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A Journey from Dreams of Architecture to Bingo Legacy

Anthony Cockburn's career trajectory is an unexpected journey of passion, mentorship, and legacy in the bingo industry. Starting with aspirations to become an architect, Anthony found himself carving out a niche in a completely different discipline—a world with its own blueprints and structures, but one built around community and recreation.

At just 16 years old, Anthony took his first steps into the vibrant and bustling world of bingo. His initial foray was marked by enthusiasm and curiosity, as he was welcomed into an industry that is as much about social connections as it is about games. Remarkably, his dedication led him to spend two full decades investing his efforts into what became not just a career, but a significant part of his life story.

However, life was not without its detours. "I continued with my studies for a year, but personal circumstances led me to drop out of college," Anthony once reflected on the choices that steered him away from architectural studies. These personal challenges diverted him back to bingo, where he found both solace and opportunity.

A Legendary Mentor

Throughout his journey, Anthony had the fortune of learning from Chris Clavering, a stalwart and well-respected figure in the bingo circle of the Northeast. As Anthony recalls, "Chris was a bit of a legend in the Northeast. Everyone knew him – particularly in bingo." Clavering’s prominence in the industry was a beacon, attracting people seeking both wisdom and companionship. Anthony and Chris bonded over their shared experiences and mutual respect for the game. Anthony recounts, "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."

Through this friendship, an opportunity arose that would redefine Anthony’s position within the industry. Chris eventually inquired if Anthony would join him in running The Ritz bingo club. Anthony fondly remembers the invitation: "He eventually asked if I was going to come and work for him. I eventually gave in and agreed. I was back in bingo!"

The Transfer of a Legacy

Things took a poignant turn when Chris, facing health challenges, entrusted Anthony with the future of The Ritz. "One day he handed his keys to me as he said he wasn’t well, and just asked me to keep things going," Anthony recalls the moment laden with both promise and responsibility. It was a vote of confidence from a mentor to a mentee, as Chris saw in Anthony someone who could continue the club with the care and respect it deserved.

The depth of trust Chris placed in Anthony culminated in an offer that was both an honor and a challenge: the ownership of The Ritz. Anthony describes that significant conversation, "The following week, he called me and said he needed to see me. It was then that he admitted he wasn’t well." Chris expressed his wish for Anthony to take over, saying, "It was at this point that he offered for me to take over the club and become the new owner." Chris's gesture was filled with gratitude, acknowledging that Anthony’s commitment was what would allow The Ritz to continue thriving, underlining, "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."

Carrying the Torch Forward

For Anthony Cockburn, owning The Ritz is not merely about running a business; it’s about honoring a promise. "It’s about keeping his legacy going… It was a promise, and I don’t need to change it," he says, highlighting his dedication to preserving what Chris Clavering had built over decades. Chris’s passing came just a week after he handed the reins over to Anthony, a transition marked by both sadness and resolve. "He admitted he wasn’t a well man. He wanted the club to be in safe hands before he passed."

In the world of bingo, where laughter meets strategy and numbers become community ties, Anthony Cockburn's story is a testament to the relationships that define the industry. From a young man with architectural dreams to a steward of a cherished institution, Anthony's journey is one of resilience and respect—a narrative built on the foundations laid by his mentor and friend, Chris Clavering.