Birth of L'Echiquier Belge / Het Belgisch Schaakbord
On 14 June 1942 a circular letter was sent to several chess amateurs to found a new association for Correspondence Chess players and problem amateurs. This letter was signed by F. De Vleeschouder (founder), E. Gooris (first president) and P. Van de Walle (first tournament director).
Two months later the first bilingual and printed monthly bulletin appeared. L'Echiquier Belge / Het Belgisch Schaakbord (EB/BS) was born and named according to the proposal of the next president (A. Marquet) after a written ballot.
The number of members grew rapidly thanks to the devotion and the clear-sightness of pioneers: A. Marquet (president), L. Wittebroodt (secretary), M. Dragonetti (director of the bulletin), F. De Vleeschouder (treasurer), P. Peeters (promoter), P. Van de Walle (director of national tournaments) and M. Masson (director of international tournaments).
On 16.4.1945, F. De Vleeschouder died suddenly, but the increase in interest continued. At the beginning of 1946, EB/BS had 1,386 members, among them many players from abroad. It was a record. Since then, EB/BS has had ups and downs. Twice, in 1946 and in 1950, it nearly disappeared, due to unforeseen circumstances. Each time men of goodwill were found to restart the machine and ensure its continuity.
Read more about this topic: ICCF Belgium
Famous quotes containing the words birth of and/or birth:
“Heaven does not permit the birth of useless people.”
—Chinese proverb.
“Some say that ever ‘gainst that season comes
Wherein our Saviour’s birth is celebrated,
This bird of dawning singeth all night long,
And then they say no spirit dare stir abroad,
The nights are wholesome, then no planets strike,
No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm,
So hallowed, and so gracious, is that time.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)