Kevin Moore RIP

 Walsall Kipping Chess Club have announced that Kevin Moore who represented them from 1996 until 2023 has died at the age of 87. His funeral will held at Mercia Forest Crematorium, Broad Lane, Essington, Wolverhampton, WV11 2RJ. on Friday 8th March 24 at 12.00 hours (noon).

Kevin represented the county at Under 125 and Under 100.

Please see this tribute from his teammate Peter Nixon.

Kevin was a longstanding member of the club since 1996. He turned up regularly to play most Thursday nights to play league and social chess. In my opinion he was the most dependable player that a captain could have. He played in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley and the Cannock leagues during his time at the club and also played for Staffordshire in the national county competitions.

Outside of chess he was a keen swimmer, swimming regularly every week. But at the club he was known for being a keen angler.  It was his Angling that probably inspired his unique sartorial style, he would turn up in the winter months with a hooded fleece, scarf and waterproof jacket on. Nothing unusual in that, until you looked down below where he was barefoot in open toed sandals and sported shorts that would put most posties to shame.

He will be fondly remembered by me and everyone who knew him through chess.

It is believed that one of his club matches was published by Raymond Keene in a Times Column.

Under 1850 MCCU Championship Final

 The Staffordshire Under 1850 Team faced a strong Lincolnshire side in the MCCU Under 1850 Championship on Saturday 17th February.  After a bit of  a last minute scramble a team of sixteen players was assembled and made the journey to the Leicestershire village of East Goscote. The team included two senior debutants to Staffordshire Chess, Bill Kimberely of Lichfield and Michael Andrews of Fenton. Its never too late to represent the county. 

The match was a 8-8 draw with several of the games nearing the time limit.  As a champion had to determined the Championship was awarded to Lincolnshire on board count. With Staffordshire winning on boards 14 and 16, that result was inevitable.

Captain Peter Evans would like to thank all the players and the match details may be seen here.

Oliver Horrocks RIP

 The death of Oliver Horrocks of Alsager Chess Club has been announced. Oliver placed for Alsager Chess Club for many years and he represented Staffordshire in the era when there were two County Under 120 teams. Oliver was a quiet, polite gentleman and it was a pleasure to play against him whatever the result.

A Service to celebrate the gift of his life will be at 11.15am on 22nd February at St Bertoline's Church, Barthomley, Crewe CW2 5PE. 

The Staffordshire Chess Association sends condolences to Oliver's family and friends.

Gordon Sands Funeral

 Gordon's Funeral will be held at Bushbury Crematorium at 12:15pm on Tuesday 12th March 

Cannock League 25th Anniversary Tournament

 To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Cannock League, a celebration rapid play tournament has been arranged for Saturday 20th April at Ryecroft Community Hub. Entry forms and further details may be found here. Please support the CDCL by supporting the event.

Gordon Sands RIP

The death of Gordon Sands has been announced. Gordon played for Wolverhampton for many years and he had recently moved to Mercia. He represented the County on a number of occasions. There is a fine tribute to Gordon on the Wolverhampton Chess Club Website, and more information is available on the WDCL site.

The Staffordshire Chess Association sends condolences to Gordon's family and friends.

Players wanted for the Staffordshire Under 1850 Team

 The Staffordshire Under 1850 team are playing Lincolnshire for the MCCU Under 1850 Championship on Saturday 17th February. The match is at a neutral venue, St Hilda's C of E Church, Ling Dale, East Goscote Leicestershire England, LE7 3XW. If you wish to represent your county then please contact the team organiser, Peter Evans.