Past Members
Compiled and published on the website by George Peters
The purpose of this page is to remember those Club members who have devoted much of their time and effort to promote and serve Chesterfield Chess Club.
It is therefore appropriate that their valuable contribution to the Club's history should be recognised, documented and published for others to read.
It is therefore appropriate that their valuable contribution to the Club's history should be recognised, documented and published for others to read.
Mr E.L.Paintin (1940)
The sixteen season 1939-40, at the fifteenth Annual General Meeting with Mr J.H.Stockton Esq in the chair.
It was decided to send a letter of sympathy to Mr Paintin Junior. Over the the death of his father Mr E.L.Paintin, who had been a staunch member and a regular supporter of the Chesterfield Chess Club.
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It was decided to send a letter of sympathy to Mr Paintin Junior. Over the the death of his father Mr E.L.Paintin, who had been a staunch member and a regular supporter of the Chesterfield Chess Club.
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Mr L.SENIOR (1925-1953)
Joined the Chess Club in the year 1925, and became the Auditor in the year 1929. In the year 1930, he took up office of Treasurer and served the Chess Club in that capacity. Until ill health caused him to retire in the year of 1950. An instance of his devotion to our Chess Club was that even in his last year of office when he was far from well, he was the only member who never missed a Committee Meeting.
We gratefully acknowledge the gift to our Chess Club of a fine Ivory Chess set from his widow Mrs A.Senior.
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Joined the Chess Club in the year 1925, and became the Auditor in the year 1929. In the year 1930, he took up office of Treasurer and served the Chess Club in that capacity. Until ill health caused him to retire in the year of 1950. An instance of his devotion to our Chess Club was that even in his last year of office when he was far from well, he was the only member who never missed a Committee Meeting.
We gratefully acknowledge the gift to our Chess Club of a fine Ivory Chess set from his widow Mrs A.Senior.
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Mr F.Knowles Evans (1930's-1953)
Mr Evans, who was an Old Boy of the Chesterfield School, joined Chesterfield Chess Club in the 1930's and as a prominent organiser up to the second world war. Since the war he lived in Sheffield and was well known to our team player since he took up keen interest in the activities of the old chess club in Sheffield Association matches.
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Mr A.E.Raynes (1924-1956)
We are sorry to have recorded the death of Mr A.E.Raynes who has departed last December at the early age of fifty.
Better known to some Eric Raynes, he was the brother of of our Vice-President Mr Frank Raynes And related also to our other Vice-President Mr J.H.Stockton.
He was one of the founder member of our Chess Club, became the first Chesterfield Chess Champion in the history of the Chess Club and Champion for many years. He was a fine player and a good fellow of our Chess Club.
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Better known to some Eric Raynes, he was the brother of of our Vice-President Mr Frank Raynes And related also to our other Vice-President Mr J.H.Stockton.
He was one of the founder member of our Chess Club, became the first Chesterfield Chess Champion in the history of the Chess Club and Champion for many years. He was a fine player and a good fellow of our Chess Club.
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Mr T.Berry (1956)
Tom Berry was Vice-President of Sheffield Chess Association and secretary of Talbot Chess Club, regret to say on the 04-04-1956, he passed away.
Mr Berry was very kind to our Team on many of it's regular excursions to Sheffield, placing his premises at our disposal for our 'home' fixtures, with all amenities and playing facilities. We shall miss him greatly, as a host and as a man.
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Mr Berry was very kind to our Team on many of it's regular excursions to Sheffield, placing his premises at our disposal for our 'home' fixtures, with all amenities and playing facilities. We shall miss him greatly, as a host and as a man.
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Dr L.K.Ingram (1945-1956)
Regret to have to tell you of the death of one of our popular ex-members Dr L.K.Ingram, toward the end of the last year.
He joined us at the end of the war and he was with us for about three years before leaving the district and later going to Brazil.
In the comparatively short time that he was with us, gave the Chess Club a fresh impetus after the suspended activities of the war years we owe much of our success to him in the later years to the lead he gave us.
We regret the passing of Kenneth Ingram and our sympathy goes to his family in their great loss.
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He joined us at the end of the war and he was with us for about three years before leaving the district and later going to Brazil.
In the comparatively short time that he was with us, gave the Chess Club a fresh impetus after the suspended activities of the war years we owe much of our success to him in the later years to the lead he gave us.
We regret the passing of Kenneth Ingram and our sympathy goes to his family in their great loss.
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Mr Frank Raynes (1957)
Last year in 1956 we wrote of the death of Mr Eric Raynes and it is with sorrow that we now record the death of his brother Mr Frank Raynes.
Frank will be missed by all of us who knew him, he was one of the founder-members and ex-secretary a stalwart in the Chess club indeed.
A wreath was sent on the behalf of the Chess Club.
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Frank will be missed by all of us who knew him, he was one of the founder-members and ex-secretary a stalwart in the Chess club indeed.
A wreath was sent on the behalf of the Chess Club.
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Mr J.Bunting (1925-1958)
It is with great sorrow that we have to record the death on the 11-04-1958 of Joe Bunting.
