It is with great sadness that I have to report the sudden death of Gerry Smith, from Blackburn. Gerry died in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August, in hospital following an operation.

I first met Gerry in March 1992 when he became a member of Biba. He'd come late in life to backgammon but, what he lacked in experience he more than made up for in enthusiasm. It was quite obvious that he enjoyed playing the game, so much so that he taught his wife, Daphne to play and then encouraged her to join in 1997 so that they could both attend tournaments.

His greatest claim to backgammon fame was his Runner-up position in the 1999 British Open when he was beaten in the Final by one of the best players in the world (then and now), Neil Kazaross. It was evident that he was nervous, and his excessive shaking of his dice cup was an indication of that nervousness. However, when it was all over he beamed one of his smiles across at me and reported, "Put Neil down for a win, Michael!"

He once told me that he was a boxer in his youth and that he had sparred a few rounds with the legendary, Freddie Mills. Looking at the shape of his nose I didn't doubt it for a minute.

In later life he worked a market stall in Blackpool selling jewellery (a far cry from the boxing ring). He even retired from the business and became a man of leisure. But, Gerry wasn't a man of leisure type - he was a man of action. His time each day was spent reading the newspaper, but it wasn't long before he was prowling his home in Blackpool looking for something to keep him occupied. The lure of the jewellery trade beckoned and he gave in - much to Daphne's relief.

He was a generous man who treated his friends well. When I purchased a diamond ring from him for Sharen it wasn't until we had it valued for insurance purposes that we realised its true value. When I offered to pay more he gently but resolutely refused to accept a penny.

Gerry was a gentleman to the ladies and a man to the men. A product from a previous era he was the most charming of men, and the ladies loved him for his manners and respectful attitude. Men respected him for his forthright attitude and no nonsense approach to life.

Daphne died earlier this year and it was painful to see how much he missed her. I doubt if any blow from Freddie Mills could have hurt him as much as the loss of his dear Daphne. I don't think he ever came out of shock, and, when he did reappear at backgammon tournaments, his smile was that bit diminished and the sparkle in his eyes was never so bright as when they were together.

I like to think that he and Daphne are once again reunited. I can see them, playing backgammon, being looked down upon by the dice Gods, as they in turn look down upon us, their friends and family.

It wasn't hard to like Gerry. I for one will greatly miss his bone-crushing handshake, his wide, beaming smile and his self-effacing sense of humour. I am proud that he looked upon Sharen and me as friends - we shall always remember him and Daphne.

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Tributes

Brian Lever: I am really sorry to hear the news of Gerry’s death. I’ve known Gerry all my backgammon playing life, from the early days in the Manchester casino tournaments. Win or lose, he was an absolute gentleman and would have made a fitting recipient of Dod’s sportsmanship trophy. To think we only lost his wife Daphne a matter of months ago. Perhaps they’re on a white cloud somewhere, enjoying a celestial chouette with our other departed friends!

 

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Dave Coyne

Died 17 January 2006

Tributes

Michael Crane

I didn't know Dave Coyne very well. I'd only met him a few times, always at backgammon tournaments, either the Irish Open or the British Open; but what I knew of him, I liked.

Sadly Dave passed away at his home in Dublin on Tuesday morning; and with his passing goes a true gentleman; not unlike Gerry Smith. Dave was always seen wearing a collar and tie; the picture above was taken at the 2000 Irish Open when he was part of the winners of the Team Event.

Everyone has heard the expression, the quiet Irishman, but few of us know its origin - but it matters not for it could have been used to describe Dave himself. To me he was always quiet and calm, softly spoken and always considerate.

A formidable backgammon player who was always on the lookout for a good match and a bit of action. A stalwart of the Dublin BG Club he'll be missed by his many friends - both in Eire and across here in the UK.

Goodbye, Dave. I'll miss your cheery smile and quiet wit. Have a game or two with Gerry . . . and recreate your match with him at the 2000 British Open.

Brian Lever
Very sorry to hear of Dave’s death; he was indeed a very sporting gentleman, with a quiet wit.

