Photo kindly provided by British Chess News / John Upham Photography
It was with great sadness that I learned that Kenny Harman passed away on 16th November 2025. Kenny was a stalwart member of Ringwood Chess Club’s A team in both the Bournemouth and Southampton Leagues from 2008 till 2020, when ill health forced his retirement. I had the privilege to be his captain for the duration of his time playing in Ringwood which is why I have been asked to write this obituary.
Kenny was a very strong player in the era of such players as Keene, Miles, Hartston, Nunn and Mestel and played for Islington during this period. He was not out of place in their company and had some excellent results against them, particularly in games involving faster time controls. Had he decided to pursue chess as a “career” or at the very least take the game more seriously, I have no doubt he would have achieved much more than he did. As Kenny once confided to me “the problem with chess is that whist it is a wonderful game there is no real money to be had”. He therefore took up accountancy and chess became a hobby, although one in which he excelled, becoming both a Correspondence International Master and Candidate Master.
Kenny’s first visit to Ringwood Chess Club was a bolt from the blue. He took on all comers in fifteen-minute games and not only won every game but crushed every opponent. What struck me was that he seemed to see so much further than any of our club members – a fact often demonstrated when Kenny analysed a game with you.
I can best describe Kenny as a character. His preparation for games involved a visit to Sainsburys in Ringwood to purchase a large bar of milk chocolate which he consumed before arriving at the Original White Hart, our playing venue for many years. Upon sitting down to play, a strong black coffee was then presented to him personally by the landlady! After that he would do his thing over the board. I have no idea quite why but Kenny was never asked to pay for his coffee or indeed other beverage he consumed at the Pub. All I can say is that if you spoke to any member of staff, Kenny was always described as a “real gentleman”.
Kenny’s speed of play was legendary. It was not unusual to find his opponent down to their last few minutes whilst generally he used less than 10 minutes for the entire game. Despite this his results were excellent. Twice winner of Dorset Rapidplay as a veteran, the organiser’s regular comment was that Kenny spent less time over all his games than his opponents spent on one game
Two games stand out with Kenny playing for Ringwood. The first against Southampton University playing Marcus Harvey then a 230 graded (2425 rated) National Master. After about 20 moves I took a glance at the board and Kenny was a knight for two pawns down, but the pawn chains were completely locked. I still thought Marcus would win but as time went by he was spending longer and longer over his moves. Eventually Marcus returned the material, and a draw was eventually agreed with Marcus down to about two minutes on his clock. Kenny had taken 8 minutes. On another occasion, Kenny agreed a very quick against a Southampton A opponent he heavily out graded because Kenny knew him from way back and the opportunity to chat was far more valuable than the rating points.
The world of chess is surely a poorer place without Kenny.
Kenny is survived by his wife Anna.
Pete Donaldson 27/11/25