He was the Vice-President of the Chess Club since the last war and he had served as an organiser in many capacities for a great number of years before the war. He was one of the original founder member of the Chess Club and our earliest record of him playing in a team match for Chesterfield Chess club was played on top board against Sheffield Y.M.C.A. in 1925. He had played almost continuously ever since, his very last game for the Chesterfield Chess Club was noted to produce a fine win in the 1958 semi-final of the the Richardson Cup Knock Out Trophy competition. Mr Bunting was always regarded as one of the best players in the Chess Club and was Chess Club Champion four times in the years of 1925/1952/1954/1957.
Joe was one of the most popular members of the Chess Club. His pleasant sense of humour and his readiness to help those less gifted or experienced than himself, endeared him to all.
Tribute from Mr.H.Lauton.
A tribute was received from Mr Howard Lauton, the famous Sheffield problem composer, in which he says "He (Mr Bunting) was a perfect composer of the best. Some of his work in the 'Bristol Times' was without equal for beauty and difficulty. The double plachutta in the book 'To allian White' was the best specimen of them that I know of and took me hours to solve".
We acknowledge the kind gift of Mr Bunting's books on the game of chess to the club from his sister Mrs Dronfield and his daughter Cynthia.
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He was the Vice-President of the Chess Club since the last war and he had served as an organiser in many capacities for a great number of years before the war. He was one of the original founder member of the Chess Club and our earliest record of him playing in a team match for Chesterfield Chess club was played on top board against Sheffield Y.M.C.A. in 1925. He had played almost continuously ever since, his very last game for the Chesterfield Chess Club was noted to produce a fine win in the 1958 semi-final of the the Richardson Cup Knock Out Trophy competition. Mr Bunting was always regarded as one of the best players in the Chess Club and was Chess Club Champion four times in the years of 1925/1952/1954/1957.
Joe was one of the most popular members of the Chess Club. His pleasant sense of humour and his readiness to help those less gifted or experienced than himself, endeared him to all.
Tribute from Mr.H.Lauton.
A tribute was received from Mr Howard Lauton, the famous Sheffield problem composer, in which he says "He (Mr Bunting) was a perfect composer of the best. Some of his work in the 'Bristol Times' was without equal for beauty and difficulty. The double plachutta in the book 'To allian White' was the best specimen of them that I know of and took me hours to solve".
We acknowledge the kind gift of Mr Bunting's books on the game of chess to the club from his sister Mrs Dronfield and his daughter Cynthia.
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Mr G.Willis (1935-1962)
It is with great regret that we have to record the passing of Mr. G.Willis of Dore, one of our Life-members, a long standing member since the middle 1930's. He has not taken an active part for many years, it is his kindness good humour and his generosity to the Club that will always be remembered for by those of us who where associated with him in the early days of the Chess Club.
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Mr J.H.Stockton (1925-1964)
It is with sorrow that we have to record the passing of our founder member Mr Henry Stockton, last November.
He was one of the stalwarts of the Chess Club, he played a large role in establishing it way back in 1925 and taking on active part in all it's activities ever since.
It was mainly due to his efforts that the Chess Club got going again after the second world war period, when he was the Chess Club Secretary.
He was also a reliable match player and never gave up, in fact he pulled many lost games out of the fire. We all owe him a great debt and so will those who came after us in our Chess Club.
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He was one of the stalwarts of the Chess Club, he played a large role in establishing it way back in 1925 and taking on active part in all it's activities ever since.
It was mainly due to his efforts that the Chess Club got going again after the second world war period, when he was the Chess Club Secretary.
He was also a reliable match player and never gave up, in fact he pulled many lost games out of the fire. We all owe him a great debt and so will those who came after us in our Chess Club.
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Mr O. Gelblub (1946-1971)
It is with deep regret we have to record the death of our Mr O.Gelblub whose lively personality and passion for the game of chess will be much missed.
Joined the the Chess Club when it re-started after the second world war and gave his active support in many ways behind the scenes.
We send our deepest sympathy to his family.
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Joined the the Chess Club when it re-started after the second world war and gave his active support in many ways behind the scenes.
We send our deepest sympathy to his family.
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Mr O.Heald (1971)
It was with sorrow that we learnt of the death of Mr.O.Heald, one of our Life-members. He retired some years ago for health reasons, but he always taken a keen interest in our progress of the Chess Club.
He was a Committee Chairman for number of years and his wise and tactful counsel was very much appreciated.
Our sympathy has been expressed to his family.
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He was a Committee Chairman for number of years and his wise and tactful counsel was very much appreciated.
Our sympathy has been expressed to his family.
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Mr Mearns and Mr Bayfield (1971)
It is understood that two others of our Life-members. Mr Mearns and Mr Bayfield, died some years ago. They were both advanced in age, had retired from the Chess Club and left the district many years ago, so putting us out of touch. Some of the older members will remember them in their active way.
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Colonel V.O.Robinson (1924-1972)
It is with much sadness that we have to report the death last October of our President Colonel V.Robinson, only a few weeks after he had attended our A.G.M. and presented the trophies to the various winners. Victor Robinson started the Chess Club on it's way when he took the chair at a meeting on a Monday the 22-09-1924, at the time when Aldery Wakerley was the Mayor of Chesterfield and became the first President of our Chess Club. Along with V.O.Robinson as the Vice-President.
