Minutes of the AGM of Rushden Chess Club, held on 27th July 2026 at Irchester Bowls Club.

present: Hugh Murphy, Bob McDonald, Rob Lepley, Richard Ellis, Fraser Cooper, David Byles, Bob Ellam, Kevin Laban.

The minutes from the previous AGM in 2025 were approved.

Matters arising from the previous minutes: None.

Reports:

Chair: It was reported that Sean Davison had resigned as Chair, and had since disappeared from the club, along with his grandson Liam. We are sorry to see them go.

Secretary: Bob McDonald thanked Rob L and Jake R for their service in the year. (Rob also thanked Bob for his efforts at the club). Bob outlined the club’s performance in the Silver King league and explained that in the upcoming season we would have two teams in Division 2 since we have agreed to our A team being relegated from Division 1. Pleasingly, we won the Northants County Rapidplay and Raj Ganger won the trophy for the best player in the County Championship. Bob also mentioned the acquisition of several new members during the course of the year, particularly some enthusiastic Juniors.

Treasurer: Rob Lepley presented a summary of the accounts, and proposed raising the subscription rates: £60 for adults,(an increase of £10), and £35 for Juniors (up from £15). Rob explained that in order to “break even” these increases were essential. There was a general discussion about this, but after consideration, the general feeling of the meeting was that these rates were reasonable. It should be noted that there was no increase in the adult subscription last year.

Election of Officers:

               Chair: Bob McDonald was proposed and seconded by Rob Lepley and Hugh Murphy, as the new chair. He was elected unopposed.

Secretary and Treasurer: Jake Round and Rob Lepley were both re-confirmed in these positions, there being no other candidates. Zoe Harrison and Kevin Laban also agreed to join the committee and help out with the running of the club.

Antonio Mura had indicated that he no longer wished to be a Captain in the league. Richard Ellis agreed to take on the vacant role. As mentioned above, there will be two Rushden teams in Division 2 of the league, captained by Rob and Richard…..”Rushden Knights” and “Rushden Bishops”. Rob and Richard will arrange equally weighted squads after polling to see who would like to play this coming season.

Richard and Rob will arrange two internal tournaments similar to last year, when the calendar detailing league matches is published in early September.

Jake continues to be a very sound publicity officer, masterminding our social media and website. We need to strengthen our adult membership in particular.

Rob intends to apply for an ECF grant to promote Rushden Chess Club in the community, and will liaise with Kevin over a possible event late next Spring/early Summer. Hugh volunteered to do a “Simul” at this event all things being equal….and maybe even another interview with Radio Northampton…..thanks Hugh!

Rob is liaising with Nicola from Irchester Bowls Club about us having a celebratory meal at the club one Monday in the winter, to celebrate our 50th anniversary.