively, if the weather is good there is a very pleasant area in the gardens and house of Southchurch Hall, immediately behind the College, entry in Southchurch Hall Close.
Link to https://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/southchurch-hall - Players in the Rapid: between rounds please AVOID crowding in the corridor and KEEP NOISE TO A MINIMUM;
- We shall not be able to provide catering until late afternoon at the earliest. It is advisable for those attending to be self-sufficient, e.g. bring packed lunch, plenty of drinks, etc.
Normal service will resume for the Congress Fri 29 March – Monday 1 April
The above restrictions apply only for Thursday 28 March 2024. For those also playing in the Congress, from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, we shall have sole occupation and the Congress will proceed as usual with full access to the cafeteria and yElena’s usual fare of hot and cold drinks, snacks and hot meals.
Click here for the full notice (pdf)
Players who have entered the Rapid have been emailed separately with the full notice.
Southend Easter Chess Festival 