BCA – Bringing Chess To Visually Impaired People

32nd Chess Theme Break

The Chess Theme Break was held in Weston-super-Mare. (Knightstone Pier pictured.)

In January 2026, BCA members met in Weston-super-Mare for the 32nd Chess Theme Break!  We were delighted to have one of the co-founders of this event with us.  Celia Gibbs ran them with her husband, Peter, for 27 years!

Celia Gibbs, who founded the Chess Theme Break event with her husband, Peter.
Celia Gibbs, who founded the Chess Theme Break event with her husband, Peter.

The week began with three days of coaching held for members, by members.

L to R: Susan Hughes and Anthony Wilcox are coached by Gary Wickett.
L to R: Susan Hughes and Anthony Wilcox are coached by Gary Wickett.
Gerry Walsh (2nd L) runs a How Good is Your Chess session for (L to R) Helen Humle, Richard Harrington, Mark Noble and Abi Baker.
Gerry Walsh (2nd L) runs a How Good is Your Chess session for (L to R) Helen Humle, Richard Harrington, Mark Noble and Abi Baker.
L to R: Stan Lovell coaches Thuy Mallalieu and Simon Highsmith.
L to R: Stan Lovell coaches Thuy Mallalieu and Simon Highsmith.
L to R: Mark Hague and Dan Rugman are coached by Richard Murphy.
L to R: Mark Hague and Dan Rugman are coached by Richard Murphy.
Brandan Read (2nd right) coaches (L to R) Des Masterson, Gill Smith and Lea Ryan.
Brandan Read (2nd right) coaches (L to R) Des Masterson, Gill Smith and Lea Ryan.

After that there was a rest day with an excursion to Wells.

The staff at Wells cathedral thoughtfully provided Braille leaflets.
The staff at Wells cathedral thoughtfully provided Braille leaflets.
Touring Wells Cathedral.
Touring Wells Cathedral.
A group lunch at Wells Cathedral cafe.
A group lunch at Wells Cathedral cafe.

There was entertainment every evening as well as a group lunch at a local cafe, so everyone had an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make some new ones!

Abi Baker and Gill Smith organised a Call My Bluff style quiz.
Abi Baker and Gill Smith organised a Call My Bluff style quiz.
Colin Chambers and Claire Norman in matching BCA shirts.
Colin Chambers and Claire Norman in matching BCA shirts.
Mark Hague and Lea Ryan sporting their chess t-shirts.
Mark Hague and Lea Ryan sporting their chess t-shirts.
Gary Wickett catches up with Colin and Barbara Chambers over a few drinks.
Gary Wickett catches up with Colin and Barbara Chambers over a few drinks.
Group lunch at the Greenhouse cafe.
Group lunch at the Greenhouse cafe.
Guide dog Sky invaded the stage when Chris Rainbow was performing for us!
Guide dog Sky invaded the stage when Chris Rainbow was performing for us!

After the rest day at the Chess Theme Break there was a tournament so people could put into practice what they’d learned.

L to R: Richard Murphy looks on as Anthony Wilcox takes on Helen Humle.
L to R: Richard Murphy looks on as Anthony Wilcox takes on Helen Humle.
Tony Lawton (L) v Richard Harrington
Tony Lawton (L) v Richard Harrington
Mark Noble (L) v Gary Wickett
Mark Noble (L) v Gary Wickett
L to R: Helen Humle watches as Des Masterson plays Anthony Wilcox
L to R: Helen Humle watches as Des Masterson plays Anthony Wilcox

Gary Wickett won the trophy on tie-break, narrowly beating Simon Highsmith.

Gary Wickett (R) won the tournament and was presented with the 2026 Peter and Celia Gibbs Award. Presenting the trophy are arbiter Gerry Walsh (L) and Claire Norman, daughter of Peter and Celia.
Gary Wickett (R) won the tournament and was presented with the 2026 Peter and Celia Gibbs Award. Presenting the trophy are arbiter Gerry Walsh (L) and Claire Norman, daughter of Peter and Celia.

There was also a chess challenge from members of the Weston-super-Mare club.

L to R: Kerry Kyriacou from the Weston Chess Club takes on Tony Lawton and Gill Smith.
L to R: Kerry Kyriacou from the Weston Chess Club takes on Tony Lawton and Gill Smith.
L to R: Weston player Malcolm Dinham plays against Gary Wickett and Richard Harrington.
L to R: Weston player Malcolm Dinham plays against Gary Wickett and Richard Harrington.
L to R: Mike Davis, another local player, challenges Mark Hague.
L to R: Mike Davis, another local player, challenges Mark Hague.

Evening entertainment included a murder mystery and some music.

The cast of the Murder Mystery (L to R Claire Norman, Freya Smith, Richard Murphy, Gerry Walsh and Molly Lewis) are on stage, with author, Julie Leonard, standing.
The cast of the Murder Mystery (L to R Claire Norman, Freya Smith, Richard Murphy, Gerry Walsh and Molly Lewis) are on stage, with author, Julie Leonard, standing.
Tanvi Muir and her team mates examine tactile clues to solve the mystery.
Tanvi Muir and her team mates examine tactile clues to solve the mystery.
Freya Smith aka Capt. Cut-throat Kate, with her parrot.
Freya Smith aka Capt. Cut-throat Kate, with her parrot.
L to R: Tanvi Muir on piano and Thuy Mallalieu on guitar.
L to R: Tanvi Muir on piano and Thuy Mallalieu on guitar.
L to R: Julie Leonard on guitar and Gary Wickett on ukulele.
L to R: Julie Leonard on guitar and Gary Wickett on ukulele.

There was also a raffle to raise funds for our charity.

Freya Smith (centre) ran a very successful raffle to raise funds for the BCA.
Freya Smith (centre) ran a very successful raffle to raise funds for the BCA.

A good week was had by all!

L to R: Gill Smith, Richard Harrington, John and Pam Jenkins.
L to R: Gill Smith, Richard Harrington, John and Pam Jenkins.

Julie Leonard

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