Hi Dave,
Glad to hear that you're interested in the chess history at King Edward's Camp Hill. I should point out that I left Camp Hill in 1961, some 62 years ago, so any memories would be very fuzzy. What years did you attend? You could put any general questions here and I could assess whether I'm able to make any useful contributions. Thanks, Dave.
Many thanks Dave. I arrived in 1982 and was the chess captain 1986-89. I've almost finished a first draft of the school's history and there are a few gaps I hope you might be able to help with, please.
First of all your memory of seeing Tal (8th world champion) was very interesting, because I've read another piece by a Five Ways boy going to see Botvinnik (6th world champion) giving a similar display in 1962, so it would be nice to write about them both. We in fact entertained Mark Taimanov, another Soviet grandmaster in 1989 at Camp Hill.
You might also help with the school chess captains when you were at school, as the Chronicles miss a few and sometimes I only have a surname. This is what I've pieced together: 1954/55 J I Collins; 1956/57 Heard; 1959/1962 J D Mount. So, I am missing 55/56 and 57-59. First names would help me track these down. I'm in touch with several past captains already.
Do you have any memories of Mr Brown running the chess club as its president, please? He taught me woodwork and I had no idea then that he had run the chess club from 1950-61.
I only know that the first team finished 2nd in the league in 1957 and 7th in 1961. Would you be able to fill any gaps for the other years you were at Camp Hill, please? I also don't know who won the league in 1958 or 1960. I think King Edward's won it for every other year you'd have been at the school.
You said somewhere else that you played for Howard. I know the results for every year you were at school apart from 1959/60. I only know Tudor finished last that year. Do you happen to know any of the other placings, please? Did Howard win it, for example?
Did you keep any scoresheets? The oldest game I have by a pupil I have so far is from 1965, so if you had one you could beat that!
Many thanks for any help. If you would prefer to reply by email, please let me know and I'll get that to you somehow, David