When the Chess Club re-started after the 1939-45 war, Colonel Victor Robinson became President and held office by the unanimous approval until now.
He was always interested in the furtherance of Chess both in Chesterfield and in the Derbyshire County. He started the Chess Club off by presenting the 'Robinson Trophy' to the Club for the Championship-Tournament and later he presented the 'League-Senior's Trophy' to the Schools. He also presented the 'Trophy Board' to the Derbyshire-Chess-Association for the County Championship.
All the older members of our Chess Club will always remember him with gratitude for the continuing concern for the Chess Club's welfare that he showed over the years.
A donation was made to the Army-Welfare-Fund in his memory and his name will have an honoured place in the records of our Chess Club.
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When the Chess Club re-started after the 1939-45 war, Colonel Victor Robinson became President and held office by the unanimous approval until now.
He was always interested in the furtherance of Chess both in Chesterfield and in the Derbyshire County. He started the Chess Club off by presenting the 'Robinson Trophy' to the Club for the Championship-Tournament and later he presented the 'League-Senior's Trophy' to the Schools. He also presented the 'Trophy Board' to the Derbyshire-Chess-Association for the County Championship.
All the older members of our Chess Club will always remember him with gratitude for the continuing concern for the Chess Club's welfare that he showed over the years.
A donation was made to the Army-Welfare-Fund in his memory and his name will have an honoured place in the records of our Chess Club.
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Mr A.J.Rodgers (1972)
He was one of the stalwarts of the Chess Club, a Life-Member, Chairman of the Committee and a regular team player some years ago.
This occurred tragically last December when he was knocked down by a passing car and later died in hospital.
He will be missed for his cheerful presence and his sound advice on Club matters.
Our condolences been expressed to his family.
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This occurred tragically last December when he was knocked down by a passing car and later died in hospital.
He will be missed for his cheerful presence and his sound advice on Club matters.
Our condolences been expressed to his family.
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Mr Sheldon (1949-1975)
Since the issue of our last bulletin we are sorry to report the death of Mr W.P.Sheldon following a serious heart operation.
Mr Sheldon, who lived at Baslow, joined the Chess Club during the 1949/50 season and was elected to the committee the following season and served the Chess Club in this capacity until last season. He has been mentioned in our last bulletin as the winner of the Go-As-You-Please Tournament. To the older members will always remember Billy Sheldon for his cheerful and even tempered manner, his willingness to help in many ways behind the scenes.
We offer our sincere condolences to his family in their loss.
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Mr Sheldon, who lived at Baslow, joined the Chess Club during the 1949/50 season and was elected to the committee the following season and served the Chess Club in this capacity until last season. He has been mentioned in our last bulletin as the winner of the Go-As-You-Please Tournament. To the older members will always remember Billy Sheldon for his cheerful and even tempered manner, his willingness to help in many ways behind the scenes.
We offer our sincere condolences to his family in their loss.
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Dr B.Skibinski (1976)
Another loss to the Chess Club was recent death of Doctor B.Skibinski, who was a member of the Chess Club for some years. It was Bron Skibinski who presented the School trophy for the First-Year players at the time when his son David was also a member of the Chess Club and a strong player too!. Bron Ski' was a kindly humane man, and was widely appreciated by those who knew him personally and many others too.
Our sympathy goes to his wife and son in their great loss.
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Our sympathy goes to his wife and son in their great loss.
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Mr N.C.Lewis (1949-1976)
It is with great sorrow we have to report the death of our Vice-President Mr N.C.Lewis at the end of the season.
Cecil Lewis joined the Chess Club in 1949 took over the part of Treasurer which he held for twenty-three years. He played in the first team on many occasions with considerable success and he has played for the Reserve Team regularly until of recently again with success.
He had been an outstanding member in the Chess Club both in his ability as a player and as a worker for the Chess Club administration.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
"I feel a great loss in the death of Mr N.C.Lewis, admired him for his personal rectitude and the clarity of his mind in his deep feeling for his fellow men. He and I were kindred spirits in many ways and I miss him very much. For his love of chess was apparent in his fostering of it during his years of teaching at the Netherthorpe Grammar School. He has encouraged many young players, the name Tallow comes to mind, in particular Philip, and Stephen and also Douglas Saunderson the secretary for many years, and many times Chess Club Champion. I think he would have liked this to be a memorial to him. Many of us at the Chess club will miss him deeply".
The Chess Club has also benefited from his generosity in many ways behind the scenes and it can ill afford the loss of such man!.
Our sincere condolences go to his family in their loss.
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Cecil Lewis joined the Chess Club in 1949 took over the part of Treasurer which he held for twenty-three years. He played in the first team on many occasions with considerable success and he has played for the Reserve Team regularly until of recently again with success.
