02-09-2014, 08:29 PM
I played in the Largs congress last year and really enjoyed it. I wasn't able to play this year because of work commitments. I was able to travel up to the prizegiving this year after work and I was impressed by the new venue.
Largs is a lovely seaside town with beautiful views to the islands in the Clyde estuary. The fairground, Viking village and of course Nardini's are all right on the sea front. Accommodation can be pricier on busy weekends but the b and b quality and price that the organisers offered were very good, right next to the venue. There is a direct train link from Glasgow and pretty good bus and road links. The organisers tried to encourage folks from the east coast to enter by moving the start times forward to 11.15 am on the Saturday and Sunday.
The excellent Scotland Street school event in Glasgow may have had an impact on numbers but nothing too serious overall.
Numbers attending Largs were frankly disappointingly poor but I don't feel that the format of the event (all in one section) is directly responsible for the turnout. I know the guys well that organise this event and they won't be giving up easily! However, they need our support. Let's all try and attend this next year if you possibly can.
Sorry, forgot to say, nice touch by Quality chess providing additional book prizes which were very much appreciated.
Largs is a lovely seaside town with beautiful views to the islands in the Clyde estuary. The fairground, Viking village and of course Nardini's are all right on the sea front. Accommodation can be pricier on busy weekends but the b and b quality and price that the organisers offered were very good, right next to the venue. There is a direct train link from Glasgow and pretty good bus and road links. The organisers tried to encourage folks from the east coast to enter by moving the start times forward to 11.15 am on the Saturday and Sunday.
The excellent Scotland Street school event in Glasgow may have had an impact on numbers but nothing too serious overall.
Numbers attending Largs were frankly disappointingly poor but I don't feel that the format of the event (all in one section) is directly responsible for the turnout. I know the guys well that organise this event and they won't be giving up easily! However, they need our support. Let's all try and attend this next year if you possibly can.
Sorry, forgot to say, nice touch by Quality chess providing additional book prizes which were very much appreciated.