Stephen Gerrard Rigby, founder in 1978 of 3Cs chess club in Manchester, was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List of 2025, dated 31/12/2024. The short citation was simply “Founder, The Children's Chess Club (3Cs). For services to Young People.” The long citation (not officially published) doubtless mentions chess.

Although still listed as secretary of 3Cs, he has retired to live in Welshpool, Powys, on the Welsh side of the England-Wales border, and is whipping up enthusiasm for chess there.

Full Title (hierarchically listed)	No.	% c.
Companion of Honour	1	0.08
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire	1	0.08
Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire	1	0.08
Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath	1	0.08
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath	1	0.08
Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire	13	1.1
Knight Bachelor	22	1.8
Companion of the Order of the Bath	7	0.6
Commander of the Order of the British Empire	95	8
Officer of the Order of the British Empire	244	20
Member of the Order of the British Empire	500	42
Medal of the Order of the British Empire	317	26
total	1,203

“Chess” is not mentioned in the short citation of the any other nominee in the New Year Honours List of 2024, though that does not preclude chess being at least part of the reason. In the King’s Birthday Honours List of 2024, “chess” was in fact mentioned in one nominee’s short citation, with Dr Gerald Edward Lobley receiving an MBE (Member of the British Empire) “For services to Chess in Scotland”.