I have just received the sad news from Crewe Chess Club that Les Hall passed away on Wednesday 8th December. Crewe have issued the following statement:
"It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Les Hall passed away yesterday, Wednesday 8th December, after he had been admitted to University Hospital Stoke, having contracted Covid-19.
Les was a key member of Crewe Chess Club, having been a founder member in 2014. Before this he was an integral part of Alsager Chess Club and well known throughout the wider chess community, not just in North Staffordshire but across the whole North of England, where Les would play at many weekend congresses.
There is no doubt that Les lived for the game of chess and would always be available to help the club in any way he could. Although club nights would not start until 6:30 or 7:30, he would always be there early, setting up the club for whatever matches or games were to be played. If any team was short of a player at the 11th hour we knew who to call and he would always make himself available.
Les's enthusiasm has been instrumental in establishing Crewe Chess Club over the last 7 years, and it was his drive and energy that made sure Crewe Congresses were put back on the national chess agenda and helped make the club the success it is today.
He will be sadly missed by all and the club will not be the same without him.
Our thought are with Liz and the family."
