The event has now been held – the Jonathan Penrose Chess Park is now open.
The Mayor, Councillor John Jowers makes the ceremonial formal first move at the Jonathan Penrose Chess Park. He carried the correspondence chess post card from the Town Hall where Shirley Hodgson (Jonathan’s sister) had made the move to start the GM simul at the end of the opening ceremony.
GM Michael Adams looks on as Steven Cawley transcribes the move. As Jonathan Penrose was the highest rated correspondence chess player in the world, it is fitting that the ceremonial move’s journey to the Chess Park was on the right stationery!
See the park’s webpage and find out more about Grandmaster Dr Jonathan Penrose OBE https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/jonathan-penrose-chess…/
From 1.15pm 7 October 2023 on what would have been the 90th birthday of the late Grandmaster Dr Jonathan Penrose OBE, there will be a celebration of his life in chess. The Mayor and Mayoress of the City of Colchester will welcome members of the Penrose family to the Town Hall where William Hartston will deliver an appreciation. The afternoon will feature a simultaneous exhibition by Grandmaster Michael Adams, Britian’s greatest-ever chess player. Oliver Penrose (Jonathan’s brother) will be one of those playing GM Michael Adams.
The event will mark the official opening of the Jonathan Penrose Chess Park, providing public chess tables in the City of Colchester by the Mercury Theatre. A small ceremony there, at about 2pm, will be followed by opportunities to enjoy chess in the open air.
OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY FROM £40 (in aid of charity)
To book a seat please email info@colCHESSter.org.uk
Free to watch at the Town Hall and Chess Park but tickets advisable from Eventbrite