Chess on the Pier

Many players will remember that the ballroom on the pier is where the Hastings International Chess Congress took place for some years.  It was a large hall, but not ideal.   It swayed underfoot depending on the tides.

"I stopped going to Hastings when they announced it would be on the pier, as I had inspected said pier and noticed that any indoor parts of it were cold and let the rain in, and I didn't fancy playing chess wearing three sweaters and a raincoat."

Someone else says "One advantage of .... the Pier over the Falaise is that the air circulation is a lot better. It's less usual to return from Hastings with a cold."

David Bronstein, and Sir Patrick Moore Stewart at the Living Chess game on the pier during the centenary celebrations in 1995 - http://www.hastingschess.org.uk/2011/pier.htm - need to scroll down a bit
Also:
http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/news/local/astronomer-remembered-by-chess-congress-1-4585214#ixzz41YRtt5uq