* When did you first start playing chess?
My dad taught me the moves when I was five or six years old, and then I started playing at my primary school. Fortunately for me, the head teacher at the school was keen on chess and started a club.
* Have you competed in many chess competitions over the years? Tell us a bit about these.
I’m no longer playing so much these days as most of my time is spent on coaching, but over the years I’ve competed in a great number of tournaments in many countries. I’ve played mainly in Europe, but I’ve also travelled to USA, Russia and China. One of my favourite memories is playing for the England team in two Chess Olympiads (the first in Istanbul, the second in Bled, Slovenia). The Chess Olympiad is a team event which takes place every two years. It’s a wonderful festival of chess which attracts most of the world’s top players.
* Have you won many competitions?
When I was playing full time, I managed to win numerous open tournaments, including the Copenhagen Open on two occasions and a Grandmaster event held in Drury Lane, London. I tied for first place in the British Championship but lost out in the subsequent play-offs. I’ve been a member of teams which have won the Four Nations (UK) Chess League on six occasions.
* Can you tell us what's involved in competing for England in the World Chess Championships?
The tournament I’m playing in June is the World Senior Team Chess Championship (age category 50+). I was selected for the England team, which was decided on previous performances and ranking. I’ve played in the event twice previously, with happy memories: We won team silver medals in 2018 and I won an individual gold medal in 2019. This year the event is held in a small city in northern Italy called Acqui Terme, quite near to Turin. Each team consists of four players, and you play nine matches against other counties. At the end, the team with the most points wins!
* How long have you taught chess at Solefield?
I began teaching chess at Solefield in October 2014, so it’s coming up to nine years.
* You teach Advanced chess club at Solefield by invitation. How do select the boys that are able to come to your advanced chess club (Thursdays 4.15-5.15pm)? How many boys attend?
At the moment there are six attending on Thursdays. It’s a great group of boys, and I’m very much enjoying teaching them. Although the boys play some games against each other, we do spend a considerable amount of time each week learning and practicing new skills. I would say the club is ideal for boys who have already played some chess at school or elsewhere, and are very keen to improve their knowledge and skills.
* Aside from chess, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love watching high-level sports, especially football, cricket and tennis, and also taking my pet miniature Schnauzer Ruby for long walks!
