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Pieter Piek 012 - 355 2039
The founder members, in alphabetical order, were
Mr H. du Toit
Mr W.S. Nel
Mr P.W. Piek (sr)
Mrs B. Piek
Mr P.W. Piek (jr)
Mr S. Russckers
Miss N. Smuts
Mr J. Snyman
Mrs H. Wannenburg
Mr L.F. Wannenburg.
After negotiation, the Knikkie Knakkie Nursery and Day-care Centre became the
temporary home of TMCC. This nursery was kindly set available to the Club to get
on its feet by the owner, Mrs Louise Janse van Vuuren. The club members gathered
at this temporary harbour, for the first time, on Friday, 21 June 1996. In the mean time
the membership has grown to 28.
The search for a more permanent home for the Club proceeds, and new horizons were
reconnoitered. The inner court of Sinoville Centre was set available to the Club for chess
activities on 20 September 1996. A user agreement, for the utilisation of the inner court by
TMCC, was confirmed by letter on 10 October 1996.
Why Sinoville Centre as Chess Facility? In return for the publicity of and contribution to
the activities of the Centre by TMCC, the following benefits:
1. Situated central and adjacent to Zambesi Drive for easy reach from both the N1
freeway and the old Warmbaths road (R101).
2. Ample parking and under-roof, lockable parking for vehicles during after-hours activities
by TMCC.
3. Guards are on the premises 24 hours a day.
4. Big enough, under-cover and lighted playing area.
5. Availability of tables and chairs for chess activities.
6. Unique construction adds to that the second floor can be utilised as balcony and thereby
give spectators the opportunity to follow all games without disturbing the chess players.
7. Availability of lockable toilet facilities for both sexes.
8. Overkruin Community Library with its sound-tight doors, build-in airconditioning and internal
kitchen, act as suitable playing hall for visiting league players (especially during the cold
winter months).
9. The availability of an open-air chess set for the promotion of fun-chess.
10. The surrounding shops and restaurants contribute to better publicity and marketing of
chess in the community.
The aim of TMCC is to promote chess in Gauteng, north of the Magaliesberg.
The first democratically elected Club Committee was:
Club Chairperson: Mr P.W. Piek (sr)
Vice-chairperson: Mr I. Atterbury
Secretary: Mrs B. Piek
Bookkeeper: Mrs E. Nel
Auditor Team Leader: Mrs A. van Niekerk
Additional Member Tournaments: Mr W.S. Nel
Additional Member Moveable Assets: Mr H.A.C. van Niekerk (sr).
The suggested Club Badge was unanimously accepted, with the symbolism
TMCC: Trans-Magalies Chess Club.
Empty Chess Board: Symbolizes an open playing field for anyone, young and old,
whom which to participate
.
White Chess Figures: White move first; a team effort in the north.
Brown Mountain: Symbolizes the ground of the Magaliesberg, which separates
north from south.
Green Foreground: Symbolizes the green vegetation, characteristic to the fertile
area north of the Magaliesberg.
Blue Background: The blue heaven symbolizes "no restrictions".
The Club Routine
Wednesdays: 19:00 (7.00 pm) – 23:30 (11.30 pm)
- Chess coaching.
- Participation in league games.
Fridays: 18:30 (6.30 pm) – 22:00 (10.00 pm)
- Administration, announcements and playing, according to programme.
The Club Programme
January-March (1st quarter):
- Annual membership registration.
- Play-out and composition of a TMCC league team.
- Presenting the Montana Open Chess Tournament (Mar).
April-June (2nd quarter):
- TMCC's team participation in the Gauteng Chess League.
- Closed Round Robin in 3 categories for the ranking order of primary school-,
high school- and senior players.
- Administration of the national chess players examinations (May).
July-September (3rd quarter):
- TMCC Primary Schools Closed Chess Tournament (Aug).
- TMCC High Schools Closed Chess Tournament (Sept).
- TMCC Closed Championships.
October-December (4th quarter):
- TMCC Annual General Meeting (Oct).
- TMCC Prize-giving (diplomas, trophies and certificates).
- Fun chess.
- Preparation for the new year.
January-December (continuous):
- Interested club members are encouraged to improve their national chess rating
to be considered for provincial/national colours, by participating in open chess tournaments.
Besides self-study, Club Members are also encouraged to participate in formal chess
training activities. Club Members have already undertaken chess development activities
like the writing of the National Tournament Director's examination, -National Chess Supervisor's
examination, -National Chess Player's examinations for the Pawn-, Knight-, Bishop-,
Rook- and King's Diploma and the Silver Certificate course
presented by the SA Chess Academy.
Membership Fees. Since it's founding, TMCC tries to present chess as affordable possible
to the target community.
During 1996 the expenses were insignificant and membership was for free.
