Richard Weekes II

I am a little amazed that a few of you have latched on to the view that my search for some thoughts and comments about anything you might have to say regarding the NES has been aggressive. Of course there are different ways that one can elicit what others think. I can definitely assure you all that there was never any frustration with regard to the closure of NES to me. At my young age (52 now) one tends to accept certain changes and seek out other ventures. (I feel another Maverick moment coming on) 'Seeking scapegoats', a strong claim Huguenot. On the contrary dear chum. There's no need see, me being a Fire Monkey and all that. One fire goes out; start another elsewhere. My opinion (and this is only my opinion) is that you seem to have missed the point somewhat. It was never about blame or fault when I started the thread. (look again at my first post) It could be that I may have been better informed than you think you know! And anyway, what's wrong with analysing a situation and seeking views from others when studying the fallout, to see where lessons could be learned? Don't we all do this? Surprisingly however,and because there are so many people and so many pseudonyms used on this Forum: could I really be finger-pointing at anyone in particular? Some of you may have noticed also that there are indeed only a few of us that use our real names. Well I suppose if this is the price I have to pay for being upfront and open about my identity then so be it. I was under the impression nevertheless, that this was a medium for seeking, exchanging and expressing views? Oh well, Maybe even saying this may well be construed as being aggressive by some of you. What's one to do eh? Let it go and just move on I'd say! So in closing then, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were prepared to comment. Your views are well noted and much appreciated. Many thanks. No doubt I will see some of you around the way. Happy New Year to you all. Have fun.

Thanks for joining the debate Pickle but I don't know you and you don't know me. Your opinion of me may or may not matter but do you really need to understand my motives? We post, we don't post! We reply, we don't reply! My personality or style may not be agreeable to you but this is a well oiled machine. Taking rough and smooth; bumps and knocks should be part of the journey through this ED Forum jungle. Toughen up a little bit Pickle and hang loose why don't you. More people with more passion may be a topic for a new thread Pickle but in this case however I think Marmora Man can look after himself. I mentioned a 'dedicated children's bookshop' in ED. Some wishful thinking maybe but nothing wrong with that! Demographics, target market/audiences and stats and figures all mean nothing if people don't purchase something SimonM. Here's hoping you have a great year in 2009 and sell lots of children's books. Checking out the scene is ok; having a few conversations is useful. Regular attendance at the gig is much better though. Buying a book or two; that's fantastic. It's kinda like keeping your finger on the pulse and being in the know alba. Increasingly aggressive responses; not me Pickle, you've got the wrong Fire Monkey there! Power to the book!

Are you serious Marmora Man? Cheners has been in ED forever and ever. Did they not have more than enough opportunity to widen; broaden; increase - or whatever term you want to use - and to have; upgrade and create more space for children's books. Listen Marmora Man; you can moan about or support whatever business you like in ED. Do you really believe that the target readership needs this much nuturing and persuasion to read more? The Never Ending Bookshop and Cheners should and could have been better supported and then we would have had complementary bookshops both operating in ED to service and supply all EDers - young and old - with books. I don't even see many in the local libraries. Talk to me about that and we can have a real discussion! No doubt about that. Like I said before; All hail small bookshops! Power to the Book!

Hi there RosieH Nice to know I guess but I think ED needed its own dedicated children's bookshop. And anyway RosieH we all know that most new businesses take at least three years to establish themselves let alone break even in that time. Maybe more patronage and regularly by more ED folk may have given it a chance for a prolonged presence in ED. All hail the small Bookshop; Power to the book!

Hi again ED kids, does anybody really know why the Never Ending Story Bookshop closed down? OK, so stuff happens to a small business owner; not the first, won't be the last. Question is, is the bookshop missed? Not a children's bookshop in sight, not unless you want to walk or bus it to the Village or Herne Hill! Well I for one miss it. No question about it though, those creative window displays were great. A different topic or theme every time; interesting, colourful and most times educational for the children. They gave me lots of enjoyment; couldn't even guess what the next display would be. Sad loss.

Hi there good people of ye olde East Dulwich. I am sooooo pleased that at last we have yet another thread about Books, Bookshops, and Reading. Give me more please. Rather to be talked about than not talked about eh!! Richard Weekes here. Notice the real name, somehow. With such an open forum on such a legitimate site why oh why is there so much secrecy and the use of strange fictitious names? Are some of you that ashamed of your names? Or are there other more noble or clandestine reasons for your anonymity. Be bold, be brave, stand up and say your name LOUD and be proud. Sophie, thanks. Keef, nice one. Bob, you got that right. Jeremy, seasons greetings. Sean, what's up?? Please tell us, upfront about what?? Why should any children's bookshop have to expand to be anything other than a children's bookshop?? What's wrong with children's bookshops as they are, Sean?? Were you not a child once?? Did you not read when you were a child?? And where pray tell do you think your mummy and daddy bought your books?? Could it have been a bookshop of some kind? Anyway, I was brought up to introduce myself to whomever I was speaking to or communicating with. Good manners and all that. Thanks to my mum. Who really are the rest of you? Please? So in future, let's all be nice to each other about the topic raised, use real names and love books, bookshops and reading. Power to the book, YEAH!! Richard