I played against him a few times, most recently in the 2004 Irish Open. I remember the match because it was our final one of the 6 on the Saturday, and the loser would go into the play-offs for the last 16 on the Sunday.

There was a lively debate after, with various spectators airing their views over a play Dave had made (which probably lost him the match), so much so that it delayed the play-offs. But we were having a good laugh, and that’s what I’ll remember.

Stuart Mann

I   was very sad to hear of Dave's death.

 

I got to know Dave quite well, through my many trips to play in the Irish Open. He struck me as a really lovely man, and I remember having several tough matches with him. More than that, though, I can picture him in the bar at Wynns, with a pint of Guinness in his hand and a smile on his face.

 

I'll drink a Guinness tonight and think of the many laughs we shared.

 

I and many others will miss him.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Dave, email it here.

 

 

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Photo courtesy of David Startin		Photo courtesy of Martin Chandler

Grahame Powell

6 January 1957

10 July, 2007

 

Funeral Report

It was a good turnout. No one wore a black tie and no one brought flowers - just as he wanted! We all dressed in bright colours and the sun shone down on us all despite the weather forecast to the opposite. It was a great celebration, the highlight being the final song - it was The Ying Tong Song, by The Goons! Click here to hear it on YouTube. What a laugh! Poor Gill, (Grahame's sister) had to get up when it finished to thank us all for coming - but, the Ying Tong Song is never-ending; just when you think it's over, it restarts . . . several times! Poor Gill was up and down like a yo-yo  ;-) During the celebration I stood up and said a few words, and then I recited a poem I'd written to warn people that Grahame intended to provide constant reminders that he was still 'around '. I mentioned it was similar to the poem from Four Weddings and a Funeral, unfortunately some thought it was the poem! With apologies to W H Auden, here's my (less mawkish/sentimental) version: . I am not dead, I am still here. Just look around, I'm always near. I am the 62 off the bar. I am the scratch on your new car. I am the soup dripped on your tie. I am the eyelash in your eye. I am the spot upon your bum. I am the wax in your eardrum. I am the pebble in your shoe. I am the mozzie biting you. I am the bald patch on your head. I am the fluff beneath your bed. I am your glass of flat champagne. I am your picnic spoilt by rain. I am the kid with snotty nose That sneezes on your nice clean clothes. I am the song stuck in your head. Remember me, . . . . and I'm not dead. When all these things start to appear. Just say out loud, "Grahame's near!" . .

 

Michael Crane

Grahame never took anything seriously; and that included life. He took it by the scruff of its neck, French-kissed it, his tongue deep down its throat, and then he cast it aside and began living it. Thus he started on a binge of drugs, alcohol and, when he was lucky enough to get some, sex! Is it any wonder he died so young? I mean, whose body could take such punishment and survive? Did he care? No way! He not only burnt the candle at both ends, he burnt it in the middle, too.

I first met Grahame in the late 80s when we were both members of the National Backgammon Players Society (NBPS). The year he won the UK title (it's so long ago now I don't even remember when it was) he was the only player to beat me . . . and he got the title and I got bugger all! When I formed Biba, Grahame was one of the first to 'defect' from the NBPS (even though he was told he'd be barred from the NBPS) and join Biba on 5 March, 1990; and he remained a member until he died. He won the 1991, County Cups tournament; another event where the only one to beat me was him! But I think his greatest win was the 2003, Irish Open. He enjoyed this victory and was most proud of it.

When he was first diagnosed with an inoperable cancer (or as Grahame put it, "an 'orrible" cancer) he rang me and we talked for ages. He told me he was very disappointed to be dying of cancer - it had always been his ambition to die of alcohol poisoning! Mind you, he told me he was going to work on attaining his ambition. When he first went to see the specialist (or #@%& as he so eloquently put it!), he was told he had just seven weeks to live. On his next visit it rose to six months; and on a later visit, 18 months. "I'm going back tomorrow," he told me, "so that I can have three years!"

Sadly, the six month estimate proved the closer of the lot.

