14 Dromeen Ave, Beaumont, Dublin 9

February 3, 2002

 Dear members,

At the outset, let me apologise for the delay in the production of the latest version of our newsletter. As you know, we are a small voluntary organisation heavily dependent on the efforts of a few people. We can ill afford to lose any people but unfortunately we have now lost both our newsletter editor (Jonathan O Connor) and our Web-master (Basil Henrick) to the pressures of life outside of chess. We will miss them both very much and we thank them on your behalf for all of their efforts in the past. We wish them well and hope that some day, time will allow them to help us out again.

 Tim Harding has kindly offered to fill the temporary void created by these departures until we can get two replacements. We cannot impose on Tim’s generosity for too long so I would earnestly appeal to anyone out there who feels that they could do either job to contact any of the committee as soon as possible. You do not have to be an expert to do either job, nor will they impose greatly on your valuable time but information is the lifeblood of any organisation and these posts are critical to our survival. I cannot over-emphasise the need for us to find replacements as soon as possible. If we want to survive then we need your help so please think about offering your services.

 In the meantime, take time out to read the newsletter – it contains much useful information and some interesting games. It is also that time of the year when we have to ask you for money but I think you will agree that there is little that would compare for value in our annual fees. Please send in your fees as soon as possible.

 I should also mention that I am looking at organising at least two friendly matches this year against Switzerland and France so if you haven’t volunteered yet then let me know if you are interested – both will be a combination of snail and email.

 Finally can I thank you all for your continued support and wish you all a great chess year in 2002.

 Best wishes, David Salter

Chairperson