"Question for Members of the EDA"?

[Mr. Checkers]

Does anyone know a J. Latham? If so would you please have him contact us here on the ACF Forum or email me at checkers21@hotmail.com--thank you. Ms. Becky

[Lindus Edwards]

Jack Latham sadly passed away about ten years ago. He was English Champion in the 1930's. I missed him greatly when he died. I am sure EDA members will add more to my brief reply.

[Mr. Checkers]

Thank you for your most kind and thoughtful reply Lindus. Today we received in the mails a beautiful gold FOB or draughts medal (it is certainly one of the nicest that I have ever seen) from England that is inscribed on the back with the following: "International Teams Match--Morcambe--1980--J. Latham". On the front it says--"English Draughts Association". Ms. Becky

[Lindus Edwards]

You are most welcome. I have brought your post to the attention of several EDA members who knew Jack as they would undoubtedly have some comments to make about this fine player of the past. Jack defeated the great Percy Crabbe (the man who walked to Scotland from London and back to play in the Scottish Open) in the English Open in the 1930's.
Jack had a heart of gold and was sorely missed when he died. It is so good to see that he has not been forgotten, so thank you Ms Becky for your post. I often think back to the players sadly no longer with us.

[Mr. Checkers]

Lindus if any EDA member would be so kind to share information about this golden draughts medal or FOB it would be more than appreciated. We try to share as much information with our visitors about the draughts items that they are interested in. Ms. Becky

[liam stephens]

Dear Lindus,

I just got back late tonight after being away for the past few days and saw your posting regarding Jack Latham. He did indeed win the English Championship and I think it was in 1947 at Wisbech. He was also of course a long standing member of the London Draughts Association.
He knew all the old players such as Sammy Cohen, CH Smith, Charlie Greensword, Kaiser, Tescheleit etc and had many stories from those times to relate. Tescheleit, the author of Masterplay, was a master tailor by trade and I recall Jack saying he had served an apprenticeship under him.

In 1980 the Home Internationals were revived after a break of some years with teams from England, Guernsey, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales taking part. My recollection is that the EDA presented medals to all the members of the English team, Jack being one of them. He also travelled to America in 1983 as a reserve with the GBI team for the match v USA and I think he played in some of the matches there at the Checker Hall of Fame, but you would probably remember that event better than I do.


Regards - Liam.

[Mr. Checkers]

Thank you Liam for your most kind and informative response. The design on this beautiful golden draughts medal is as I said earlier the finest that I have ever seen. I am sure that Mr. Latham (a great draughts player) would have been very proud and honored to have received such a wonderful gift as this golden draughts medal. Ms. Becky

[Mr. Checkers]

Thank you Liam for your most kind and informative response. The design on this beautiful golden draughts medal is as I said earlier the finest that I have ever seen. I am sure that Mr. Latham (a great draughts player) would have been very proud and honored to have received such a wonderful gift as this golden draughts medal. Ms. Becky

[Lindus Edwards]

Hi Liam,
Thank you for your prompt and detailed response to the message I sent you about this most interesting matter. I represented Wales in the 1980 International Teams' Tournaments at Morecambe and recall the games I played quite vividly. Unfortunately my memory does not extend to the presentation of medals to the England team.
Jack thoroughly enjoyed his sojourn during the Great Britain and Ireland versus USA match of 1983 at Petal, Mississippi. I can see Jack now as he waited his turn in the queue of players (myself included) awaiting their turn to shake hands with the great Dr Marion Tinsley. As Jack extended his hand to the greatest player of all time he said, "I don't suppose you remember me?" Dr Tinsley replied without hesitation and said, "Yes, you are Mr Jack Latham. I met you some years ago." A lovely moment I shall always remember.

[Palomino]

Picture of EDA FOB
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.c ... 1410508145

Regards, "Pal' Bucker

[Mr. Checkers]

This beautiful golden medal is now protected and displayed around the neck of our lovely brown bear ("Henry") who resides here at our museum.