Dr Jeff Cox |
Shropshire Star 08/01/2019 Dr Jeff Cox, from Kynnersley, near Telford, was a leading figure in the local game who had organised the first congress in the early 1970s. |
Jim Samworth |
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Shropshire Star 24/10/2018 Jim Samworth, who was a major force on the Shropshire chess scene in the 1960s and 1970s, has died aged 102 at a nursing home in Church Stretton. David Everington, a multiple county champion for whom Mr Samworth was a mentor in his young playing days at Shrewsbury, said: "Jim was one of the players in Shropshire's historic win against Worcestershire in 1969 when his win against G Elwell contributed to our first county-team win since 1916. "He was a member of the Church Stretton Club after retiring to a bungalow at Little Stretton. "Jim didn't play much outside the Shropshire league and county fixtures but was a high-class postal player and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of all aspects of the game, including its centuries-old history. "He kept a rather splendid Bentley in which he sometimes transported the Shrewsbury team to away fixtures. "In the early 1960s I was a junior player at the former Priory Boys' school, and I remember with gratitude how much time he gave as a coach and mentor, and also the memorable piece of tongue-in-cheek advice: 'Never resign a postal game as your opponents will occasionally die!' "Outside of chess Jim was a civil servant with HM Customs and Excise and had previously served with the Royal Engineers in India and he was a member and supporter of the Royal British Legion." |
Windsor Peck |
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Shropshire Star 26/06/2018 Shropshire chess has suffered another blow with the death of the Telford veteran Windsor Peck at the age of 80. Peck was one of those middle-grade players who are the lifeblood of many a club and his loss will be keenly felt. Although in recent years his grading had fallen below 120 – currently it was 114 - he had in the past been graded over 140, evidence of an experience and innate ability which made him a tricky opponent. The funeral is on Wednesday, July 4, at noon at St Mary's RC Church in Madeley. Born and brought up in the Falkland Islands, Windsor came to England in 1958 to study engineering at Loughborough. In 1960 he met Rosa, who was teaching in a local girls' convent school, and they wed in 1962. Rosa remembers that Windsor was playing chess even back then. They had two sons and four grandchildren. The pair came to Madeley in 1994, but some Shropshire players had already come across him. Keith Tabner recalls playing him in a 1983 Shropshire v Worcestershire match. He also used to play for Halesowen. |
Colin Roberts |
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Shropshire Star 17/04/2018
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Tribute to Warren Lewis - Newport Chess Club |
Newport Chess club announces the sad death of Warren Lewis who recently returned to play for Newport after an absence of over 40 years when he played for Shropshire alongside veteran David Everington of Shrewsbury Chess club and Mike Moore of Newport.
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Tribute to Alan Bliss - Shrewsbury Chess Club |
We at Shrewsbury Chess Club would like to say a few words about Alan Bliss who,for a few years was our president I knew him over a period of about twenty five years.Not only was he a very good chess player but he was also committed to the club which he demonstrated by serving both as secretary and as president . On a personal level Alan had a quiet,thoughtful demeanour.I never saw him lose his composure .His actions always seemed reasonable and it was obvious to everyone that he was both astute and clever. Away from the club I knew little about him.He was born in Australia (I remember trying to place his accent when I first met him MS)I met his wife once and on one occasion visited his home.He worked in power distribution as an electrical engineer . I would also like to mention an attribute which Alan had which I think we should all practice more-that is-the art of apology!Alan had this quality in abundance .A personal example;some years ago we had a mildly heated discussion and Alan accused me of not knowing what I was talking about-nothing new there! Two days later I received a handwritten letter from Alan apologising profusely for his outburst .This is a measure of the man-thoughtful and polite,as well as a lesson for us all .A good legacy for Alan to be remembered by. May he rest in peace .Thank you Fred Harris - 06/11/2016 Off my own bat and with my secretarial hat on I would also like to give thanks for all Alan did for the club over the years.On a personal level he was terrifically kind to me when I first joined the club more years ago than I care to remember .I shall also remember our many battles in the Caro Kann, Alan's favourite opening. He would never give an inch! Mark Smith 06/11/2016 |
Tribute to Derrick Powell - Wellington Chess Club |
Wellington Chess Club is mourning the loss of club captain Derrick Powell, the long-time stalwart of the club. Hell's teeth! |
Tribute to Alan Wright - Ludlow Chess Club |
I am writing to inform you that my father-in-law, Alan Wright, sadly passed away returning from Ludlow's match at Oswestry on Monday evening. He was 88 and passed away peacefully in the back of the car while travelling back to Ludlow with Richard Croot, Ludlow's secretary, among others. We are grateful to Richard Croot for the attempts that he made to resuscitate Alan and for the care that was shown to him in his final moments. Although Ludlow lost 4-1 Alan was delighted that he won his final match. He got tremendous pleasure from playing chess - he was also a member of Birmingham Chess Club - and enjoyed the companionship. I have spoken to Richard Croot to thank him for his efforts in what was a traumatic evening for him. I will also let Richard know of Alan's funeral arrangements when we know them. - Paul Bolton 22/01/2015 Club secretary Richard Croot said: "He regularly attended the club and played in the Birmingham leagues too. These words from Peter Hallett of Ludlow chess club express the sentiment of club members: 'It was always a pleasure to accept an invitation to a game from Alan, despite the fact that I never expected to win, and never did, except on one notable occasion when he could easily have won had he so wished. "The term 'gentleman' certainly seems the most appropriate one to apply in this case. I was never made to feel that I was an unworthy opponent and, while I no longer attend the club, I am sure that he will be sadly missed at all levels.'' And Paul Munday said: "Alan was a valued member of the club for some 15 years, always ready to play if needed and also provide transport to matches. He was a true gentleman and sportsman who took a keen interest in the running of the club, holding the office of treasurer. He was held in high regard by all who knew him and we will much miss his presence at the club. He was also an active member of Birmingham chess club, playing for them over many years." Paul Munday and the Ludlow team have decided that they will withdraw from Division 1 for the remainder of the season as a mark of respect. |
Tribute to John Tunks |
Shropshire chess is mourning the passing of veteran John Tunks, a tough competitor on the playing scene for many years. - Shropshire Star 27/05/2014 Paying tribute, club colleague Eugene Raby said: "I have the sad job of informing Shropshire chess that John Tunks passed away last Tuesday night at the Shrewsbury hospital. . |
Tribute to former county president Iain Wilson |
Dear chessplayers, |