The 32nd Chess Theme Break will be held at the Lauriston Hotel, 6-12 Knightstone Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 2AN. This will be the fourth time running we’ve held the CTB at the Lauriston; with its friendly and helpful staff, delicious food, comfortable rooms and being a modest size, it is the perfect venue. The hotel is also in an excellent location, one mile from Weston-super-Mare railway station, a short walk from the seafront and the town centre shops. Beds and bowls are provided for guide dogs. Dog food can also be sent to the hotel by post or courier and the hotel will distribute it to the appropriate rooms for those who would prefer not to transport it themselves. During the winter, dogs are allowed to run on the nearby beach.

It is anticipated that the week will closely follow the tried and trusted programme developed by Peter and Celia Gibbs over many years. It will include coaching provided by more experienced BCA members, a non rated rapid play tournament and many social events. Please refer to Mark’s report on the 31st Chess Theme Break in the May 2025 gazette to get a flavour of what the week entails. Alternatively, get in touch with the organiser, Gary Wickett Email: organiser.ctb@braillechess.org.uk to find out more.

All members and any visually impaired person who wishes to learn chess or improve their chess can take part. Any member with a rating of about 1400 or higher who would like to assist with the coaching would also be most welcome, as would anyone seeking a winter break with BCA friends.

For members, the cost of dinner, bed and breakfast for the week is £420 per person in a single room or sharing a double or twin room, and £455 per person for single occupancy of a double or twin room. The cost of individual nights for any member not staying the whole week is £60 per person in a single room or sharing, and £65 per person for single occupancy. With all these prices, an increased members’ discount of £20 per person per night has already been taken off and so no grants will be paid to coaches and trainees after the event. If there is sufficient interest it may be possible to arrange an excursion for the free day at an additional cost.

Bookings can be made via the appropriate online form on https://braillechess.org.uk/events/event-forms or by contacting Gary Wickett. Please say whether you’re attending as a trainee, a coach or a non-chess person. The closing date is 29th November 2025. Early booking is advised, especially if you’d like a single room or a room with a bath as there are limited numbers of these. Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are only reserved when the BCA has received your payment. Payments made to the BCA are refundable until the money is forwarded to the hotel, which will be in the first half of December. No refunds are possible after that time and therefore we strongly advise members to take out holiday insurance.