Barry Redburn, long-time member and officer of Radcliffe and Bingham Chess Club, has passed away. He died suddenly earlier this month.
Barry was a stalwart of Club, League, County and Congress chess for many decades. Over the years he fulfilled many of the officer duties at Radcliffe & Bingham Chess Club, including many years as treasurer. He was also an enthusiastic and ever-reliable team player in league matches, frequently in the role of captain, and was a familiar and friendly opponent for many in the Notts league.
Barry’s ECF grade peaked in the 140s (approaching 1800 ELO). It is not his chess prowess for which he will be best remembered, however, but his unfailingly cheerful welcome and friendliness to everyone he encountered, whether old mates or new acquaintances. He met triumph and disaster over the chessboard with much the same easy-going affability. His enjoyment of chess was passed on to his son James, who became junior county champion and an England junior international.
Barry’s health challenges in recent years had restricted his activities, but he always got himself to his beloved chess club by some means or another. His last appearance, at which he appeared as bright and cheery as ever, was only two days before he was taken from us, and was rounded off with a convivial drink in the bar. A great friend and a chess man to the end.