Saturday 20 October 2012

Ralph Kerridge

The club is sad to have to report the passing last Wednesday of Ralph Kerridge who was a regular player for the club in the '70s and '80s.

Together with his wife Mary he did much for chess in Rugby, particularly at junior level. Probably their most notable achievement was to establish the Rugby Junior Chess Championships in about 1977 which continued without a break up to 2011.

They also started a junior chess club at Henry Hinde Junior School and eventually this moved to Rokeby Junior School before being reestablished (as Rugby Junior Chess Club) at the Rugby Workers Club.

Outside of local chess he and Mary did a great deal to help at the annual British Chess Federation chess championships (in late July) and when they retired from this work they received well deserved recognition by the Chess Federation.

Ralph had a warm and friendly personality and will be very much missed by all who knew him. The club passes on its condolences to Mary and the family.