But, back to his ambition: Near where he lived there are three pubs down the Portobello Road, and Grahame planned to go in one telling the landlord he only had three months to live; after which he could enjoy a good few "sympathy pints". After three months he'd go to the second pub and tell the landlord he only had three months to live . . . Sadly I don't think he made it to the second pub; but I bet he had a bloody good try.

He grudgingly accepted he wasn't going to survive the cancer; but he was pissed off about it, more so because at the time of the telephone conversation he sounded like Marge Simpson; his voice was so high-pitched! I'll miss Grahame. I'll miss the regular phone calls and the gossip on what and who was going on in London. At least he's proven one thing to me, it's not just the good that die young!
	Grahame?

Finally. I do hope he's made adequate provision for Harvey. I'd hate to think the poor soul is left alone and neglected. He loved that rabbit.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Grahame, email it here.

Tributes

Nicky Check - My friend, Mad Dog Grahame

I first met Grahame around 1994. I was new to the game and Grahame quickly  showed me all his good qualities, how to play well, but more important how to use backgammon as a way to meet a wide variety of people, have a laugh and drink loads of alchohol. I quicky learnt from him and thank him.  

Over the years Grahame continued to come to tournaments with me, and I was amazed how quickly he took to new people, making friends. I fondly remember the days back at the George in Solihull where the ' Ealing ' crew would be the first at dinner and the last to leave, all drunk, then Grahame would start on the whisky chasers.  

He was a great ambassador for the game - running for a long time the Ealing Backgamon Club on Sundays with his 8-man knockout tournaments. Grahame made everyone welcome. A lot of people passed through Ealing in those days.  

Grahame faced his illness with a lot of strength and dignity, fighting it to the end. I will miss him, going to tournaments with him, shouting and singing in my car, insulting everyone he could. The sad thing was, he was more together in the last year than ever since I first  knew him.  

Take care Mad Dog

Chiva K. Tafazzoli

I sadly never had the opportunity to meet Grahame personally, but I sure would have liked to be around such a personality.  It is with deep regret and sorrow that I learned about him entering his next life and I wish him to do longer and better there...   Any loss of a player is a loss for the backgammon community. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace now since he was restless in life.

Jason Champion

I was very sad to hear of Grahame's passing, in a game full of characters he truly was a one of a kind. Always a tough opponent and great fun to share a drink with. Will miss you Grahame.

Marco Fornasir

I'm very sorry for that. I didn't know Grahame personally but I'm sorry when a Backgammon Players pass away. Please, give to the family my condolance.

Ric Gerace

The world is a lesser place when it loses one of its mad rabbit lovers. Sorry for your loss, Michael. Sounds like a great funeral.

Nigel Merrigan

I have fond memories of Grahame and his colourful character.  The first of which, goes way back to 1990 at a  Biba event held at the George Hotel (what a great venue that was). I was playing a certain Miss Bett.  Grahame got wind of it and said to me 'If you get beat I am going to spread the news to everyone'.   A few rolls later I found myself 8-0 down. The pressure was on. Luckily I got out of jail.   Over the years we struck up a friendship that can only be described as camaraderie whenever we met.  There were never tears, only laughter. Making you laugh was his personal signature on life and this is how I will remember Grahame most of all.   I'll miss the tears of laughter.

Christy Confrey

I got a link to this site and read the fine comments from some of your members about our mutual friend Grahame Powell who recently passed away.

Although I did enter the British Backgammon championships with Grahame sometime in the mid eighties, when we shared a flat together in London, it was not through backgammon that I met him. I met him about 1980 in Greece and from then until about 1988 we were a group who used to spend our summers there. Months on end pissed as farts until we couldn't take it anymore. Then go home around November and dry out for a few months. After that it was back to the "rock" as we referred to the island of Ios, where we spent most of our time. We did play a lot of backgammon there, for example during a period in about 1986 myself and Grahame rented a house together. We took ourselves down to the square every morning where we'd meet up with others for "breakfast"... breakfast consisted of a backgammon session during which we went through the cocktail list... we usually ended up going through it again backwards after doing it from the beginning.

