Ray,raycollett wrote:There are a few difficulties with this proposal and perhaps the greatest issue would be finding a large enough venue with sufficient accommodation for nearly 700 players and enough organisers to run such an an event. It could be done, but it would require much planning.David Pardoe wrote: I`d like to see a more fundamental change to the Counties National Finals stages, reducing from present arrangements to just one grand `jamboree style` Finals.
This was discussed further on P10 of the `Twice yearly Longplay grading..Good or Bad` thread..see under the `ECF Matters` thread. Roger de Coverley suggested that just combining the Semi Final & Final stages into one `two-day` Jamboree style Finale, perhaps at the Barcelo Hotel, Hinckley (similar to the 4NCL finals weekend recently, which proved very successful) might be better. This could still save significant amounts in room hire, time, and travel and might give the event a more focused & streamlined look. It might also allow some extra time for the `qualifier` stages, since many captains can find this a struggle during the winter months. Stewart Reubens seemed to think this sounded like a workable idea and suggested that perhaps a survey should be conducted.
Certainly, such an event might boost interest and if the various regional Press boys were invited, it might also give some useful publicity for chess & the ECF.