He had been an outstanding member in the Chess Club both in his ability as a player and as a worker for the Chess Club administration.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
"I feel a great loss in the death of Mr N.C.Lewis, admired him for his personal rectitude and the clarity of his mind in his deep feeling for his fellow men. He and I were kindred spirits in many ways and I miss him very much. For his love of chess was apparent in his fostering of it during his years of teaching at the Netherthorpe Grammar School. He has encouraged many young players, the name Tallow comes to mind, in particular Philip, and Stephen and also Douglas Saunderson the secretary for many years, and many times Chess Club Champion. I think he would have liked this to be a memorial to him. Many of us at the Chess club will miss him deeply".
The Chess Club has also benefited from his generosity in many ways behind the scenes and it can ill afford the loss of such man!.
Our sincere condolences go to his family in their loss.
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Mr R.J.Kearsley (1946-1981)
With great regrets that we have to report the death of one of our life members, Mr R.J.Kearsley, during the April month.
Mr Kearsleywas a retired official of the N.C.B. and had not played chess for many years, he did show strong interest in the doings of his old Chess Club. We received many donations from him in the years past. He first joined the Chess Club in the year 1946/47 season, when it was re-started after the second world war. He played for the First-Team in the Sheffield-Davy-League for several years and was a very useful player on the upper boards.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
"I shall always remember Ron Kearsley with affection, he was a good club member and a popular one too! For on number of occasions when I was playing in the chess club and was failing to bring off a 'masterpiece' I would hear a voice from behind me saying, "This ends our dream of greatness" and by turning round would see Ron Kearnsley smiling at me.
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Mr Kearsleywas a retired official of the N.C.B. and had not played chess for many years, he did show strong interest in the doings of his old Chess Club. We received many donations from him in the years past. He first joined the Chess Club in the year 1946/47 season, when it was re-started after the second world war. He played for the First-Team in the Sheffield-Davy-League for several years and was a very useful player on the upper boards.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
"I shall always remember Ron Kearsley with affection, he was a good club member and a popular one too! For on number of occasions when I was playing in the chess club and was failing to bring off a 'masterpiece' I would hear a voice from behind me saying, "This ends our dream of greatness" and by turning round would see Ron Kearnsley smiling at me.
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Mr J.T.Salt (1934-1982)
It is with great sorrow that we have to report the death of J.T.Salt.
John, died on the 07-11-1982, apart from our President he was longest serving member of the Chess Club. He first joined in the 1934/35 season, as one of our younger players.
He was a keen enthusiastic studier of the game and from the very first he took an active part in the affairs of the Chess Club. taken its well fare very much to heart over his long membership.
He was always a regular tournament player in the chess events and was a keen match player, turning out many times for the First -Team in his earlier days, and for the Second-Team as latterly.
When the British chess Federation held their congress in 1950/51 at Buxton both he and Douglas Saunderson took part in the organised tournament there. He and Douglas also attended many other of the B.C.F.Congresses.
In 1958 John was made a Vice-President in recognition of his long devoted services to the Chess Club and not just being on the committee but in many ways.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
I shall miss John Salt very personally, I had been associated with him for half a century!. In my various capacities as a Team-Captain, a Committee Chairman and latterly as President. I could rely on John for his most help and encouragement".
He will be greatly missed as a person and for his long association with our Chess Club activities.
We send our condolences to his widow, Mrs Isobella Salt along with his record of the Chess Club's most active and faithful servants.
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John, died on the 07-11-1982, apart from our President he was longest serving member of the Chess Club. He first joined in the 1934/35 season, as one of our younger players.
He was a keen enthusiastic studier of the game and from the very first he took an active part in the affairs of the Chess Club. taken its well fare very much to heart over his long membership.
He was always a regular tournament player in the chess events and was a keen match player, turning out many times for the First -Team in his earlier days, and for the Second-Team as latterly.
When the British chess Federation held their congress in 1950/51 at Buxton both he and Douglas Saunderson took part in the organised tournament there. He and Douglas also attended many other of the B.C.F.Congresses.
In 1958 John was made a Vice-President in recognition of his long devoted services to the Chess Club and not just being on the committee but in many ways.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
I shall miss John Salt very personally, I had been associated with him for half a century!. In my various capacities as a Team-Captain, a Committee Chairman and latterly as President. I could rely on John for his most help and encouragement".
He will be greatly missed as a person and for his long association with our Chess Club activities.
We send our condolences to his widow, Mrs Isobella Salt along with his record of the Chess Club's most active and faithful servants.
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Mr L.Calvert (1950-1983)
With great sorrow and regret that we have to report the death of Leslie Calvert who died in February 1983, at the age of 80.
Leslie originally played for the Mansfield Chess Club and for the Nottinghamshire County Team. Later decided to join our Chess Club in the 1950/51 season and there after played for us in the Sheffield and Derbyshire Leagues and for Derbyshire County teams.
It was in that same year that he entered the Derbyshire Individual Championship and won it to become the Derbyshire Chess Champion.
In the year 1953 he became our Chess Club Champion and the following season he played for the very successful First-Team that won the 'triple' playing on board one to finish the season on a high percentage score. He continued to play for the First-Team before retiring in 1958, and stopped playing in the Club Championship in the year 1968.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
"I first met Leslie when I was picked to play against him in the County Match between Derbyshire -v- Nottinghamshire on the 03-12-1949. I remember I offered a draw wich was not taken subsequently he made a slight oversight which enabled me to win. Remember him best though as a team player when I was the First Team Captain, he was a tower of strength to the team, always calm and collected, always unruffled, a veritable Rock of Gibraltar!.
