Paul May
23 Mar 2025
We recently received a generous donation from Martin Riddle, son of the late Alan Riddle, in memory of his father.
Alan passed away in December 2022 and he had expressed a wish for a donation of £500 to be made to the club. This contribution nearly covers half of our season's running costs, so is a great benefit to the club.
Martin emphasised that the donation is "in memory of Alan Riddle for the great enjoyment that the Club gave him over the years. Wishing the Club all the best for the future."
Additionally, Alan donated a significant number of chess books, which we have used as prizes in our annual handicap blitz, which we hope to hold on June 11th this year.
Alan played a pivotal role in establishing the Limewood and Scarcroft Chess Club when we formed in 2014, which later became Boston Spa Chess Club in 2023. He initiated the club's website, which was advanced for its time, and was even entered into national chess website awards. Alan was always ready to assist, particularly with novice players, and was known for his entertaining match reports often penned under one of his pseudonyms.
A former member of the Leeds Chess Club in the 2010s, Alan assisted in the organisation of several one-day congresses and was recognised as the organiser of the most recent Leeds Congress, which is set to be revived again in 2025.
Despite his advancing years, born in 1937, Alan remained an active player up until the pandemic and was a familiar face among league players in the Leeds and York area.
Alan was renowned for his boundless energy, frequently traveling to various locations for family visits or events. Though he never achieved a high grade, his passion for the game was unwavering. He strongly advocated for the enjoyment of playing in a team, regardless of skill level, without the pressure of promotion—a principle we uphold today with our D and E teams finishing bottom of Division 3.
Alan's contributions and enthusiasm for chess have left a lasting impact on our community, and his memory will be cherished.