This will be held at The Mercure Parkway Hotel, Sheffield.  The AGM will take place at 20.15 on Saturday evening, 21st March.  We shall also aim to enable members to join in via an online platform if they prefer.

The hotel is situated within an industrial area.  However, Boundary Mills retail outlet is 15 minutes’ walk away along pavements with pedestrian crossings.  The Meadowhall shopping centre is 10 minutes’ drive away.  Whilst there are occasional buses, these cannot be relied upon.  A taxi from Sheffield station to the hotel costs around £15.  The old Sheffield Airport is nearby where there is a golf course and Waverley Lake which would provide a good area for dog walking.  There is a substantial grass area at the back of the hotel, running the full width of the hotel and car park, for dog spending.

We are hoping there will be enough entries to hold two five round Swiss tournaments – an Open and a Challengers for those whose rating or estimated rating is 1450 or below.  Both are open to blind and partially sighted players and to associate members of the BCA.  The entry fee for each tournament is £12.  Please state when booking which tournament you would like to enter – subject to eligibility.

Rooms will be available on the Friday afternoon from 15.00 with dinner that evening at 18.00.  Likely start times for the five games are 20.00 on the Friday evening, 09.45 and 14.00 on the Saturday and 09.45 and 14.00 on the Sunday, but these times might need to be changed depending on discussions with the hotel.  The rate of play is likely to be 90 minutes for each player for all moves.  Any player can request a half point bye in any one of the first four rounds or a delay in the start of their game in round 1 of 30 minutes.

Any enquiries about the Hotel or the tournament should be sent to John Fullwood or Julie Leonard (organiser.agm@braillechess.org.uk).  To enter, please complete the online form here.  The closing date for entries is Friday 6th February 2026.

The cost of dinner, bed and breakfast for members and associate members is £77 per person per night in a single room and £66 per person per night in a double or twin room.  This is also the cost for those wishing to stay Sunday night.  For example, three nights in a single room is 3 times £77 and if playing chess, add the £12 entry fee, making £243.  Please send full payment for your entry fee and accommodation to Tristram by the closing date.

Please send any resolutions or other items for inclusion on the AGM agenda to Guy Whitehouse by the end of December.  Also, let Guy know if you are planning to join the AGM online or attend the AGM without staying at the hotel so that we can let you have the AGM papers.