Laurence J. Wheatley

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Simon Rogers
Posts: 2337
Joined: Tue Apr 21, 2020 4:30 pm

Laurence J. Wheatley

Post by Simon Rogers » Fri Oct 01, 2021 12:34 pm

I am sorry to report the belated sad news that Laurence Wheatley died on 23rd October 2020, at the age of 89.
It wasn't posted on the Birmingham & District Chess League website until 27th September 2021.
www.birminghamchess.org.uk
Laurence was born on 28th July 1931 and originally played for the Birmingham University chess team as a mature student.
He then joined St. James Chess Club, which morphed into Greenlands.
Lee Collier posted an excellent tribute and anecdotes, along with this:
"He was often innovative in his chess organisational thinking and I remember his vigour when the BDCL celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1997. He was one of several organisers that enthusiastically drove forward ideas to commemorate the year."
"As 2022, will be the 125th Anniversary of the BDCL, specifically on August 31st, it seems fitting to commemorate the event as a mark of respect to Laurie. "
"Laurie served as the BDCL Morry-Wood Committee chairman until his demise. "
RIP

raycollett
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:54 pm

Re: Laurence J. Wheatley

Post by raycollett » Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:20 pm

Laurence was a larger than life chess player and part 4 of the history of Longbridge Chess Club (Birmingham) <https://longbridgechess.wordpress.com/in-memory/> by Steve Crees captures his spirit. Infuriating at times, but much less would have been achieved and now Birmingham and Worcestershire chess will be different without him. Ray Collett (President, Worcestershire Chess Association)

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