Sad Loss of Woodpushers Founder

Very sad news concerning the passing of Oliver Andrew who founded Woodpushers and was well known in MSCL chess. I copy below the eulogy to him from the MSCL website

There follows a eulogy for Oliver Andrew
Woodpushers Chess Club is very sorry to announce the passing of its founder, Oliver Andrew, on Friday 2nd February. Oliver was a French teacher at Brighton, Hove & Sussex Grammar School (later BHASVIC) who also ran the school chess team in both local and national school events and in the Mid-Sussex Chess League. On its relocation to the Avenue Bridge Club, the BHASVIC team became Woodpushers Chess Club, for whom Oliver continued to be a regular player and this season, he was its Third team captain.

Without Oliver, Woodpushers would not exist. It was his enthusiasm, drive (and driving) that brought the grammar school team into being. This enthusiasm did not wane in his retirement years, where he was happy again to be the chauffeur for a largely junior team, only relinquishing this role when night-driving became a problem.

All of us at Woodpushers have reason to be grateful to Oliver and he will be keenly missed. Oliver’s service to local chess did not stop with us, however as he also served as Chairman of the MSCL in the 1990s. Our thoughts at this time go to Oliver’s widow, Huguette, and to their children, Thomas and Delphine.

Oliver’s funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Monday 19th February at Woodvale Crematorium, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 3QB. No flowers; donations to The Rocking Horse Appeal and MacMillan. Afterwards all are welcome to join the family at The Signalman, Ditchling Rise, Brighton, BN1 4QQ.

Julian Mitchell