Well, I suppose if there was more water about we could take a boat or a ship or a canoe to see if we could go Port Out Starboard Home (P.O.S.H) Maybe more coffee houses should be opened on LSL where old gentlemen could go for a game of chess. Would that also make ED posh? Richard the Chessman

He wanted to have a game of chess with the chessman. Richard the Chessman

Hi there, Someone told me that Gemini's are good at playing chess. They said something about them using both sides of their brain most of the time I think. Is there any truth in this you Gemini's out there. Maybe I could have a game with one of you sometime. Richard the Chessman

Hey, from what everyone's saying this bookshop sounds great! Does anyone know where on Bellenden Road it is or what the shop number is? I want to pop along to see if they have any chess books for children in stock. Thanks Richard the Chessman

Hi there HP fans, I have not been to see the film yet and I bought a copy of the book on Saturday which my daughter took off me. Cos I'm old it just so happens that I'm not a speed reader and it looks like I won't get it back for now. I've been told by my friend's son who has seen the film that there is not even one mention or one scene about chess in the film. Can anyone who has read the book tell me please if chess is mentioned in the story. Thanks in advance Richard the Chess man

Hello again to those of you who expressed an interest in learning to play, revisiting or wanting a regular game of chess. You are invited to come along on Sunday August 12th at 12.30 pm for a chat or for a game. I hope you all can make it. Richard

Hi there Mamaora Man, You are invited to come along on Sunday August 12th at 12.30 pm to talk about learning chess or for a game. I hope you can make it. Richard

OK girls and guys, where have I been? Well I'll say that it was not to see the Queen to get one of those 'Best Chess Player in the Community' awards in her birthday honours list give out thingies. I'm not ready for that just right now. What's much more important though, is you lot out there in chess world hankering and itching (ha,ha) to learn to play chess. The King and Queen, sorry, I mean the Queen and King have discussed this one and have proclaimed that chess shall be spread across the Queendom of the East Dulwich Wood Lands to all newcomers, oldcomers and want-to-know-comers that are interested in the Royal Game of the Chess. Interested parties may want to know that classes for this chess activity will take place on a Sunday afternoon. 12.30 is the intended start time and the duration will be for 90 or 120 minutes. This will depend most definitely on the stamina and stickability of the participants involved. The start date has not been confirmed as yet but in due course this will be reaveled to all in the Queendom. It is therefore sugessted that those of you who are interested in taking up this chess activity should express your desire to do so at the earliest opportunity via this communication network. Replies are awaited and all responses will be considered. Thankyou. Richard

Come on Red Cat; where have you been? Everyone knows that younglings are what Yoda - who on the lastest veiwing was at least 900 years old - calls his child students when teaching them superior moves with their Light-sabers in Star Wars. OK so it was a bit 'out there' but hey; what isn't? So Red Cat, tell me, are you a chess player?

Some of you may know that chess in the park is BIG in New York. I've recently found out that they play chess in the park in Budapest as well. This would be a great idea to start playing chess on Goose Green or in Dulwich park either on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. I intend to contact Southwark council to enquire but in the meantime does anyone have any thoughts on joining in when I get permission to start it off. Of course children and young people plus adults will take part; won't they? Regards, Richard

Hello Jamie, this is Richard the chess teacher at the bookshop on North cross Road. I posted a message on 'private messages' today (18th)about offering adults an opportunity to learn, play, revisit chess again. Maybe some of you might want to take a look at the mesage and contact me to discuss this further. I am thinking of running the classes on a Saturday afternoon from about 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. What do you think? Regards, Richard

Hi there everyone. Just thought I'd let all of you know that I have been teaching chess to some of the children in the area since June 2006. Classes are held every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10.00 am to 12 noon above the Never Ending Story Bookshop at 59 North Cross Road. Things are improving every week and I have regular numbers of between 4 to 10 children. This summer when the next Harry Potter film gets released I anticipate that many more younglings will head my way. As chess is featured in the film, the reports are that soon after a Harry Potter film is shown lots of younglings want to learn how to play chess or want to revisit it and want to play it better. I'm just about ready for the onslaught in July, but if any of you out there want to help me teach them, please let me know. This leads me directly into the question, "When are you going to have chess classes for adults then?" Shucks. Why didn't I think of that? Do you know how often I've been asked that recently? Well I'll say that if I don't do something about it soon then either someone else will offer chess classes for adults and you know what that will mean? And I won't let that happen,no way Jose. I'd like some of that action please!! So, I need to ask. How many of you would like to learn, revisit, catch-up, play, have some fun with, reminisce or just have a good old mess around with chess? Well, how many of you are there? Now come on, I know you're out there! Yes you at the back there trying to hide like you used to do at school. I can see you! Now stop giggling and sniggering and come forward. Ok Richard, calm down. Wow! Right, I'd like to know whether I should start chess classes for adults? With a good response I would seriously consider it. Please let me know if you would like to. It can't even be 'the ball's in your court' or 'the shuttlecock's in your hand', can it. Maybe it's, 'CHESSMEN AT THE READY'. Regards, Richard Weekes