I saw him a few years ago on the occasion of a Club -v- Schools simultenious display at Hasland School. He told me that he had come along with a friend of his to watch because as he said "I might see my friend Joe there"! which he did and I was glad to see him too!.
I shall miss Leslie Calvert very personally".
Leslie was a native from Pilsley and had been married for 57 years at his death, leaving a widow, two stepson, ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grand-children. He was a life-long Methodist and an active worker in the church.
We send our condolences to Mrs Mould Calvert and to the members of the family along with the record of his Chess Life period with the Chesterfield Chess Club.
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Leslie originally played for the Mansfield Chess Club and for the Nottinghamshire County Team. Later decided to join our Chess Club in the 1950/51 season and there after played for us in the Sheffield and Derbyshire Leagues and for Derbyshire County teams.
It was in that same year that he entered the Derbyshire Individual Championship and won it to become the Derbyshire Chess Champion.
In the year 1953 he became our Chess Club Champion and the following season he played for the very successful First-Team that won the 'triple' playing on board one to finish the season on a high percentage score. He continued to play for the First-Team before retiring in 1958, and stopped playing in the Club Championship in the year 1968.
Note by the President R.J.Hooton.
"I first met Leslie when I was picked to play against him in the County Match between Derbyshire -v- Nottinghamshire on the 03-12-1949. I remember I offered a draw wich was not taken subsequently he made a slight oversight which enabled me to win. Remember him best though as a team player when I was the First Team Captain, he was a tower of strength to the team, always calm and collected, always unruffled, a veritable Rock of Gibraltar!.
I saw him a few years ago on the occasion of a Club -v- Schools simultenious display at Hasland School. He told me that he had come along with a friend of his to watch because as he said "I might see my friend Joe there"! which he did and I was glad to see him too!.
I shall miss Leslie Calvert very personally".
Leslie was a native from Pilsley and had been married for 57 years at his death, leaving a widow, two stepson, ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grand-children. He was a life-long Methodist and an active worker in the church.
We send our condolences to Mrs Mould Calvert and to the members of the family along with the record of his Chess Life period with the Chesterfield Chess Club.
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Mr A.K.Hobson (1956-1984)
Sadly we have to report the death of Alwyn K.Hobson, during March this year.
Although not yet fifty years of age he had been retired from the Chess Club since the year 1981, for personal reasons. He had been ill health latterly and leaves a wife and family whom we send our deepest sympathy in their sad loss.
Alwyn joined the Chess Club in 1956 and was our keenest and most enthusiastic members.
He played in the Club Championship Tournament up to 1975/76 season and become Club Champion in 1972, He was the joint winner of the Lightning-Tournament in 1976.
Alwyn was also a regular player for the First-Team and be counted on to give his best always.
Our longer serving members will remember him with affection for his pleasant manner. Such members are a credit to the Chess Club and are sorely missed.
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Although not yet fifty years of age he had been retired from the Chess Club since the year 1981, for personal reasons. He had been ill health latterly and leaves a wife and family whom we send our deepest sympathy in their sad loss.
Alwyn joined the Chess Club in 1956 and was our keenest and most enthusiastic members.
He played in the Club Championship Tournament up to 1975/76 season and become Club Champion in 1972, He was the joint winner of the Lightning-Tournament in 1976.
Alwyn was also a regular player for the First-Team and be counted on to give his best always.
Our longer serving members will remember him with affection for his pleasant manner. Such members are a credit to the Chess Club and are sorely missed.
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Mr R.J.Hooton (1931-1994)
It is with very great sorrow that we have to record the death on 5th of March 1994 of our President, Richard Joseph "Joe" Hooton.
He was the third President of this club, having first taken office in 1993 after the death of the previous President, Colonel Victor O.Robinson.
Joe's score books list over 1000 games. He first played for the club on 19th of February 1931 and his last game was on 18th of January 1993 when he drew with his favoured "Stonewall" after 26 moves. After the end of his last game was written the words "I was unable to complete further owing to the onset of illness".
Joe won the Club Championship in season 1954/55 and had several near misses at this title. His earliest known grading, when he was over 60 years, was in 1968 and was then 168!
He was first team captain from 1948 to 1973. Legend has it that the only time he missed a match was the day he got married for the second time. Even then he asked permission from the other team players!
He kept voluminous records and had his own kind of grading system by which he decided mathematically the board order of his team and was able to check on that of his opponents. On the way to matches he would brief his players with details of their likely opponents opening repertoire playing characteristics.
His other offices in the club were - Junior Chess Officer and Bulletin Editor, which he did for many of years. He also helped in many ways.
Around 1950 there were problems in the club due to a lack of direction, and the club was about to loose it's Club Room. Joe gathered a few members together and formed a working committee to save the situation. In due course the club was re-organised in a new venue. It was a very narrow squeak.