Anyway, some of us have always kept in touch, including Grahame. Although anyone who has ever got a handwritten letter from Grahame will understand how difficult that was :-) The appearance of email made that much easier and just last year we were on our way to having a 25 year anniversary get together, even though it would've been 26 years :-). Because of commitments we couldn't all get together at the same time so nothing became of it.

Four of us booked tickets last month to come and see Grahame next month, August, but we are too late as you know. None of us realised really how bad he was. Although it seems he was fine and then suddenly it all went very quick. Anyway, we have decided to do it anyway. We will be in London, we're coming from Sweden, Germany and Scotland, on the 24th of August until the 27th. We'll meet up with some of Grahame's friends there who we're in contact with and have a little rememberance ceremony for him and celebrate his life... then go on a bender where I imagine we'll all be telling stories of Grahame's escapades... of which there are many :-) Of course everyone who wants to be there is very welcome. Just email me on christy.confrey@comhem.se

He's going to be missed.

Christy Confrey, and on behalf of: Andy Towers, Mike Dunz, Mark Donaldson + many many more of Grahame's old travelling mates.

Rosey Bensley (and Slatts)

First of all I would like to say a few words to Grahame from Slatts “ If ya kinny ya kenny ya ken!”.  The two of them spent many an hour at my house playing backgammon, saying stupid things to each other, smoking a lot, reminiscing about music, telling jokes and generally being loud and annoying me!! Slatts is in Thailand and cannot be at the funeral but I am sure he will be there in spirit.

I will remember Grahame most fondly for the time we spent in Solihull when playing BG at the George. We went out and had lunch together and consoled each other over the fact that we both had bad ankles, told each other stories about our previous lives and I do believe Grahame managed not to swear once! You see he was just a sweety at heart!

RIP Grahame.

Andy Towers
I first met Grahame on his beloved island, Ios in the summer of 1984 or '85. He was always known to his friends from the Ios days as 'backgammon' - Grahame always had his board with him. I had some long backgammon sessions with him and if you were lucky he might do a snake dance for you! Slowly the Ios crowd broke up after seeing each other for 8 or 9 summers on the island. I stayed in contact with Grahame and came once or twice to London every year to visit him. He was very sharp witted, had a vast knowledge of music, and could play backgammon at the highest level when he put his mind to it. May he rest in peace.

Liz Perry
On behalf of all of the Irish players, I'd like to express our sorrow on the untimely death of the 2003 Irish Backgammon Champion, Grahame Powell. He was always welcome here and always made us feel welcome when we came to the UK.

Mike Dunz (Mad-Mike)
I first met Grahame in 1982 on "his" beloved island Ios, Greece! We were a big group of friends (such they are: Animal-Andy, Metaxa-Mark,Tight-Tony, Christy Confrey, Shakin' Steve, Pisshead-Paul, Jenny, Dirthy-Ratty, Rubber-John, Scottie and many more). Ever since we were friends!

I love to remember all those backgammon games with him, and the great time we spent together. In the beginning he always liked to play me for money! I explained to him, that I don't play friends for money. Then he liked to play me for breakfast and drinks. Useless to say, that I mostly won. Then, later on, he had a lot of practise and became better and better. I can't think when I won the last time against him! Just had no chance!

Many times he sent me letters and music-tapes (especially Blues) over to Germany! Grahame, my old friend, I miss you and will always remember you! May you rest in peace. All the best, wherever you are now!

Paul Confrey (added 8 July 2009)

It's nice to be able to say a few words about Grahame.I first met Grahame on Ios in '86 or '87,I met him through my brother Christy Confrey. I really got to know him though when we lived in Cricklewood in London and stayed in touch with him when I moved back to Dublin. He came over a few times to play backgammon here and of course we went on the piss. I loved drinking with Grahame he was one of the funniest blokes I've ever met and if half his stories are true he must of made a lot of enemies, but he did make a lot of friends and I am proud to be one of them. Just to let anybody who knew Christy Confey from Ios or backgammon that Christy died on the 17th Feb this year (2009) so I can imagine what the two of them are getting up to now. May they rest in peace.

