English Federation for Correspondence Chess

Ian M. Pheby, announced his retirement as EFCC President at the EFCC AGM held in March 2025. He will be succeeded by the previous Deputy President, Keith Kitson.

Ian has served remarkably, almost 56 years in chess administration.

In recognition of Ian’s entirely volunteered devotion to the role, the EFCC awarded Ian the first EFCC Life Time Award and an engraved Silver Salver to mark the occasion.

The following text details what Ian did during his 56 years of chess administration. This is followed by a list of the awards Ian has accrued over this period of time.

Ian’s earlier chess administration tasks revolved around the Civil Service Chess Association and the London Civil Service Chess League:

1. In August of 1969 Ian took on the role of Vice-Captain in the Civil Service, later holding the Captain’s role.
2. He became a Tournament Organiser (TO) for the London Civil Service League in 1973.
3. Ian became responsible for organising the whole Civil Service League in 1982 which he faithfully continued to organise for some 30 years, until 2012.
4. Ian became Vice-President of the London Civil Service League and the Civil Service Chess Association in 1987.
5. He finally adopted the ultimate role, in 1989, of President of the London Civil Service League and the Civil Service Chess Association, which he held for 23 years until 2012, when he retired from Civil Service Chess.

EFCC Posts
1. Although not his first choice Ian took on the role of EFCC Treasurer when no applications were received following an advertising campaign for the role. Failure to fill this role would have meant the EFCC could not continue without a Treasurer.
2. Ian has also taken on the role, diligently of EFCC Master Points and Titles Co-ordinator. This is considered a crucial role to ensure all English flagged players receive awards when they have earned them by accruing sufficient master points.
3. The maintenance of historical records is another role Ian has adopted.
4. Ian has also acted as Tournament Organiser for the Medals and Mason Events. He will continue to manage the Medals event for another year but is looking to pass on the Mason TO role for 2025.
5. Ian has also designed the first England International Triple Block Open Tournament. Early registrations suggest this is going to be a very successful and lucrative event for the EFCC, well done Ian.
6. Ian has sat on many EFCC sub-committees, which he plans to step down from except the Selection committee and the Disciplinary committee.

ICCF Posts
1. Ian has been Tournament Director (TD) for many tournaments run by the ICCF, including the prestigious World Correspondence Chess Championship.
2. He has also diligently and successfully taken on the role of Mentor for new TDs.

Other Posts
1. Chairman and TO of Grays Chess Club.
2. County Grader for ESSEX
3. Captain of ESSEX
4. Captain of Government Chemists, Grays, Redhill and UNATS

Awards

The significant awards that Ian has accrued over time are listed below:

1. ICCF International Master title in 2002
2. ICCF Senior International Master title in 2003
3. ECF President’s award for services to chess in 2009
4. ICCF International Arbiter in 2009
5. ICCF Bertl Von Massow Silver award in 2015
6. ICCF Bertl Von Massow Gold award in 2021

Future Plans
Ian plans to continue as a member of the EFCC Executive Committee (EC) and will continue as Treasurer. His vast experience will be very useful to those assuming new roles in the EC.

The EFCC EC wish Ian a long and happy retirement.