During the 1stAnnual General Meeting it was decided that the Club's activities
will bring along various administrative expenses, and that affiliation- and registration
fees must be paid. Membership fees are since paid and are annually fixed during the
Annual General Meeting. In consideration of large families and member's individual needs, TMCC's membership
fees for 1999 were - Seniors (born before 1982) R80 with CHESSA affiliation (A),
- Seniors (born before 1982) R40 without CHESSA affiliation (B),
- Juniors (less than 18 years of age)
- 1st family member R40 with CHESSA affiliation (C),
- 1st family member R20 without CHESSA affiliation (D),
- 2nd family member R30 with CHESSA affiliation (E),
- From 2nd family member R10 without CHESSA affiliation (F),
- From 3rd family member R20 with CHESSA affiliation (G), and
- Administrative members (non-players) R10 (I).
Benefits as TMCC Member
1. Life-long membership number.
2. Share in the history and successes of TMCC.
3. Free participation in club activities.
4. Automatic inclusion in the paring for TMCC closed tournaments.
5. Received entry forms free of charge for participation in other tournaments.
6. Utilisation of club facilities for free.
7. Quarterly receiving TMCC News.
8. Affiliation to Gauteng North Chess Union.
9. Affiliation to CHESSA (optional).
10. Chess coaching according to needs.
11. Name on TMCC ranking list.
12. Be considered for the unique TMCC trophies and –certificates.
13. Eligible for the selection in TMCC's league team.
14. Eligible for TMCC's management.
15. Acts as ambassador for TMCC.
Number of Members. TMCC's registered members vary from year to year:
1996 – 50 (30 sr and 20 jr)
1997 – 34 (10 sr, 22 jr and 2 administrative members)
1998 – 42 (17 sr, 23 jr and 2 administrative members)
1999 – 36 (12 sr, 24 jr and 2 administrative members).
Annual General Meeting and Prize-giving
TMCC's Annual General Meeting and Prize-giving is annually scheduled for the 3rd Friday of October.
Annual meetings and prize-givings took place on the following dates:
16 October 1996: 1st TMCC Annual General Meeting and Prize-giving
31 October 1997: 2nd TMCC Annual General Meeting and Prize-giving
23 October 1998: 3rd TMCC Annual General Meeting and Prize-giving
22 October 1999: 4th TMCC Annual General Meeting and Prize-giving.
The Montana Open Chess Tournament is annually presented on the first Saturday of March.
The 1st Montana Open Chess Tournament took place at Montana High School on Saturday,
6 March 1999. Montana High School is situated adjacent to the Zambesi Drive, within easy reach
and has sufficient facilities to present this tournament. The tournament was played in rapid chess (30 minutes
thinking time per player) in 7 rounds Swiss. Players participated in six different age groups. A section was also
arranged for participation of players whom drawn a bye. The various age groups for participation are u/10, u/12,
u/14, u/16, u/18 and 18 years and older (seniors). It is a one-day tournament which produces exiting chess and
contributes as educational experience for chess beginners, with no previous open tournament experience.
Chess equipment, - books and –accessories for sale were exhibited by Chess Connection, coming from Centurion. Cash prizes to the value of R600 were handed over to the various winners and the champion in each age group also
received a hand-made miniature wooden trophy. The entry fees are kept as affordable possible, since this
tournament contributes to chess development.
TMCC Primary Schools Closed Chess Tournament
The TMCC Primary Schools Closed Chess Tournament is annually presented during August at the Sinoville Centre.
It is a closed tournament since only schools to the sunny side of the Magaliesberg participate in this tournament.
This tournament takes place in team concern to give schools and young chess players in our region the opportunity
to test their skills against local talent, to meet other chess players in their area and to promote chess in the community.
Players meet one another, sometimes for the first time, since not all participants compete in the same school's leagues.
Hereby, chess is brought to the public and thus became a spectator sport! The winning team wins the
Lady Day Floating Trophy and the winners of the various boards received each an engraved pawn trophy to
take home. All players received a certificate as proof of participation. The local media has reported fully on the various
results. The distinguished winners of the Lady Day Floating Trophy were
TMCC High Schools Closed Chess Tournament
The TMCC High Schools Closed Chess Tournament takes place annually during September at the Sinoville
Centre. The same format as that for primary schools is followed. However, the winning team conquers the
TMCC High Schools Closed Floating Trophy. This unique trophy is specially designed and manufactured from
Tamboti wood for this tournament for teenagers by Mr Hennie van Niekerk. A beautiful piece with a bishop
motive on a vertical pillar and a slanting miniature chess board mounted on top. The various board winners
receive each an engraved bishop trophy for home display. The distinguished winners of the TMCC High Schools
Closed Floating Trophy were
13 September 1997 – Overkruin High School
12 September 1998 – Overkruin High School
11 September 1999 - Montana High School.
- Attending of scheduled Club Activities: 27 %
- Attendance of listed Open Tournaments: 28 %
- Results of the TMCC Closed Championships: 45 %
.