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Sarah Rosich 10/07/67 20/12/07	Steve Lynch circa 1969 14/05/08

 

Michael Crane

I didn't know Sarah or Steve that well. I had met them a few times at Biba events, but for different reasons they have reserved a space in my memory. Sarah's space is one of a fun-loving girl who liked to cause mischief, and one particular memory is of a comment she made during a doubles event - a comment that I can't divulge here . . . . to protect the guilty!

Steve's space is one of disruption and mayhem! As you'll read below in Rebecca's comments, he had a certain reputation and he made my job as TD difficult at times . . .  but he also showed great humour and it was difficult to stay mad at him for long. I shall always remember the time he was barred from the Daventry Paramount hotel after being manhandled by staff after a drinking contest between him and a girl . . .  Steve lost! Like Grahame Powell above, he spoke his mind and was as daft as him too. He was a one-off . . .  thank God!

Now that Steve, Sarah and Grahame are in backgammon heaven the rest of the departed players had better watch out - heaven is about to explode!

Rebecca Bell

I met Sarah Rosich of Bristol and Steve Lynch of Birmingham at a Biba event in Coventry approximately 8 years ago. Steve and Sarah both modestly considered themselves brilliant players and were constantly aggrieved by the fact I was the only one to win a trophy. ( I hope they are reading this, ha ha ).

We remained firm friends until Sarah's sudden death from influenza in December 2007, aged just 40. Steve and I attended her funeral in January of this year and " the Power of 3" as we jokingly called ourselves became "the Power of 2". Steve and I made a pact to rekindle our love of Backgammon in Sarah's memory, it had been a couple of years since any of us made it to a Biba event, mainly due to family and financial commitments. We planned to start after the summer.

Sadly, Steve took his own life in May. Largely an obnoxious and arrogant backgammon player you may remember him either drunk, boasting, sulking or causing disruption, but he was hugely entertaining and under all the male bravado he had a good and caring heart and would move mountains for those he loved. He was also a genius in many ways and by his own admission "slightly magical"! So now all that's left is "the power of 1" and I shall be back at BIBA events later in the year in memory of two very special, unforgettable, people - my Sarah and Steve x

Grant Shortland

It was Sarah who taught me to play backgammon although she would only admit to it should I win something! Her enthusiasm for the game was very contagious and as such we spent a lot of time together some of the most memorable being the biba competitions especially the Coventry weekends. At Coventry Sarah introduced me to Steve Lynch a highly competitive fun loving man who like Sarah had an edge for being mischievous albeit a little more demonstrative!

I can remember we would always start out with the best intentions of playing to win. Sarah also introduced me to Becca (Rebecca Bell) and as a small group, when not playing backgammon we would eat drink and be merry but mostly drink. Strange how a late night with lots of alcohol can make the very reason for being there seem very unimportant!  Alas never winning a trophy  (except Becca) we did make in into the biba magazine not in the ratings but more in the anonymous incidents and indiscretions that sometimes occurred made all the more amusing by the over-reaction of some of the more conservative biba members! 

I must admit I can’t see a backgammon board without thinking of Sarah. Whenever I think of her I find myself smiling because she was such a unique woman who made people laugh and always great fun to be around. Usually loud and somewhat opinionated a natural extrovert she enjoyed being in the company of people whilst being very gifted at being the center of attention!  Sarah gave something of herself to everyone she loved and those who knew her will, I’m sure look back and remember her with fondness whilst feeling a great sense of loss that she’s gone.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Sarah or Steve, email it here.

 

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(picture courtesy of Mike Main)

Jon Samuel

Died July 2008

Michael Crane

I didn't know Jon that well. He came to a few Biba tournaments and I have to say he was always cheerful and very friendly. I last saw him in January 2008 when he came to Brighton after a long illness. He looked tired and drawn but he was still cheerful and optimistic about entering future events. Sadly, he never returned.

NB: If you have more details on his date of birth and death, please let me know.

