Published 26 August 2010

ECF 2010 Report - Andrew Farthing May 2010

Since the last WCA meeting, there have been two ECF Council Meetings, in October and April. The October meeting was dominated by the news that the Department of Culture, Media & Sport had suspended its annual grant of £60,000 to the ECF, due to concerns over consecutive annual deficits in the Dederation's accounts. Since then, the ECF has produced a financial recovery plan, as a result of which the DCMS reinstated the grant. October also saw the elections for the ECF Board. The principal changes were:

  • CJ de Mooi (of Eggheads fame, for those who watch TV quiz shows) was elected President;
  • Adam Raoof (a well-known congress organiser) was elected Director of Home Chess, defeating the incumbent, Cyril Johnson, from the MCCU;
  • Lawrence Cooper became Director of international Chess;
  • Stewart Reuben became Director of marketing;
  • Nigel Short (who needs no introduction!) was elected FIDE Delegate.

Shortly after the October meeting, the ECF finally succeeded in finding a Director of Finance, gareth Caller who works for the National Audit Office (analysing the national debt!). At the meeting last weekend (17 April), the following decisions affecting the WCA and ECF Direct Members were taken on membership fees and game fee:

  • Game Fee will be increased from 50p to 54p;
  • Standard membership will increase from £20 to £25 (Juniors from £15 to £20);
  • Full and Family memberships remain unchanged at £52 and £56 respectively;
  • The minimum membership fee for Member Organisations remains unchanged at £52

After some debate, the ECF's 2010/11 budget was approved, including limited continuing support for the much delayed Chess for Schools free chess sets initiative. (NB. The ECF has now launched its online Certificate of Merit scheme, aimed primarily at schools, providing teachers and coaches with materials and giving pupils means of testing their progress). Finally, Council approved a proposal to introduce a new board position of Chairman, to support the existing Chief Executive and President. Elections for this post will be held in October.