Few weeks later Joe was quick to point out that the attendance had reached double figures for the first time since the move. Without Joe Hooton we could have lost the club.
Apart from the vigour which he put in to his Chesterfield Chess activities, Joe was President of the Derbyshire Chess Association and Captain of the County Team from 1952. During his involvement with the County Association he solved the problem of lack of people to take responsibility by accepting temporarily the posts of Secretary and Treasurer whilst still President and probably Team Captain. For one whole season he appeared to run Derbyshire Chess single handedly.
Note by Doug Saunderson.
The most cherished memory I have of him is seeing him organise a match or other club activity with enormous energy and unbound enthusiasm. He would offer warm praise for those who won for his team and a jovial suggestion of a "dose of boiling Epson Salts" for those who lost.
He was fantastically good for the Club and he was fabulously good for his friends as well!!!.
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He was the third President of this club, having first taken office in 1993 after the death of the previous President, Colonel Victor O.Robinson.
Joe's score books list over 1000 games. He first played for the club on 19th of February 1931 and his last game was on 18th of January 1993 when he drew with his favoured "Stonewall" after 26 moves. After the end of his last game was written the words "I was unable to complete further owing to the onset of illness".
Joe won the Club Championship in season 1954/55 and had several near misses at this title. His earliest known grading, when he was over 60 years, was in 1968 and was then 168!
He was first team captain from 1948 to 1973. Legend has it that the only time he missed a match was the day he got married for the second time. Even then he asked permission from the other team players!
He kept voluminous records and had his own kind of grading system by which he decided mathematically the board order of his team and was able to check on that of his opponents. On the way to matches he would brief his players with details of their likely opponents opening repertoire playing characteristics.
His other offices in the club were - Junior Chess Officer and Bulletin Editor, which he did for many of years. He also helped in many ways.
Around 1950 there were problems in the club due to a lack of direction, and the club was about to loose it's Club Room. Joe gathered a few members together and formed a working committee to save the situation. In due course the club was re-organised in a new venue. It was a very narrow squeak.
Few weeks later Joe was quick to point out that the attendance had reached double figures for the first time since the move. Without Joe Hooton we could have lost the club.
Apart from the vigour which he put in to his Chesterfield Chess activities, Joe was President of the Derbyshire Chess Association and Captain of the County Team from 1952. During his involvement with the County Association he solved the problem of lack of people to take responsibility by accepting temporarily the posts of Secretary and Treasurer whilst still President and probably Team Captain. For one whole season he appeared to run Derbyshire Chess single handedly.
Note by Doug Saunderson.
The most cherished memory I have of him is seeing him organise a match or other club activity with enormous energy and unbound enthusiasm. He would offer warm praise for those who won for his team and a jovial suggestion of a "dose of boiling Epson Salts" for those who lost.
He was fantastically good for the Club and he was fabulously good for his friends as well!!!.
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Mr W.A.Clarke (1974-2000)
We are very sad to record the passing of Arthur in December 2000 at the age of 93. Mr Clarke had been a member of the club for over 25 years and much respected for his mature demeanour. He peaked in his chess activities when he was joint winner with Mr F.Watson in the 1989 All-Play-All Tournament. He continued playing competitive chess and attending "Keep Fit" classes until weeks before his death. He is much missed.
The club sent a letter of sympathy to his family and several members attended his funeral.
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The club sent a letter of sympathy to his family and several members attended his funeral.
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Mr W.Ramsden O.B.E. (1991-2002)
To most of our club members Mr W.Ramsden was known as 'Bill', he was our Club Secretary for the last few years, and he also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Derbyshire Chess Association. He was highly organised and will prove very difficult if not impossible to replace fully. He was competitive at both chess and bridge and also had a tremendous sense of fair play. Besides being a fine club player he also entered many individual tournaments with a good deal of success. He won the All-Play-All Tournament when he first joined our Chess Club and he became Derbyshire League Captain for almost a decade.
He was a Chesterfield person and was educated at Chesterfield Grammar School from where he went as a war time student to take an accelerated degree in engineering at Imperial College London. He became a senior executive in the engineering industry and was given an O.B.E. for his services to his profession.
His final illness was slow and painful but he took great care to tidy up all his papers especially those to do with our club. They were all dispatched to the President neatly arranged the week before he died.
His passing is a sad loss to his family and to our club. We remember him with affection and appreciation of all his hard work to keep us playing chess.
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He was a Chesterfield person and was educated at Chesterfield Grammar School from where he went as a war time student to take an accelerated degree in engineering at Imperial College London. He became a senior executive in the engineering industry and was given an O.B.E. for his services to his profession.
His final illness was slow and painful but he took great care to tidy up all his papers especially those to do with our club. They were all dispatched to the President neatly arranged the week before he died.
His passing is a sad loss to his family and to our club. We remember him with affection and appreciation of all his hard work to keep us playing chess.
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Mr G.Yarwood (1960-2002)
It was with great sorrow that we have to record the death on 11th December 2002 one of our 'Life Members', Mr Graham Yarwood.
He was the Executive Vice President 0f this club, from 1981 till 1994;
First Team Captain from 1977 till 1981; and a Club Champion in 1986/87 season.