Nicky Check

I first me Jon about 5 years ago, although we only really got friendly about 3 years ago. Jon was a regular at Biba during that period, and always played the game with a smile on his face.   I guess to describe John - he was a young man in his fifties. No one who plays backgammon ever grows up, and he was no exception to the rule. Not a bad player, he was always up for a challenge. He would do anything for his many friends and was a founder member of the Croydon Backgammon Club. Jon was a keen music fan, and was a semi famous rock star in the seventies touring America and taking full advantage of the scene on offer.   Last year Jon had major surgery, and never fully regained his strength. He last came to Biba in January and enjoyed seeing all his friends. I last spoke to him at the beginning of the month, and he told me he was looking forward to getting his strength back. Sadly this was not to be.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Jon, email it here.

 

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(picture from Cambridge University)

Andy Plater

29 June 1965 – 10 April 2009

Mike Heard

It was a great big shock to receive the news on Easter Monday from Andy Plater’s sister that he passed away on Easter Friday. I had no idea he had a history of blood clots, and even his own family did not know they were life threatening. The latest one, however, let Old Father Time get hold of him and gave him a massive pulmonary embolism – and at the such early age of 43.

Many of you will be unfamiliar with Andy. He virtually never played any UK tournaments, and unfortunately never graced his presence at a BIBA Tournament. In fact, he only played a handful of Tournaments overseas. His main joy as a player was Online – and many of you may have played him at one time or another using one of his several nicknames – the latest being Hoopi. He was accustomed to playing big stakes. A short while ago he told me how he had just lost £1,000 in a one-point match. He thought he was playing for a hundred, but somehow made a bit of a faux pas!

Despite his relative lack of action in live games, he was one of Britain’s very very best players – right at the top of the tree. His few overseas tournaments resulted in him winning the 2nd Consolation at the 2007 World Championships in Monte Carlo. This was the only British ‘win’ in any of the Main Flights there – to my knowledge – for the last 20 years or more. The first time I met him was at the 2005 World Championships for which he qualified online, and, from memory, he had unsung success by reaching the last 16 – something few brits have ever done. He had more success online than any other player I know of. Last year he qualified online for the prestigious last 16 shoot-out for the WSOB – and courtesy of an admittedly unlucky John Hurst, he reached the last 8. Andy also reached the final of the True Money Games Queens Cup from yet another massive field – this time 1,000s. I don’t think the final was ever played and they split the prize.

I don’t know the full story of his mathematic abilities, but I would think he was something of a maths genius. As far as I can make out though, much that he loved the maths, he found Backgammon far more profitable. He did his degree at Warwick Uni – and went on to Cambridge for his PhD, where he stayed. He did spend a couple of years in the States at Boston and Berkeley, as well as a bit of time in Bordeaux, France. Much that he loved travelling, he’d always return to Cambridge, which he seems to have adored, and was invariably seen punting down the Cam or playing Frisbee on its banks. He was a million miles from just being a maths swat – and read a wide variety of books. Reading and travelling – perhaps the pillars of greatest wisdom.

As a person he was quiet and unassuming. He didn’t drink a lot, and didn’t smoke – so how unfair it is that he died of something lots of us players deserve far more than him. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me saying, but perhaps he was a little shy. One of my favourite times of the 2007 World Championships was getting him away from all the hubhub down to the beach for a head to head session – the day after he picked up the Consolation. On his own he’d open up and told me a lot of interesting stories. He looked so happy that day in the sun by the sea – a great big beam all over his face – and that’s how I’ll always remember him. What a tragic loss to life and to our game – and of course to his family.
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The funeral is at Cambridge Crematorium on Friday 24th April at 1.30.

Michael Crane

I only met Andy a couple of times and I didn't know him that well. However, I offer my condolences to his family. It's always sad losing a fellow backgammon player, but to lose one so young is a tradegy. I am sure his many friends, especially in Cambridge, will miss him for many years to come.

Ro Marsh

I first met Andy in the mid 1990s, playing backgammon on FIBS (the First Internet Backgammon Server (www.fibs.com), where he played as andyp. This was back in the days of telnet, and playing backgammon with text, using x and o for the pieces!

I got to know Andy because I had decided it was time to learn how to play backgammon properly, rather than just going on the site and being thrashed consistently, and he was one of the highest rated players on there, and was from the UK. It turns out that we both lived in Cambridge, in fact, and Andy delighted in imparting some of his backgammon tricks, and to teach me how to play. I also learnt that he was single and a university maths academic, but mostly, we talked about backgammon!

