The Wallasey AGM was held on Monday 26th June, where the season was reviewed and proposals ahead of the new season were put forward by club members. Much discussion was had about the expansion of the leagues, as well as the integration of a growing junior contingent. The particular pleasing note underpinning it all was the continued growth of the club membership, which is at its highest level for decades. The prizes were distributed by special guest Tom Webb of Atticus, who recounted tales of the late Jim Wiseman, who was a proud member of both Atticus and Wallasey in the past. Among the plethora of trophies distributed after a very successful season was one special one, to club secretary Leon Wolszczak, who stepped down after an outstanding thirty years on the chess club committee. In the words of Graham Heath.

One evening in the late nineteen eighties Leon Wolszczak entered our chess club. He quickly established himself in the Championship section, where he was to stay for over thirty years. He was approached at the end of his first season to take the post of captain which he did. Woe betide any team member who lost a winning position, a look was often enough !

Leon was shortly thereafter elected to the committee and he took us back into the Merseyside Chess Association after an absence of several years. In 1994 he became President of the club and was re-elected over the next ten years.He then took over as Honorary Secretary until the recent AGM, when he retired from his distinguished chess career.

In the early days he drove Barry, Mike C.,Ron C., and myself to Hackney Chess Club in a mini-coach. We stayed overnight and slept on various floors of members of their club. B.AND B. was simply too pricey. We drew the 7 board match and thankfully I won the last board to finish. Otherwise, it would have been the 'Tower' for me. Later he was Results Controller of the Wirral Leagueand Treasurer of the MCA for ten years.

Many of us have enjoyed a pint with him over the years and engaged with him in banter, which he clearly loves. It was fitting that he received an award for his dedicated service to the club. We wish him well now and in the future.

Graham Heath, Tourney Sec.

See the photos at https://wallaseychessclub.uk/album/wallasey-chess-club-agm-20222023