Michael had passed on to Tom a variety of chess equipment and resources collected over the years. Some were used to help start Bourne Chess Club in March 2024. In fact the chess pieces seen in the website were passed on from Michael. There were literally dozens of chess books and DVDs that Michael had studied over decades. He was a lover of the game from an early age and taught his son, Tom when he was young.
The competitive playing of chess has its challenges. Attending tournaments, sometimes a far distance from home involves arranging accommodation and takes a good deal of planning not to mention courage and determination when playing against a strong field of players. To continue doing this into your 60’s, 70’s and 80’s is a mark of character that few people possess.
A ‘solid’ club player is probably an appropriate way to describe Michael’s ability. His last recorded ECF rating was in excess of 100, 1488 in current rating. As organisers of chess clubs and chess tournaments know only too well, it is precisely the type of chess player that Michael was, that helps to keep the game going. Having a bank of players who are willing to play chess competitively is what helps to establish clubs and provide some stability.
Bourne in Lincolnshire fielded a strong bank of competitive players in the 1980’s, one of whom is a member of the current Bourne Chess Club. They used to play in local pubs, The Anchor, The Nags Head and The Mason’s Arms.
Whether you would like to play competitively or socially, you would be very welcome to attend the club evening and make some new friends.
