A closer look at the people who shape our club.
1. How did you get into chess?
I was taught chess at primary school in Southampton and continued playing at high school after moving to Arbroath. I had a main chess rival at AHS – he won the seniors (S4/5/6) cup in S5 while I won the seniors championship, and then we swapped in S6.
As a student I played a few times for Edinburgh University. I then went into teaching and stopped playing competitively (apart from against pupils), although I did establish the chess club at Carnoustie High School, where we had up to six teams per year in the Dundee & District Schools Chess League.
About 30–35 years later, Keith Emery joined my department at Brechin High around 2004 and got me back into competitive chess. We joined TAFCA as Brechin Chess Club and played there for a few years. I also played a few times in the SNCL for Stonehaven. Eventually I started playing in the NECL, initially for Newtonhill (which was effectively Stonehaven’s second team). We later became a single team in the NECL before COVID, followed by the resurrection of both Stonehaven and the NECL.
2. How would you describe your playing style?
I don’t think I have a particular style – some (my wife included) would say I have no style at all. I’m not gung-ho and I can be quite good defensively.
3. Which chess piece is your favourite, and why?
Not an easy question, as it depends so much on the position. The queen, because she is so powerful, although two doubled rooks are fractionally better. The jumping ability of the knight can also be extremely useful.
4. What’s something you’d like to achieve in chess, big or small?
It might be unlikely, but defeating a much higher graded player – for example Bob Lothian. I don’t remember ever defeating Paddy!!
5. What’s your biggest pet-hate at the board or in the club?
Running out of time and losing or drawing a match when in a winning position.
6. What’s something non-chess about you that might surprise the club?
A few will know, but I’m still playing cricket at 77 years young. Another sport I started at primary school and have loved ever since. Next season will be my 65th season at Arbroath United Cricket Club. Does that qualify me for another pension?