Graham, one of the 'old boys' played chess at Club level from the 1960's to the 1990's, spanning 40 years. He continued to be an active member following his retirement from his of Headmaster of Cresswell school. He was a staunch supporter of School Chess, County chess and Chesterfield Chess Club.
During the time when our late President, Joe Hooton suffered from severe illness. Graham virtually kept the club going. He was noted for his hard work and the effort he put into our Chess Club and we owe him a lot.
In the 1994 Bulletin, it was reported that Graham was seriously ill with Parkinson's Disease. Shortly after this, due to visual impairment, Graham retired from the Club and granted a Life membership.
He will be remembered with affection and gratitude.
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He was the Executive Vice President 0f this club, from 1981 till 1994;
First Team Captain from 1977 till 1981; and a Club Champion in 1986/87 season.
Graham, one of the 'old boys' played chess at Club level from the 1960's to the 1990's, spanning 40 years. He continued to be an active member following his retirement from his of Headmaster of Cresswell school. He was a staunch supporter of School Chess, County chess and Chesterfield Chess Club.
During the time when our late President, Joe Hooton suffered from severe illness. Graham virtually kept the club going. He was noted for his hard work and the effort he put into our Chess Club and we owe him a lot.
In the 1994 Bulletin, it was reported that Graham was seriously ill with Parkinson's Disease. Shortly after this, due to visual impairment, Graham retired from the Club and granted a Life membership.
He will be remembered with affection and gratitude.
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Mr M.Callis (1989-2003)
It is with great sadness that we have to record the death of Mike Callis, who passed away on the 9th of June 2003. He left his wife, Mrs M.Callis and son and daughter.
Mike first started playing chess when he moved from Blackpool to Chesterfield 24 years ago. He became a social member in our Chess Club and he progressed to play in the Qualifying Tournament in 1989. In the year 2001, Mike also played in the 'All Play All' Tournament and several of our Lightning Tournament. A keen chess player, he participated in weekend Chess Tournaments and he was a member more than one Chess Club.
Apart from chess, his interests were in Horticulture and Agriculture.
Mike had been on an accountancy course and he had his own business office in Chesterfield town centre.
His presence and support to the Chess Club will be sorely missed.
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Mike first started playing chess when he moved from Blackpool to Chesterfield 24 years ago. He became a social member in our Chess Club and he progressed to play in the Qualifying Tournament in 1989. In the year 2001, Mike also played in the 'All Play All' Tournament and several of our Lightning Tournament. A keen chess player, he participated in weekend Chess Tournaments and he was a member more than one Chess Club.
Apart from chess, his interests were in Horticulture and Agriculture.
Mike had been on an accountancy course and he had his own business office in Chesterfield town centre.
His presence and support to the Chess Club will be sorely missed.
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Mr J.Enion (2004)
We are very sad to record the passing away of John William Enion in September. He died at home, aged 87.
Born in Church Gresley, near Swadlingcote, he lived in this part of Derbyshire for 60 years. He had been a
Schoolteacher, was a member of Chesterfield Chess Club and Cricket Club. He enjoyed making wine from
home grown grapes.
To most of our club members John was known as 'Jack Enion' he was a humane man. Played a big part in supporting of our Chess Club. He was our financial club Auditor at the time of his death, spanning more than forty years.He became a 'Life Member' in 1998, and a club member more than half a century. He enjoyed playing in the internal competitions and never failed to give generously to the club and to his fellow men.
He will be sorely missed.
He was a widower, leaves a son, daughter and grandson.
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Born in Church Gresley, near Swadlingcote, he lived in this part of Derbyshire for 60 years. He had been a
Schoolteacher, was a member of Chesterfield Chess Club and Cricket Club. He enjoyed making wine from
home grown grapes.
To most of our club members John was known as 'Jack Enion' he was a humane man. Played a big part in supporting of our Chess Club. He was our financial club Auditor at the time of his death, spanning more than forty years.He became a 'Life Member' in 1998, and a club member more than half a century. He enjoyed playing in the internal competitions and never failed to give generously to the club and to his fellow men.
He will be sorely missed.
He was a widower, leaves a son, daughter and grandson.
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Mr D.Saunderson (2008)
It is with great sadness that we have to record the death of Mr Douglas Saunderson who died in the spring of 2008 in the Royal Hospital at the age of 88.
Born in Chesterfield, he lived in the area all his life. During his working life, "Doug" was employed as a cost accountant at Stavely Works. He was a founder member and first President of Chesterfield Astronomical Society. He was a bachelor.
Doug, Joined our chess club after the second world war as a junior, he became 13 times Chestrerfield Chess Champion and several times Derbyshire Chess Champion,a County player, and very strong 'A' Team club player. He became Vice-President 1976/7, the following year he retired from the Chess Club and was elected a Life-Member. His last recorded games were in 1996 for the 'A' Team when he came out of retirement at the age of 76.
He presented the 'Saunderson Trophy' to the chess club and he will be always be remembered for his out standing performance which is yet to be equalled.
