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Meet
the knights of the round table
Formed on the eve of the first world championship in 1996, the
Circular Chess Society is a non-profit making organisation.
It depends on the sales of the attractive Lincoln boards (and
sponsorship for tournaments) to survive and to expand.
The
society has organised open contests at venues around the
Roman city of Lincoln.
These include Lincoln Castle, St Mary's Guildhall (used
by King Henry VIII as a wine store) in the High Street,
Bishop Edward King House, next to the Cathedral, and the
Tap and Spile pub in Hungate (right).
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Whilst it is a serious international event with a significant
first prize (traditionally £200 for the winner), events
are open to intermediate and novice players and the atmosphere
is relaxed.
The annual world championship is complemented by a popular Chrimbo
Challenge tournament which is held in the New Year at the Tap
and Spile, the home of the Circular Chess Society for the last
10 years.
The first world championship was a knock-out tournament staged
at the Tap and Spile in 1996.
The final, between local government officers, Rob Stevens, from
Lincoln (below), and Mark Spink, from Nottinghamshire, was filmed
for a video release by an independent TV producer.
The
society received a further boost to its profile a few
weeks before the contest, when journalist Stephen Jarvis
penned a feature for the Daily Telegraph.
The publicity from the 20-minute film, from local radio
and various press articles, triggered a flood of requests
for the attractive and distinctive Lincoln boards.
In the months that followed more than 100 boards were
sold around the world. |
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The boards went to South Africa, Europe, Singapore, Ireland
and Canada, and the society took a stall at the world-famous
Lincoln Christmas Market in 1996 - generating further interest
in the pastime.
In 2001, the society's president David Reynolds presented the
Rt Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Patricia McGinlay,
with a commemorative Lincoln board, to go on show with other
civic trophies in the city's Guildhall.
The treasure trove, which is open to guided tours every Friday
and Saturday, includes a sword presented to the city by King
Richard II on a visit sometime during 1386-7.
Membership of the society is open to all - whether experts,
intermediates or novices.
Regular players meet every second Thursday evening at the Tap
and Spile, Hungate, Lincoln, and extend invitations to anyone
to enjoy a game over a drink and a chat.
LIMITED EDITION OFFER:
OWN A LINCOLN BOARD WITH ORNAMENTAL PIECES
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