Several months later, when my play had improved sufficiently, I decided to go to a BIBA tournament, and I met Andy for the first time “in real life”, on the way. It was my first tournament, and I was a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing, and very shy of all these people, including the carload of mathematicians who were taking me there. The person who was driving us all there was also from the University, and already knew Andy, but I was really surprised to see the young, scruffy chap waiting by the roadside, who bounced into the car, and immediately started rabbiting in an open and friendly way about this and that and backgammon. I had expected a stereotypical academic, so was delighted, and relaxed immediately.

During that tournament, I discovered that he was gentle, quietly intelligent, but good fun, and also tight with his money! The event was held in a hotel, where the coffee was really expensive, and only supplied in a pot, even if you only wanted one cup. So, Andy just helped himself to people’s leftovers!

I had always known that he was a much better player than me, but only really found out how flamboyant he was as a player, as I got to know him, and as I got to know how to play backgammon. Although he took backgammon very seriously, he seemed to enjoy the money play more than tournament play, not just for the money itself, but because his flamboyant and risky play was perhaps better suited to that medium.

From then on, Andy and I became firm friends, and often met up to go to the cinema, or out to the pub, or out for dinner, and he started asking my advice on things like how to pick up women (being a bit of a maths geek left him rather short of social skills sometimes)! He even asked me to set him up on blind dates! Later on, he moved in and lived as our lodger for a while. When I set up a home page on the internet, he insisted on having a mention in the section about my home and family, as he regarded himself as part of it, and chose a photo of him winning an offline FIBS tournament as a photo to illustrate it!

I kept in touch with Andy after I left Cambridge, and was honoured and pleased that he continued to look to me for support, and to confide in me at times of need. I think he saw me as some kind of a big sister, and he used to phone me up for advice, and sometimes even buy me lunch or dinner in exchange for said advice! So, I think I knew him better than most people, and certainly from a different perspective from his family in recent years. Unlike Mike, I knew exactly what Andy was doing in Cambridge, and how he was spending his time, and his concerns about life, the universe and everything.

Mike is wrong to say that Andy was shy – he most certainly was not. He was confident and lively, with a cheeky sense of fun. Because he took backgammon seriously, both money and tournament play, he sometimes came across as not being sociable when backgammon was involved. However, Andy and I went out drinking, eating or otherwise socialising on many occasions, without any backgammon around, and he was a different person.

I am really glad that I spent time with Andy last time I visited Cambridge, a few weeks ago, as I did most times when I went back, and I shall miss him.

The above photo is one which he used on several websites, because it was one that he liked.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Andy, email it here.

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Walter Trice

1948 – August 2009

Backgammon has lost one of its finest exponents and champions, Walter Trice, who died aged 60 during an afternoon nap. I didn't know him personally but I knew of him through his books and publications, his best known being Backgammon Boot Camp, and his co-written, Can a Fish Taste Twice as Good? with Jake Jacobs.

His books have been constant companions of many backgammon players who have gained enormous insights into the game thanks to his mathematical analysis and unique writing style. He might have passed away, but he was left a legacy that will live on as long as there are backgammon players eager to learn how to improve their game.

Douglas Zare, a personal friend of Walter's, has published a tribute on GammonVillage. You can read it here. If you are not a member of GV, I urge you to become one if only to read Douglas's tributes and Walter's prolific contributions.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Walter, email it here.

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Hercules Robinson, Baron of Culcreuch

1919 to 21 December, 2009

With great sadness, we report the death, on 21 December 2009, of Hercules Robinson, known to us as the Baron of Culcreuch.

Herky, as he was affectionately known, had for many years organised backgammon tournaments, together with his wife Bridget. Initially, his tournaments were held on the Isle of Man, where they lived, and he subsequently ventured forth to a variety of European locations. It was Herky who asked Michael Crane to co-direct the European Backgammon Championships many years back when Biba was just starting out, an event from which Michael learned much from his mentor, and will always be grateful for.

