Author: Ken

George Whitfield

Ken Neat writes:

I am very sad to report that George Whitfield died a couple of weeks ago. His name probably won’t be familiar to many, as he played for Hetton for only a short period between 2015-7 before health problems forced him to give up chess. But back in the late 1950s to early 1960s George and I were both members of the Sunderland YMCA club and we were great friends.

George’s funeral will be held at Sunderland Crematorium on Monday 30th December at 1.30 p.m.

Andy Horton simul

International Master Andy Horton is giving a simultaneous display this coming Monday, 9th December. This will be held at 6.45pm in Durham University’s Elvet Riverside building (postcode is DH1 3JT). It will be a fairly informal evening (no entry fee).
In addition to the students who have expressed interest, 10 more players can be accommodated. All local players are welcome, but please email chess.society@durham.ac.uk in advance to claim a spot.

Keith Smith

Please note that Keith’s funeral will take place at 10.30, not 10.00 as previously announced.

David Smith has written the following tribute to Keith:

Keith Smith has been a member of Hartlepool Chess Club for many years. He was our current Treasurer and was a regular A team player both in the Cleveland and Durham leagues. He was also the Treasurer for DCCA for a number of years and attended the committee meetings regularly, mostly travelling by bus to and from the venues.

Several years ago Keith was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder which he fought bravely. He was given the all clear but developed some side effects which led to him being hospitalised recently. Despite a number of blood transfusions the doctors were unable to save him, leading to his passing away on 1st November.

Keith was a private person and spoke little of his family to anyone. He will be greatly missed, being an asset to our club.

Keith will be cremated at Stranton Cemetery, Tanfield Road, Hartlepool, TS25 5DD on Wednesday 20th November at 10.30 am. All are invited to the Travellers Rest pub, which is close to the cemetery, afterwards.

RIP Keith.

Support the DCCA Congress!

From Mick Riding:

I am organising the Durham Chess Congress for May 1-3, 2020, at the Mercure Hotel in Darlington. More will follow on this. For now I’d be delighted if you could (please) support our bid for some funding from the Venator initiative. Link below. You can vote three times (for us, so that’s please please please!) but obviously support any initiative you think worthwhile.

Click here to vote!

If we win a prize the money will go towards increased prizes and/or securing the basis for the 2021 Congress.

Voting closes 29 November. Please share with club members and encourage support to help ensure we have two nailed on weekend congresses on our door step from 2020 and beyond.