Avid readers of this website may have begun to suspect that the motives of the NLC Chess Circle are not all that they first appear. The keen eyed will note the near balance between reportage of chess-table conquests and dinner-table conquests. A more cold-hearted critic might even suggest that NLC chess is an elaborate ruse with the sole intention being to secure expansive dinners at other Clubs.
The NLC Chess Circle categorically denies that the attraction of numerous hearty meals (with matched wines) plays any part in the considerations of the Chess Circle. Chess is all.
With that matter satisfactorily resolved, here’s a report all about a dinner and no chess.
Tuesday 12 September saw the Hamilton-Russell Cup Annual Dinner, hosted this year at the wonderful Hurlingham Club.
It’s a fine shack.
The NLC sent two hardy emissaries – Mister Widdicombe and Mister Whitely – to fly the yellow, green and navy. The menu was formidable:
The NLC received a number of honourable mentions in the speeches. We were congratulated on our participation in the Hamilton-Russell again after so many years absence. The Lightening Tournament was mentioned as a very welcome addition to the Hamilton-Russell calendar and a full and creditable contribution to the vigour of Clubland chess. The regular Tuesday social chess was welcomed as a further strong contribution.
A report of the dinner can be found on the excellent Hamilton-Russell website.
Reflecting over a cognac and cigar at the end of the night , Mister Widdicombe was of the view that the NLC Chess Circle has acquitted itself rather well in this first season. The efforts of all our members, in all our different ways, should indeed be recognised and congratulated – as it duly was this evening by the Hamilton-Russell establishment. From such small beginnings 18 months ago we’ve come a long way.
And with that, the Hamilton-Russell season 2017-18 was declared underway.
God help us.