David W Anderton

[Mick Norris]

ECF

OBITUARY of DAVID WILLIAM ANDERTON OBE born 2.8.1941, died 1.4.2022
Written by Stewart Reuben
Awarded the OBE for services to chess in 1977; President of the BCF 1979-82 (at that time the post included Chief Executive); ECF FIDE Delegate for many years, then member of the FIDE Executive Board 1989-93; Captained the English chess team for 20 years; BCF/then ECF Honorary Life Vice President; Received the ECF President’s award for Services to Chess in 2009 when he stepped down as the ECF legal expert (he stood down from all his roles in the ECF in 2015); International Candidate Master; International Correspondence Master; FIDE Rating 1986 – 2265; 2006 – 2267; 2011 – 2172; 2019 – 2067

David was born in Walsall, Staffordshire, and lived and worked in the immediate vicinity all his life. He had a colossal positive influence on chess administration in England. This was because he wasn’t just a chess organiser, but also a very active chess player in club and county chess, 4NCL and even English Seniors international team chess. His expertise in the law was also invaluable. He played about 50 competitive games a year. He played for years every Thursday at Pleck Working Men’s Club, along with his schoolteacher second wife, Doreen. One site recorded 330 of his games. Most of his club and county games may be lost forever, but. he was an assiduous collector and had a huge chess library. He won the British 60+ Championship five times, tying three times (once with me). David was taught chess by his father as a five-year-old. In due course he became School Champion of Tettenhall College. In 1972 he became non-playing English team captain and held that position for 20 years. In 1979 he was Midlands Champion. He was the BCF International Director 1982-1990.

He was a key member of various committees that ran several important events, often particularly helping with the negotiations with business sponsors. For example: Phillips & Drew/GLC Kings 1980, 1982, 1984; Acorn Computers World Championship Semifinals 1983; London Docklands USSR v Rest of the World match 1984; GLC (Greater London Council) World Championship Match 1986; Leigh Interests Grand Prix for some years. Stuart Conquest tells that David played in an open tournament in Tuscany in 1996. I didn’t know that he spent much time playing in long international tournaments.

But what did he do with the rest of his time? He was a solicitor who started as an articled clerk, as was the practice in those days. He worked for Anson’s law firm and was head of Regulatory Law there. From 1977 he also served as a Deputy District Judge. The combination of his competitive chess and understanding of the law was hugely valuable to chess. He was consulted by many chess people, not always just about chess matters. His personal contacts helped him secure several business sponsors for chess and he was in the top four of English people who were successful in this field.

We will miss David Anderton greatly.

[Simon Rogers]

Sad news. As is usual at these times, we are finding out a lot more about his achievements and past efforts on behalf of chess than we might all have been aware of, and he did a huge amount in many areas. I concur with David Sedgwick's thoughts upthread. Maybe those who knew or worked with David Anderton might be able to share their memories here, or point us to any obituaries that they may have contributed to?

Sad news. Although I didn't know David, clearly he did a huge amount for chess especially in the Midlands.
Lengthy tribute on the Birmingham & District Chess League website:
https://www.birminghamchess.org.uk

[Matt Mackenzie]

"Most of his club and county games may be lost forever" - its surely quite possible he kept the records of them.

[LawrenceCooper]

"Most of his club and county games may be lost forever" - its surely quite possible he kept the records of them.

I have all the games he played against me, albeit not many were decisive!

[Simon Rogers]

The funeral arrangements for David Anderton have been announced on the Birmingham & District Chess League website:
It will be held at 1.45pm on Wednesday 4th May at:-
The Streetly Crematorium
296 Little Hardwick Road
Walsall
WS9 0SG
The family request that no flowers be sent but that they would appreciate donations be made to the charity 'The Guide Dogs For The Blind', in their place.
https://www.birminghamchess.org.uk

[Ian Kingston]

Just found this obituary (which I don't think has been posted here) on the website of the firm where David was a consultant:

https://www.ansonssolicitors.com/david- ... emembered/

A courteous opponent of the old school.

[Kevin Thurlow]

"David also brought to everything he did a sense of honour and fairness. He believed in treating everyone equally and was quick to defend the underdog."

Nice to have someone say that about you.

[JustinHorton]

Nihil nisi bonum

[John Upham]

Nihil nisi bonum

Yateley School's (me : 1971-1978) moto was "Nihil nisi verum" which is clearly not Alexander de Pfeffel's motto.

[Roger Lancaster]

AIthough I don't recaII meeting David myseIf and so cannot make any first-hand comment, I'm aware that he was highIy regarded by many contemporaries, some of whom have themseIves passed away and so cannot post here.

[Simon Rogers]

David's obituary was updated again on the English Chess Federation website on Monday 25th April.

[John Upham]

David's obituary was updated again on the English Chess Federation website on Monday 25th April.

One thing to note is that ECF web site obituaries tend to get removed after a few months but I have a means of retrieving them.

[LawrenceCooper]

There was a very good turnout today.

[Jon Tait]

"Most of his club and county games may be lost forever" - its surely quite possible he kept the records of them.

I have all the games he played against me, albeit not many were decisive!

I only played him at correspondence — eight games, two wins to David and six draws. He was a strong player.

[James Plaskett]

https://www.thearticle.com/dedecus-et-t ... paedophile