DORSET

The County of Dorset lies on the south coast of England. The main towns of any size are Dorchester, Weymouth, and Poole, where the County ends at the aptly-named County Gates- Bournemouth is not in Dorset, but in Hampshire. Lyme Regis, Bridport, and Swanage are holiday centres, while inland lie Blandford and Wimborne. In the north of the County, the town of Shaftesbury once had the distinction of being the largest town in England not served by a railway, (it lies on the top of a steep hill). The infamous Dr Beeching soon altered that state of affairs, not of course sensibly by finding a way to provide a railway, but by closing railways to even larger places.
The County is full of geographical and geological interest, from the almost (but not quite) an island of the Bill of Portland to the seven-mile long Chesil Beach, and the fossil-rich cliffs around Lyme Regis.
The most famous literary son of Dorset must be the author Thomas Hardy. Noticing a high place on the map marked ‘Hardy Monument’ I drove there, gratified to think that he had been commemorated in this way. But, sadly, the Hardy Monument was erected in honour of another Thomas Hardy – the Admiral.

Girls’ Chess in Dorset

ECGCF would be very glad to hear from anyone who feels capable of organising a girls’ chess team for this County. You will need a team of six U14 girls, (this can include girls from much younger age groups) who need NOT be strong players. The prospect of selection for their County often acts as a stimulant and incentive to concentrate on improving their strength.

If you are a person who could fulfil this very valuable task, please get into touch with ECGCF by telephoning 0202 8660 8564 or 0202 8405 9308, or by email to sgclecgcf@aol.com.

We will be able to provide you with a list of schools within your County where chess is already an established activity. From there on - it’s up to you!

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