19/05/2026
****Chess Weekend Report by David Fowler****
Following on from 2025's 1st Glossop Chess Weekend 18 - 20 July, Glossop Chess Club ran their second Chess Weekend over 15 - 17 May at Bradbury Community House, Glossop.
The weekend was opened on the Friday evening with a junior / young players simultaneous display and discussion given by Grandmaster Keith Arkell with players from both Glossop and Stockport clubs. This was very enjoyable and provided much food for thought amongst the participants and was a great start to whole event. Later in the evening there was a 5 round 3+2 Blitz Tournament with 19 players, mostly from Glossop. Keith won this with 4 ½ / 5.
On Saturday the two-day tournament was officially opened with a short speech by High Peak Mayor Barbara Hastings - Asatourian who also made the traditional ceremonial first move on the top board.
The tournament was split into two sections, Open and Major (U1700) each comprising 5 rounds with a total of 67 players, many of whom had travelled long ditances to play. The top seed was GM Keith Arkell who finished in first place in the Open section with 4 1/2 / 5, talking home £500 in prize money.
Paul Macklin (Swinton&Worsley), Ali Jaunooby (Eccles) and Leysaa Bin-Suhayl (Broadland) were all on 4 / 5 and joint second (£116.66 each). The Major section was won jointly by Richard Bowman (Bingley & Keighley) and Paul Leonard (Atherton) winning £300 each.
The feedback from the players was very positive both about the whole event and Glossop itself (not least Mettrick's pork pies and quiches!).
Full results can be found at https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1416080.aspx?lan=1&art=0&fed=ENG&flag=30&SNode=S0
There was also the possibility for anyone to pop in at designated times to view the event, and it is hoped that those who came will look to play more chess in future. In particular on Sunday we had a number of juniors including 6 year old Nyx who had a game with Keith Arkell in which her play impressed him !
In addition to the chess, on the Saturday evening a social event was held in Pico Lounge with around twenty people enjoying the relaxing side of the event (as well as chess for some).
We were very grateful to have been sponsored by ChessPick, the simplest way to find and book online lessons with titled chess coaches, with support from MDS Book Sales, M.Davidson Shipping, McDonald's Glossop and Mettrick's Butchers with support from Tesco Glossop. We also would like to recognise HPBC Councillor Adie Hopkinson for support from his Councillor Initiative Fund
After a suitable break and time for reflection thoughts will turn to a 3rd Glossop Chess Weekend in 2027.....
