This photograph of some of the regular players in the 1973-74 Sheffield team which won the Woodhouse Cup was printed in the Sheffield & DCA bulletin no.6 of 2001-2002. There is a significant resemblance to the Rotherham team which won in 1979.

AMM; BJ; PB; SM.
ML; GF; CW

Andrew McCaig Former pupil (or "student" as they're called now) of King Edward VII Grammar School Sheffield (KES). Disappeared from the scene after leaving university.

Brian Jones Emigrated to Australia where runs a chess business, presumably specialising in magnetic sets in view of everything being upside down in Australia. Last seen a couple of years ago at the Yorkshire v Warwickshire match, while visiting relatives in this country. Daughter Nancy married Gary Lane.

Paul Blackman Not known to stray very far from his native Rotherham, unless to play chess. Promotes chess in schools in both Rotherham and Doncaster. Last seen a couple of weeks ago having just emerged from local shop where he'd bought milk.

Steve Mann Another former pupil of KES. Not known to stray far from Sheffield, except to play chess, until moved to Rotherham, near to the above. Has nothing better to do with time than write this rubbish. Last seen in mirror while shaving. Last seen by others at the last Rotherham Woodhouse match.

Mike Littlewood Lesser known brother of John and (the late) Norman, and uncle of Paul. In self-destruct mode through compulsive gambling. Last heard of a few weeks ago trying to borrow money to pay rent to avoid eviction. In mid-2001 I forecast his suicide in December 2002. He estimated December 2001 but was proved wrong. Would like to play chess but daren't face people from the past.

Geoff Frost The third former pupil of KES. Has as much difficulty giving up captaining Woodhouse Cup teams as the above does gambling. Has given up evening chess, but does like his Saturday matches. Last seen at the last Rotherham Woodhouse match.

Chris Williams Past British Correspondence Chess Champion, retired librarian, plays the French, good at endings, and supports Sheffield Wednesday. Zzzzzzzzzzz. Doesn't sound Welsh, but follows the Welsh rugby team, see. Last seen at the last Rotherham Woodhouse match.