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A Journey from Aspiring Architect to Bingo Maestro

Anthony Cockburn’s journey into the world of bingo may not have been one he initially envisioned. With ambitions set on becoming an architect, Cockburn found his career taking a significantly different path. At the tender age of 16, he ventured into bingo, a decision that would shape the next two decades of his life. Reflecting on his beginnings, Cockburn noted, “I’ll start with my bingo career at the age of 16.”

His initial flirtation with bingo evolved into a full-blown passion. Despite his dreams of architecture, personal circumstances pushed him away from academia. “I continued with my studies for a year, but personal circumstances led me to drop out of college,” Cockburn remarked, a decision that ultimately anchored him in the bingo industry.

Mentorship and Legacy

A key figure in Cockburn’s bingo journey was the legendary Chris Clavering, a well-respected icon in the Northeast bingo scene. “Chris was a bit of a legend in the Northeast. Everyone knew him – particularly in bingo,” Cockburn recalled, illustrating the powerful influence Clavering had within the community.

Their partnership formed around shared experiences and mutual respect. Cockburn fondly remembered, "Chris and I spoke about my 20 years in bingo, and he spoke about his 50 years! And we just seemed to hit it off." Their bond was such that Clavering invited Cockburn back into the fold after a brief hiatus. “He eventually asked if I was going to come and work for him. I eventually gave in and agreed. I was back in bingo!”

Continuing the Legacy

The Ritz bingo club epitomized Clavering's life work, and he entrusted its future to Cockburn. One day, unexpectedly, Clavering passed on his responsibilities to his protégé. “One day he handed his keys to me as he said he wasn’t well, and just asked me to keep things going,” Cockburn shared. The transition, however, was steeped in a deeper intent. When Clavering’s health declined further, he proposed a lasting change. “The following week, he called me and said he needed to see me. It was then that he admitted he wasn’t well,” recalled Cockburn.

With these admissions, Clavering set in motion a transition of power. "It was at this point that he offered for me to take over the club and become the new owner," Cockburn explained. This gesture demonstrated not only trust but a recognition of Cockburn’s dedication and potential to preserve Clavering's legacy.

A Fulfilling Promise

Clavering’s passing shortly after transferring ownership marked the end of an era, but it also heralded a new chapter for The Ritz under Cockburn’s stewardship. “He admitted he wasn’t a well man. He wanted the club to be in safe hands before he passed,” Cockburn reflected. The handover was more than a business transaction; it was the securing of a legacy.

Cockburn’s commitment to preserving Clavering’s work is unwavering. “I thanked him, and he said that it was him that should be thanking me. I was ensuring that his beloved club and legacy was to carry on,” Cockburn recounted, a poignant affirmation of the promise he intends to keep.

As the new custodian of The Ritz, Cockburn remains steadfast in his mission. “It’s about keeping his legacy going… It was a promise, and I don’t need to change it,” he said with a sense of duty and respect.

Cockburn’s story is a testament to the profound impact mentors can have and the unexpected paths that lead to fulfilling destinies. From a young boy with architectural dreams to a stalwart leader in the bingo world, his journey underlines the power of legacy and the earnest dedication required to uphold it.