English Chess Forum

When I was a junior, I was part of a very successful Wey Valley Girls’ Chess Team. We dominated girls’ chess in the country, but just as importantly, we had so much fun. I have wonderful memories of those glory days, and I know the other girls will too. This was all thanks to three remarkable people in Wey Valley chess: Mike Basman, Neil Clifton, and Pat Armstrong.

It is with great sadness that I share the news that Neil Clifton has passed away at the age of 90. Pat has informed me, and we wanted to let others who knew him know.

If you have any memories of Neil, please do share them so we can pass them on to his wife Joan and their family. I have particularly fond memories of a barge chess trip to Amsterdam!

Thank you,
Sarah Longson (née Hegarty)

Neil did great things for girls' chess and Surrey dominated because no other county had someone as passionate and dedicated as he was to promoting chess for girls. Neil knew how to encourage girls of all ages and abilities. 25 years later my daughter still has her 'Benny Bear' which she won as being the (joint) top 5 year old in one of Neil's competitions. The bear was then as big as she was!