Tom Sweby, once described as a ‘tame communist by a former pupil who went on to put pen to paper also, is perhaps best known for his column in The Luton News, which ran for decades and was quite readable. That began in 67, but prior to that he also wrote for them and other newspapers on a freelance basis too. Not only that, he had a column in The Beds and Herts Pictorial which predated that in The Luton News. They are more or less the same and vary content both local and international, and both exude that lack of attention to detail he too frequently fell foul of. As far as I know, I am the only one who reproduces his columns and with this it is hoped that a greater appreciation and understanding of chess in the 50s in Bedfordshire will emerge. It must be said that chess wise the 50’s isn’t a decade which exemplifies strength and depth in Bedfordshire. This view is based on club and county results which were reported, the team members also indicate that the clubs in our league were not terribly strong back then.


























































































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