Youngsters play Go despite snow ...

Good news if a tad late ...

Well, mea culpa entirely for this late snippet, but no doubt Santa was still delighted with the photo. Taken in December, it shows his helpers enjoying their lunch break at Cheadle Hulme School (CHS) in South Manchester. It seems that not even snow can stop the fun, for those with suitable head-wear. The school Go Club has been running for over 5 years now, with great support from CHS, their teachers past and present, minibuses, drivers, the BGA and DeepMind.

47 CHS students (and counting!) have experienced at least one national Go tournament. One current student Tom Bradbury - who'd not played Go before joining CHS - has now amassed no fewer than 33 events, over 6 countries! And to show that "practice pays", his grade has risen to 2-kyu already, and he's the reigning BGA Youth Champion. [It gives all newcomers hope, knowing that he lost all 3 games in his first tournament!]

Well, looking ahead to this fresh year, the BGA hopes all its members - young and less so - have enjoyed the festive period as much as those shown, and are all relishing another year's improvement.