John Offord

John's proudest achievement was winning a prize in the prestigious Sunday Times Chess Competition. The problem posed was: "White appears to be in a commanding position but black has a surprise killer move. Can you see it?" John gave the correct answer which was "No" and after some correspondence was given the prize.

When not writing John is a political campaigner. Firstly to adopt the tried and successful jury system for selection of the UK cabinet, so 12 citizens chosen at random would replace the present cabinet, currently chosen by a tried and unsuccessful system.

Secondly to get Robert Louis Stevenson recognised as the founder of the EU. RLS famously crossed Europe with a donkey.