Tributes paid to Hastings chess stalwart

Reg Cload had been an active member of the Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club since 1947 and spent almost a decade as its president between 1991 and 1999.

As director and company secretary of Pelton House Limited, he managed to secure the club a regular home in the building the firm owned.

And it stayed at 2 Cornwallis Terrace until 2000 - with many a competitive battle of wits carried out under its roof.

Back in 1991, Mr Cload wrote and published a book called Battle of Hastings.

In it he told the story of the local chess club's formation in 1882 and how it grew in subsequent years to host the world famous International Chess Congress.

William Penfold, the current president of Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club, was among those who paid tribute to Mr Cload, who lived up until his death with his wife in St Leonards.

Mr Penfold said: "Reg supported the club for many years and would regularly turn up at any events held at the club.

"He was a real gentleman and will be sadly missed.

"Our thoughts go to his widow and sons."