Paul Chambers

[Andrew Zigmond]

I learnt yesterday the sad news that Paul passed away at the end of August. He had dropped out of chess two years ago after a severe stroke affected his memory and his mobility.

Paul joined Harrogate Chess Club as an adult beginner in 2001 and while he never became a strong player his tactical and positional limitations were countered by a tenacious defensive style that was entirely his own. For a low rated player he was at one time extraordinarily active and a regular at congresses across Yorkshire. This did mean that his rating became artificially very low as he didn't get much beatable opposition.

By coincidence Paul's arrival at Harrogate roughly coincided with my taking on the main organisational role within the club. Paul was always happy to put himself out as a driver for the teams and bring players to and from club nights. It was rare that something was too much trouble. Without Paul a lot of club activities, particularly at the lower end, would simply not have been possible.

Paul was a man of quite simple, even frugal, wants and tastes which belied the fact that he had travelled far in his life (I believe he may have worked in Africa as a young man) and had a tale for many any occasion. He worked in long distance haulage for many years and seemed to enjoy a slightly nomadic lifestyle. He was a patient, principled man and I will miss him as both a club colleague and a friend.