Sad news I see that Graham Lilley has passed away. Funeral on Monday.
http://www.wdcl.co.uk/
Growing up in the north west Graham was a regular on the tournament scene, never letting his blindness hold him back. The random acts of kindness to Graham also showed the best in people - a lift to tournament, or someone taking his arm and leading him to his board.
Graham Lilley
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Matt Mackenzie
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- Location: Millom, Cumbria
Re: Graham Lilley
Well this is sad news.
The one time we met over the board, I played very naively against his beloved Pirc and he despatched me with ease.
The one time we met over the board, I played very naively against his beloved Pirc and he despatched me with ease.
"Set up your attacks so that when the fire is out, it isn't out!" (H N Pillsbury)
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mhebden
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Re: Graham Lilley
Sad sad news;A real hero of the Blind community
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Matthew Turner
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Re: Graham Lilley
An amazing character with a truly stunning array of knowledge. After a game we chatted merrily about sport, economics and a bit of chess. After a couple of hours, Graham asked if I could get the women he arrived with. I said "I am terribly sorry, I didn't see you arrive, so I don't know what she looks like" Quick as a flash he responded, "No, neither have I"
He will be much missed, condolences to family and friends.
He will be much missed, condolences to family and friends.
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Ronnie Burton
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Re: Graham Lilley
Agreed with all comments about Graham. He often played the Paignton Congress at Oldway Mansion
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Kirk Gornall
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- Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada
Re: Graham Lilley
Very sad. I played Graham a few times at chess tournaments in the North West of England back in the 90s. He was a strong player.
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Owen Phillips
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Re: Graham Lilley
Sad News Indeed. I played Graham about 4 years ago when we were both 178-he impressed me immensely by playing his first 16 or so moves inside ten or so minutes-we drew, but I could see why I had been told he used to be Master strength!
As importantly he seemed a real gentleman and nice guy. It was a pleasure to have met him. Certainly before Chris Ross became the BCA no1 Graham Lilley was for some years its most formidable player.
RIP Graham and Condolences to all who knew him, not least the BCA Members.
As importantly he seemed a real gentleman and nice guy. It was a pleasure to have met him. Certainly before Chris Ross became the BCA no1 Graham Lilley was for some years its most formidable player.
RIP Graham and Condolences to all who knew him, not least the BCA Members.
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Tom Black
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- Joined: Wed May 28, 2025 12:29 am
Re: Graham Lilley
Sad news, but only pleasant memories of a good player and a good fellow.
In the mid-seventies, I was a member at Prescot and Knotty Ash (though playing for Liverpool in the league), and Graham and I used to play casual games on club nights.
I was graded about 150 and he was a bit higher, so we were fairly well matched, but he had the edge, winning a bit more often. I don't seem to recall any draws. They were good games in a good spirit.
In an attempt to find a universal opening move for Black, I used to reply 1 ... Nf6 to whatever my opponent had played. This led to plenty of King's Indians and Alekhine's, the latter of which he evidently regarded as ripe for punishment!
In the mid-seventies, I was a member at Prescot and Knotty Ash (though playing for Liverpool in the league), and Graham and I used to play casual games on club nights.
I was graded about 150 and he was a bit higher, so we were fairly well matched, but he had the edge, winning a bit more often. I don't seem to recall any draws. They were good games in a good spirit.
In an attempt to find a universal opening move for Black, I used to reply 1 ... Nf6 to whatever my opponent had played. This led to plenty of King's Indians and Alekhine's, the latter of which he evidently regarded as ripe for punishment!