The Hampshire Chess Association was formed in 1890 (1) under the instigation of Joseph Blake of Southampton Chess Club.
Currently the two main sources of information I have is the SCCU Chronology supplied by SCCU Archivist Anthony Fulton, which includes the potted history of the Hampshire Chess Association as well as the results of the matches played by Hampshire.
In addition F.Taylor the Hon. Secretary of the HCA from 1934 to 1940 completed a detailed document in 1944 and this included information on numerous activities in Hampshire up to the start of the 2nd world war. I will add the current and previous HCA Officers to this page.
HCA Officers
The current HCA Officers are as below. Please check on the Hampshire Chess Association website for contact details.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Peter Eales |
| Vice-President | Lucas Piecha |
| Secretary | Graham Stuart |
| Treasurer | Gillian Moore |
| Match Captain (WECU) | Vacant |
| Match Captain (Chiltern) | Fraser McLeod |
| Match Captain (Under-1850/1650 Captain) | Ashraf Syed |
| Grading/Results Officer | Roger Marsh |
| Delegate to HJCA | Lucas Piecha |
| Junior Organiser | |
| Correspondence Match Captain | Phil Barber |
| Webmaster | Mickey Blake |
| ECF Delegate | Graham Stuart |
| WECU Delegates: Exec | Graham Stuart |
| WECU Delegates: Council | Vacant |
| Chiltern League Delegate | Vacant |
| Publicity Officer | Vacant |
| Archivist | Graham Stuart |
| Hampshire League Conductor & Quickplay Organiser | Roger Marsh |
| Individual Championship Co-ordinator | Gillian Moore |
| Safeguarding Officer | Rob Sims |
| Honorary Examiner | Prof G.Jones |
Hampshire Chess Association SCCU Chronology
I would like to thank Anthony Fulton the SCCU Archivist for supplying this chronology of Hampshire Chess from his records. In addition, I have updated County successes on the Hampshire County Chess History page (also available from the menu under HCA History).
HCA SCCU Chronology
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Although no formal association exists the county’s first ever county match is against Sussex Chess Association (formed 1882). ‘Hampshire’s’ scratch team is comprised of players from the following clubs/areas: Alton, Bishop’s Waltham, Bournemouth, Havant, Petersfield, Portsmouth, and Southampton. Hampshire win 30-26. The result prompts discussion as to why the county has no Association. No further action taken. |
| 1888 | Isle of Wight Chess Association formed |
| 1889 | A return match against Sussex is played against Sussex Chess Association. ‘Hampshire’s’ scratch team is comprised of players from the following clubs/areas: Bishop’s Waltham, Bournemouth, Havant, Newport, Portsmouth, Romsey, Ryde, and Southampton. Hampshire lose 10-11 Again discussion about forming the association. |
| 1890 | Southampton Chess Club moot the idea of Association (February). Newspaper articles (May) highlight that with the exception of East Anglia and Hampshire chess associations exist along the Eastern and Southern coastlines of England this catalyses action within area to form one. Hampshire Chess Association formed under the instigation of J. Blake. IOW affiliate but do maintain their own Association. OTB matches played on regular basis against Kent (1889), Surrey (1883) and Sussex. |
| 1892 | Hampshire’s victory against Sussex (15.5-7.5) precipitates discussion about where chess is strongest and begins process of 1st North vs. South match. Hampshire’s 1st match against Wiltshire (1889). Affiliate to SCCU although doubt expressed whether the body was needed so at first only prepared to observe |
| 1893 | 6 Hampshire players participate in the 1st North vs. South match. Enter SCCU’s Championship of Southern Counties (renamed Shannon Trophy in 1935) placed in South East group with Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. 1st Championship match vs. Sussex |
| 1894 | 2nd Championship match vs. Surrey. The match against Kent in inaugural Championship scratched. This will be a regular feature until 1898 after SCCU threaten to apply penalty for incomplete matches. 4 Hampshire players participate in the 2nd North vs. South match |
| 1898 | 1st Championship match against Kent (1898-99 cycle) |
| 1900 | National Chess Conference confirm distribution of counties amongst the 3 extant Unions (Midlands Counties Chess Association, Northern Counties Chess Association, and SCCU). Hampshire assigned to SCCU. IOW considered as Hampshire however do continue to maintain own Association. |
| 1911 | J.H. Blake elected President of SCCU – one term only |
| 1928 | Maiden win of Montague Jones Trophy (1927-28) proceeds to maiden Championship final. 1927-28 Championship final against Middlesex played at outset of 1928-29 cycle, the first time a match carried forward. Match lost 6-10. |
| 1930 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1929-30) lose to Surrey (5.5-10.5) in Championship final |
| 1932 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1931-32) lose to Middlesex (3-13) in Championship final |
| 1933 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1932-33) lose to Surrey (6.5-9.5) in Championship final |
| 1938 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1937-38) lose to Surrey (7.5-17.5) in Championship final |
| 1948 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1947-48). Maiden Championship win (1947-48). Hampshire defeat Surrey 9.5-6.5 |
| 1953 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1952-53) lose to Middlesex (3.5-12.5) in Championship final |
| 1955 | Affiliates to West of England Chess Association (WECA formed 1947). 1st West of England Championship match (renamed Harold Meek Trophy) vs. Dorset. Hampshire win 15.5-9.5. 2nd Harold Meek match vs. Wiltshire. Hampshire win 17-8 |
| 1956 | Play Gloucestershire in Harold Meek Trophy final (1955-56). Hampshire win 15.5-9.5. Win Montague Jones Trophy (1955-56) lose to Middlesex (4.5-15.5) in Championship final. Participate in discussion with other WECA members (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire) about forming West of England Chess Union (WECU) however express doubt about need and success |
| 1957 | Hampshire win Harold Meek Trophy (1956-57). Decline opportunity to leave SCCU and affiliate to WECU |
| 1958 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1957-58) |
| 1964 | Win Stevenson Trophy (1963-64). J.E.C. Grant elected SCCU President one term only |
| 1968 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1967-68) |
| 1969 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1968-69) |
| 1970 | Win Montague Jones Trophy (1969-70). Win Championship (1969-70) [Note: SCCU Bulletin states that 1969-70 Championship final played at outset of 1970-71 with Hampshire (SCCU South winners) defeating Cambridgeshire (SCCU North winners) 10.5-9.5 thus Hampshire should be recognised as SCCU Champions alongside Montague Jones (winners of South division weighted competition) however SCCU archived website shows Cambridgeshire as Champions when in fact they were SCCU North Champions!] Maiden Amboyna Trophy (50 board league matches) 1969-70 |
| 1972 | Rescind SCCU affiliation and affiliates to WECU |
HCA Formation – Oct 1890
