English Chess Forum

Just wondering if anybody has seen or heard of Alan Fraser?

As I am sure many of you know he is one of if not the most active player on the UK Chess scene. I have not seen him since the British Chess Champs 2017 myself but I see he did play up until October last year and his last event was the Dorset Tournament.

I am hoping he is ok as he has not played since and I normally see him at a few events like Hastings, St Albans etc. If anyone knows and Alan does not mind please let us know. If he is unwell or anything it would be great if the ECF or a few of us could do him a card or something to say get well or just to say we are thinking of him and miss him.

Thanks in advance.

I know he has troublesome arthritis, so is probably not playing so much now. I saw him a few months ago.

I had heard, albeit secondhand, that he was due a hip operation.

Umm I don't want to appear interfering, but I did wonder whether private messages to Lee might be a bit better: Alan might not quite like his health being the subject of open chat.

Exactly Michael which is why I said if he doesn't mind. Was hoping there was a non health reason why he has stopped playing. Or if it was health he would not mind. Would be nice for him to know he is missed and we wish him well.

Alan was due hip operation in Feb /March so I imagine if this happened he will be back at the chess board May / June. He was in a lot of pain hence non playing chess before operation. When fully fit plays over 300 games a season which is amazing for someone in Mid 80's.

Hi Ronnie, thanks for this. This is great news. Was really worried it was something worse. Hope to see him soon back playing

Alan was due to have his hip replaced last Saturday. All being well he should be back home by the weekend when I'll phone him. I'll report back then.

Alan's operation was successful. He is still in hospital but is regaining mobility and should be discharged home in the next few days.

Alan is now home but don't expect to see him back at the board before August.

Hope to see Alan in September at Torquay (Paignton) Congress.

Good news. Alan's recovery is going well and he's contemplating a return to chess in the second half of July (but not at Hull).

Good News Brendan. Hope you have told him people have asked about him and miss him

Looking at Torquay/Paignton entries for Sept Alan has entered two tournaments . Glad to see his return to playing chess again

He's also listed as having entered the Berks & Bucks Congress in Maidenhead over the coming bank holiday weekend.