News

26.09.2022

Eric Ward’s funeral is confirmed for this Friday 30th September at 2pm at St Mary’s Church, 10-12 Wycombe End, HP9 2JW. 

For those who wish to join there will be a short committal at Holtspur Cemetry, Broad Lane, HP9 1XD.

Followed by funeral wake at Browns, Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield, HP9 1LW. 

**Please confirm to Gordon if you will be attending.**

From Amy Ward: 

We truly appreciate your kind thoughts and there are no other expectations. If you wish to make a gesture we respectfully request;

Donation – the nurses from Rennie Grove Hospice at Home care took excellent care of Dad in his final days. https://renniegrove.org/donate

Flowers – www.theonlinesecretgarden.com/sympathy

20.09.2022

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the death on Tuesday 13th September of Eric Ward, at the age of 80. He was a stalwart of Shirley & Wythall Chess Club for more than 30 years, played chess also in Oxfordshire for Leys, and on his numerous trips abroad – to Spain and New York in particular.  He suffered from cancer in recent times, and reduced his chess activities, but was always keen to stay involved.  

Eric was an open and welcoming man, with a strong love of family. He also had a sharp wit, and a fiercely competitive nature, with a keen eye for an opportunity at the chessboard. A strong and amiable character.

His chess, and therefore his rating, was highly volatile, due in large part to his desire not to draw – he would rather fight to the finish.  So his usual 130-140 really didn’t do him justice, and it was pleasing to see him reach the 150s before the system changed. I know we will miss Eric greatly, remembering his wit and passion for the game, support for the club and his generosity.  

His daughter Amy called me to give me the sad news, and she will provide funeral details in due course.

Gordon S.G. Christie, Secretary, Shirley & Wythall Chess Club

15.09.2021

Finally we get to play over-the-board again!

Both our favourite Leagues have re-started:

      • The Leamington & District League 2021-22 season is already under way, with the first league matches complete, and K-O Cup matches coming up next week. We have a team in each division and Cup competition.
      • The Birmingham & District League is in the process of finalising fixtures for the new season, which is planned to get under way in mid-October. League only – no Trophy competitions. We have our usual 4 teams.

In addition, Chris is organising this season’s Club Championship, the first games will take place in the next 2-3 weeks. See the “Tournament” page for details.

We also get to welcome new members, Darren Whitmore, Matthew McHugh, Hok Chiu and Chun Chiu who, like the rest of us, are more than ready for some proper competition!