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Who are we?
We
are the UK
association of visually impaired chess players. Our aim is to encourage and
support the playing of chess at all levels by blind and partially sighted
people.
How do we do this?
We run three chess tournaments each year. Two weekend events in spring and
autumn, and a week long event in the summer. We also run postal events in
which members send moves to each other in Braille, on tape or by email.
What else do we do?
We run an audio library of chess literature on tape, CD and MP3 format. We
make some of the vast number of printed chess books available as e-books.
We offer free coaching and tuition. Our technical committee work to ensure
that visually impaired players have good quality adapted chess sets and
chess clocks. We offer advice on the use of Fritz and other chess software
by blind people.
How do we keep members informed?
By our quarterly newsletter “BCA Gazette”, in Braille, print,
large print, audio format and email, and by our website: www.braillechess.org.uk
We have also set up a Yahoo email user group.
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Do we participate at international level?
Yes, we enter teams in the Olympiad and World team cup and individuals in
World and European championships. We also participate in a six nations
tournament, which can include such countries as Austria, Ireland, Germany,
Switzerland, France, The Netherlands and Belgium as well as other friendly
events such as: the annual event for visually impaired players and their
sighted friends in Haaksbergen, in The Netherlands.
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What material benefits do blind and partially sighted
people gain from joining the BCA?
Members receive subsidised rates for accommodation in events we run. In addition
to the generous financial support we give to leading players in
international events we encourage our grass roots members to participate in
mainstream events and overseas events by offering them a grant to offset
some of the costs of travel and accommodation. Visually impaired UK
residents receive their first BCA weekend event free or £100 reduction in
the cost of a week long event. They may also be accompanied by a guide or
companion who will receive the same concession.
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What about young members?
Visually impaired UK residents under 25 receive free membership plus free
entry and free accommodation in the BCA events. In some circumstances the parent
or guardian of a visually impaired child may also receive free
accommodation.
Who can become a member of the BCA?
Ordinary membership is open to blind and partially sighted people. Sighted
friends and family may join as associate members. Associate members play a
vital role within the association and they are eligible to play in most of
our tournaments.
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What does it cost?
Membership costs just £7 per year or £20 for five year membership. Life membership
is £50. Visually impaired UK residents under 25 receive free membership. UK
sighted associate members under 18 receive free membership.
To join or to get more information about the Braille Chess Association,
please use one of the following contact details.
BCA secretary:
Norman Wragg,
OBE
Email our secretary
BCA publicity Officer:
Stan Lovell
Email our Publicity Officer
Our membership secretary:
David Hodgkins
Email our membership secretary
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