HERCA News

A young girl in a school uniform with green cardigan resting her chin on her hand, gazing thoughtfully at a wooden chess board against a deep burgundy background.

Summer School 2026

Three Days of Chess, Learning and Fun – by Chris Mathews Our three-day Summer School was a fantastic opportunity for the children to develop their chess skills, challenge themselves, and, most importantly, have fun. The children were divided into three

Read More »
Close-up of a hand reaching down to move a white pawn on a chess board, with black and white pieces in soft focus.

Team Lightning 2026

Report by Douglas Vleeshhouer HERCA’s annual Team Lightning event took place on 16th July, in a very hot room at the University Library.10 teams competed for the coveted George Willoughby and Peter Withill trophies. This year we had 2 new

Read More »
Five white marble chess pieces — kings, queens and bishops — standing on a board enveloped in atmospheric white mist.

Obituary: Mike Duffield

  MICHAEL PHILIP DUFFIELD. 30th June 1962 – 15th February 2026. Words from David G. Mills. ‘Mike’ – I never knew him by any other name – was an active member of Hull CivilService Chess Club between 1981 and 1992.

Read More »
Young boy wearing green-rimmed glasses and a blue shirt resting his chin on his hand, concentrating on a wooden chess board set with cream and brown pieces.

8th HERCA Summer School

A HERCA Junior Academy Event Wednesday 26th – Friday 28th August 2026 Three days of chess tuition, provided by local chess coaches designed to improve your chess skills. Whether you are a total beginner or can already play there should

Read More »