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Born in Chesterfield, he lived in the area all his life. During his working life, "Doug" was employed as a cost accountant at Stavely Works. He was a founder member and first President of Chesterfield Astronomical Society. He was a bachelor.
Doug, Joined our chess club after the second world war as a junior, he became 13 times Chestrerfield Chess Champion and several times Derbyshire Chess Champion,a County player, and very strong 'A' Team club player. He became Vice-President 1976/7, the following year he retired from the Chess Club and was elected a Life-Member. His last recorded games were in 1996 for the 'A' Team when he came out of retirement at the age of 76.
He presented the 'Saunderson Trophy' to the chess club and he will be always be remembered for his out standing performance which is yet to be equalled.
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Mr O.Hardy (2010)
Otto, who passed away peacefully on 04-04-2010 aged 82.
He came to this country in 1943 and in the 1950s joined the Sheffield University. In 1958-1960 he became our Chesterfield Chess Club Club champion and a board one player for the 'A' Team. He settled down in Loughborough, then progressed to become a keen county player and over the years he participated in the British Chess Championship Tournaments.
He was highly phrased by D.Saunderson and for us one of the last figures from the heroic age of the club history.
Otto leaves a daughter her husband and two grandsons.
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He came to this country in 1943 and in the 1950s joined the Sheffield University. In 1958-1960 he became our Chesterfield Chess Club Club champion and a board one player for the 'A' Team. He settled down in Loughborough, then progressed to become a keen county player and over the years he participated in the British Chess Championship Tournaments.
He was highly phrased by D.Saunderson and for us one of the last figures from the heroic age of the club history.
Otto leaves a daughter her husband and two grandsons.
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Mr T.H.Hand (2010)
It is with great sadness that we have to record the death of Mr Terry Hand. In October he he collapsed at home and was admitted to Hospital but, sadly, did not recover. He died, aged 67.
Born at Brinsley, he lived locally for forty years.
Mr Hand joined East Midlands Electricity in 1961, where he qualified as an electrical Engineer, staying for
thirty five years, then moving to ABB until his retirement. He returned to work part time for GEW Ltd for
the love of the job.
Terry enjoyed attending stock car racing meetings across the country. He had a keen eye for photography
and was never far away from a personal electrical project.
He was one of the longest serving member of our chess club and was our club auditor at the time of his
death. Terry served as Club President for three years, the longest serving Club Treasurer for more than thirty years and an active club member for half a century. He won the Swiss Tournament in 1977, and the Qualifying Tournament in 1982.
A note by the President M.Johnson.
I have known Terry since I was a boy, never seen him other than in a good mood, ready to chat about
games with equal good humor whether he'd won or lost. We can only hope that our club brought something to his life as valuable to him as his company was to us.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family. He leaves a widow, Hazel, son, Adrian and daughter,
Jennifer.
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Born at Brinsley, he lived locally for forty years.
Mr Hand joined East Midlands Electricity in 1961, where he qualified as an electrical Engineer, staying for
thirty five years, then moving to ABB until his retirement. He returned to work part time for GEW Ltd for
the love of the job.
Terry enjoyed attending stock car racing meetings across the country. He had a keen eye for photography
and was never far away from a personal electrical project.
He was one of the longest serving member of our chess club and was our club auditor at the time of his
death. Terry served as Club President for three years, the longest serving Club Treasurer for more than thirty years and an active club member for half a century. He won the Swiss Tournament in 1977, and the Qualifying Tournament in 1982.
A note by the President M.Johnson.
I have known Terry since I was a boy, never seen him other than in a good mood, ready to chat about
games with equal good humor whether he'd won or lost. We can only hope that our club brought something to his life as valuable to him as his company was to us.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family. He leaves a widow, Hazel, son, Adrian and daughter,
Jennifer.
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Mr Michael.Johnson (1962 - 2021)
With sadness we have to record the death of our President Mike Johnson. he passed away at Nottingham City Hospital, 12th of October aged 59. A lifelong Chesterfield resident. From early age he attended the chess club he became a club member since 1974 almost half a century. He was our Chess Club President since 2003, as a committee member and a club captain he played an important part in running our chess club. Besides being a talented superb chess player and a chess club chess champion on numerous occasion, as president he was always there to support our new members, he took a major part in running the chess club. We shall miss him very much.
A note from David Latham-
I was at work when I read this awful news, I thought I`d kept it together but was instantly surrounded by worried people asking what on earth had happened. A gentle and beautiful soul has left us; how cruel untimely. it will not be easy to tell my wife and children, who knew him well. I trust he thought of us all kindly as we thought of him..... given the sort of man he was, he probably thought well of us whether we deserved it or not.
it was a great honour to have been in the same room as Mike Johnson. Grief is a price we pay for love.
A note from David Latham-
I was at work when I read this awful news, I thought I`d kept it together but was instantly surrounded by worried people asking what on earth had happened. A gentle and beautiful soul has left us; how cruel untimely. it will not be easy to tell my wife and children, who knew him well. I trust he thought of us all kindly as we thought of him..... given the sort of man he was, he probably thought well of us whether we deserved it or not.
it was a great honour to have been in the same room as Mike Johnson. Grief is a price we pay for love.
