Obituary
It is with great sadness that I have to report that Brian Langley passed away on 5th February 2020 after a long illness. Brian was a stalwart of Ringwood Chess Club and was a member for over thirty years. The fact that there is uncertainty as to exactly how long reflects the fact that he was the longest serving member of the Club. He was Club Secretary for fourteen years.
A Captain’s “go to player” whenever a team was short Brian would always turn out with an enthusiasm a teenager would envy, regardless of the opposition or travelling distance involved. He was a player who was magnanimous in defeat, those he forgot quickly but when he won, he was always pleased to remind you of the fact and play through his game with you. Even in his later years Brian was a ferocious competitor as I am sure all those of you who played him can testify to.
Brian’s chess grade rarely reached more than 90 but as a person he will definitely be remembered as a Grand Master.
Funeral Arrangements
Those who knew Brian are invited to his funeral which will take place at Bournemouth Crematorium North Cemetery, Strouden Ave, Bournemouth BH8 9HX on Monday 17th February 2020 at 3.15 pm. There is free on-site parking at the Crematorium or on street parking in Strouden Avenue.
Brian’s wife Stella and Sue their daughter invite you all to a celebration of his life following the funeral. This will be held at the Ringwood Chess Club venue, The Original White Hart, 4 Market Pl, Ringwood BH24 1AW. There is on-site parking behind the pub entered through an arch between the pub itself and the old cinema. If you park there you must see a member of staff who will enter the registration of your vehicle on the system. If you do not do so a substantial parking fine will be levied.
Alternatively, the Ringwood short stay, pay and display car park may be used – £2.00 for 2 hours – which is less than five minutes walk away. The post code of this car park is BH24 1AT. From the car park walk past The Furlong Pub and Motor World and keeping the Masala Take Away on your right walk down Meeting House Lane. You will come to a post box. Turn right past Ringwood Fish Bar and the White Hart is approximately 100 metres down Market Place on you right.
Pete Donaldson