Wuppertal chess club came to play South Shields in the summer of 1978, as part of a twin town visit. They were a very strong outfit and were composed not so much of members of one club but an agglomeration of clubs in the Wuppertal area. So it was rather like South Shields taking on Yorkshire! Simon McGuinness played on third board against A.W. Helsburg and lost to a Dutch defence in 33 moves. We believe Lance Oliver and Keith Dunmore played on boards one and two and that it was a ten board match. The Visitors trounced us about 9-1! A Knight to remember I suppose.
If anyone can shed more detail on this visit please get in touch – we would love to be able to confirm the players on boards one and two and more information is always welcome.