News from 2026-27 for Oxfordshire Chess

Venue Change - Banbury Chess Club

The Banbury Chess Club venue is now at the Whately Hall Hotel (in the 
Parkside Suite) 16-19 Horse Fair, Banbury OX16 0AN

Free parking is available after 6pm in front of the hotel or the hotel car 
park is available (for the hotel car park you will need to input your car 
registration at the reception desk - otherwise a charge will apply). 

Refreshments: Bar available (card only)
				

Andrew English

I've received sad news that Andrew English passed away on 12th August 2026. Andrew was diagnosed with terminal cancer last November and received treatment in January this year. Andrew was a maths teacher at Abingdon Boys School. Being a keen chess player he started Abingdon Boys Chess Club, and in 2015 the school joined the ODCL. Andrew managed to secure weekly tuition from GM Peter Wells, and so it wasnt long before Abingdon Boys became a very competitive team within the ODCL. Andrew retired early to concentrate on his philosophical writing projects.

Oxford 4NCL - call for players for 2026-27 season

Dear Oxfordshire chess players

Are you interested in joining the Oxford(shire) squads for 4NCL (Four Nations Chess League) in the forthcoming season running from October 2026 to May 2027? We are likely to have three teams, one in Division 2, two in Division 4, and are keen to welcome new and returning players. Last season, the ratings of players in Division 2 were typically in the range 1900 to 2300; ratings of players in Division 4 were typically in the range 1400 to 2100.

More information on dates and venues can be found via the link below. If you are interested, please email [email protected]. We are very happy to chat through logistics, commitments and any other aspect of the competition.

Oxfordshire County A Team Captain required

Dear all,

As we prepare for the new season, we are looking for someone to take on the role of 
Oxfordshire County A Team Captain.

The commitment is relatively modest, with just six fixtures spread across an eight-month 
season, starting in October. The administrative responsibilities are also fairly light and 
include:

- Booking the venue for home matches.
- Managing the teams cash flow.
- Organising and selecting the team for each fixture.

This is an important role that helps ensure we can continue to field a County A team, and we 
would be very grateful if someone was willing to step forward.

If you think you might be interested, or would simply like to find out more about what is involved 
with no obligation, please get in touch with Tony Burcham via email at
[email protected]. I would be very happy to discuss the role in more detail and answer 
any questions you may have.

Thank you for considering it, and I hope to hear from one or more of you soon.

Kind regards,

Tony Burcham