George Dallimore Self 1898-1985
George Self made an enormous contribution to Sussex chess. In 1925, while still a young man, he took over the important post of Hon Secretary of the Sussex Chess Association. Later he also became match captain of Sussex and served for a time as President of the Southern Counties Chess Union. In 1963 he accepted the post of Adjudications Secretary for the British Chess Federation.
In 1965 he suffered ill health and was forced to give up the positions of Hon Secretary and match captain. He was appointed President of the Sussex Chess Association and occupied this post until the mid-seventies. He continued as Adjudications Secretary until 1980.
George Self also took a keen interest in junior chess, and for many years ran the Dupree Chess Tournament.
He was honoured both nationally and locally. In 1984 the British Chess Federation presented him with the President’s Award for Services to Chess. Locally he was honoured by being appointed as an Honorary Life President of the Sussex Chess Association as well as Honorary Life Member of the Brighton Chess Club. In 1985 the Sussex Chess Association presented him and Mrs Self with an illuminated address, recognising the sterling work that he had performed for the county and at the same time celebrating the couple’s diamond wedding anniversary. Not long after this he passed away, having reached the age of 87. He funeral was held in Ringmer where he had once been headmaster of a local school. Even though he had moved from there to Saltdean as long ago as 1959 he was widely remembered and the church service was very well attended.
As a player George Self could never be underestimated. It is probably true that if he had not spent so much time as an administrator he would have become an even stronger player. However he won the West Sussex Queen competition in 1929 and carried off the county championship in 1950.
The George Self Cup
In 1987, through the generosity of George’s widow Mrs Evelyn Self, a trophy was presented to the winner of the Sussex Under-18 championship.
Currently (since 2006), this is awarded to the highest performing Sussex U-18 at the Weald Congress, organised by SJC, which takes place annually in July.