Due to the Lauriston no longer having catering facilities, the 33rd Chess Theme Break will be held at the Royal Hotel, 1 South Parade, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1JP (not to be confused with the Royal Grosvenor Hotel).  Please note that, as well as a change of venue, due to the fact that many of the coaches who used to attend this event, for various reasons, are no longer able to attend, and the fact of course that the trainees are just getting too good at chess, we’ve had to bring the rating level for trainees down to 1200. The positive to this of course is that it gives those who have received coaching for many years the opportunity to take on the role of coach and share what they’ve learned. So if your rating exceeds 1200, don’t be shy, please consider volunteering as a coach as we need all the coaches we can get. I’m aware that the rating system is quite precarious and also that some people may be uncertain of their rating. The figure used will be the one at time of booking and there will be some leeway. If you’re uncertain of your approximate rating at time of booking, please just tick your preference for coach or trainee and if you don’t fall into the relevant category, you will be contacted to discuss the matter further. Coaches will obviously be allocated appropriate trainees according to their rating. We will also do our best to try and provide some coaching to coaches who request it. Coaches will also have the opportunity to attend up to two How Good is Your Chess sessions.

This will be the first time we’ve stayed at the Royal, but we’ve checked it out and it appears to be an ideal venue, with an allocated area for guide dog spending. Please note, however, guide dog owners from now on will need to bring their own bowls, food, dog beds etc. The Royal Hotel is about a mile from Weston-Super-Mare railway station and a short walk from the seafront and the town centre shops. During the winter, dogs are allowed to run on the nearby beach.

As usual, the week will closely follow the tried and trusted programme developed by Peter and Celia Gibbs.  It will include coaching and an unrated rapid handicap tournament, where the champion wins a small trophy, and is free to enter.  There will be many social events you could join in and they might include a trip to a local pub.  I like to think of the Chess Theme Break as a chess holiday.  It’s a great way to improve your chess and catch up and meet new friends in a relaxed atmosphere.  Even if you don’t wish to participate in the chess and just want to come along for the company and the sea air, all are welcome.  To get a full flavour of the week, please refer to Mark’s article in the May 2026 Gazette.  Alternatively, please email Gary Wickett on organiser.ctb@braillechess.org.uk to find out more.

For members and associate members the cost of dinner, bed and breakfast for the week is £455 per person for single occupancy of a single or double/twin room (rooms will be allocated according to need) and £420 per person sharing a double or twin room.  The cost of individual nights for any member not staying the whole week is £65 per person for single occupancy and £60 per person per night sharing.  Before paying, please fill in the online form, which will be published soon.

The closing date may be subject to change, but as this is a new hotel, booked at a late stage in the day, to secure your place please book by Friday 13th November.