|
object of the trophy, and the other with the name of the winning team, and of the captains who had lead them to victory.”
John Watkinson then presented a second trophy, in the form of a large silver rook, with the proviso that this one could not be won outright. This is the trophy which is still in use up to the present day.
John continued to support this competition, and it is reported that when a team from Meltham won the trophy in 1908, he was invited to a special celebration at the Carlisle Institute in Meltham, where he gave a simultaneous exhibition against the six players of their team. Even at the age of 65, he was able to get 5 wins and a draw. The meeting concluded with a special song, with words put to a well known tune, written by the Meltham captain.
Individual Knockout Competitions
In 1936, it was decided to inaugurate three knockout competitions for individual players. These were divided into groups designated as ‘strong players’, ‘average players’ and ‘novices’. Three cups were purchased for the winners to hold for twelve months, and they were engraved with the name of ‘John Watkinson’, despite this being thirteen years after his death.
Entry to these knockout competitions was open to anyone living in the Huddersfield district. In paying the sum of one shilling (5p) the person became a member of the Association. At the time the Financial Secretary was Norman Calvert, of the Huddersfield Club, and he was dedicated to attracting entries. Up to 1937, all boys attending the Huddersfield College (a secondary school) were taught the game of chess by the then headmaster, H.E.Atkins (nine times British Champion). As most of these pupils obtained employment in local industries, it followed that there were a large number of men in the district who could play chess. Consequently for the first few years of these competitions there were large numbers attracted to the lower section - usually in excess of 60.
|