He was born in 1919, and had had a good innings, passing away in hospital at the age of 90.

He lived in Southern Rhodesia for some years, returning in 1961 to England, via a two year stint in Monaco. Perhaps this is where he acquired his main desire for backgammon! He had built up his own businesses in Africa and, following an early retirement, inherited from an Aunt an estate in Scotland. He was a first class bridge player, as well as retaining his passion for backgammon. An active man to the end, despite being severely afflicted by jaundice, he was still able to beat his daughter Rose in August of last year!

During World War Two he served with the City of London yeomanry, an armoured regiment, and obtained the rank of Captain, serving in North Africa.

Herky was cremated at Douglas on Thursday 7 January 2010. Herky had acquired many backgammon friends over the years and the world of backgammon was represented at the service by John Broomfield.

Michael Crane

I learned a lot about tournament directing at the European Championships after Herky asked me to co-direct it with him. I had only been running Biba a year and it was a great honour to work with him. Over the ten days I was there I learned a lot from Herky and became friends with him and Bridget, sadly, though in recent years we lost touch due to him (and Bridget) moving around quite a bit, and it was only late last year that I (through Martin Barkwill and Gay Roberts) was reacquainted with him for his 90th birthday.

He was a great friend of Robin Clay (see above) and I first met them both at a tournament run by the NBPS whereat Herky and Robin were going around collecting names and address of entrants, much to the annoyance of Director, Haig Kessedjian, who later barred them from his future tournaments. This back-fired for Robin and Herky became Biba members and loyal supporters of Biba!

He and Bridget were a super couple and I offer my deepest condolences to her. No doubt he and Robin (and perhaps others from this web page) will be playing backgammon - he won't be alone, wherever he is.

Brian Lever

Very sorry to hear of Herky's death; I remember him well from the Isle of Man tournaments in the late 80s and early 90s - always had a soft spot for them because you were guaranteed lots of kippers for breakfast!!

Your mention of his fall-out with Haig reminds me of a funny story conencted with one of his IoM tourneys, when my friend Shahid Baig - you may remember Shahid coming to BIBA - phoned Herky and left a message on his answermachine asking for some details about the tournament.

This was around the time that Herky had fallen out with Haig Kessedjian, and he may have been a bit deaf by then because he obviously wasn't sure whether he'd been he'd been called by Haig, rather than someone named Baig!

Well, he left a 10 minute rant on Shahid's own answermachine telling him that "Mr Baig" would be most welcome at the tournament - but also saying in no uncertain terms that if it was really Haig and not Baig then he'd better not turn up or he'd be kicked off the island, to stop messing around using false names, and so on. Shahid played this message back to me; we were both weeping with laughter.

Shahid had been a bit unsure about going to the tournament, but after that there was no question - he had to go and meet Herky.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Herky, or if you have any photos of him (no matter what age) email it here.

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Arthur Musgrove

August 2010 aged 72

It is with great sadness that I report that Arthur died recently of liver cancer, twelve years after an apparently successful treatment of colon cancer in 1998. He, and his wife, Judith, joined Biba in October 1992, and attended many tournaments (but never as many as they'd have liked, Judith told me), a result of which was him winning the 2004, Sandy Osborne Trophy. The above photo is of him with his winner's trophy.

His last tournament was another Sandy Osborne, the 2009 event in which he was knocked out in the semi-final by Peter Bennet. More recently he had been studying poker and was planning to enter the Biba Poker Grand Prix on his next visit - sadly, this never happened.

I shall always remember him as a cheerful man, never any trouble at tournaments, and, if anyone had to wait a long time for their next match, it was always Arthur! It happened so frequently that I often wondered if he'd pack it all in and not bother - but he kept coming back.

His son, John, is also a backgammon player, and I hope one day he follows his dad and adds another Musgrove to the Sandy Osborne annals.

Bob Bruce

I first met Arthur several years ago, soon after starting my B/G Club in Herne Bay. He won the first two Chritmas Tournaments I held there. He and his wife Judith always added a touch of class to my modest club. He was a gentleman and a lovely man.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Arthur, email it here.