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A Journey from Dreams of Architecture to Bingo Ownership

For many, dreams of pursuing architecture are driven by an eye for design and a desire to craft monumental structures. Anthony Cockburn once counted himself among those dreamers, aspiring to carve a path in the world of architectural wonders. But life had different plans, redirecting him into a world of numbers and anticipation; the dynamic and often surprising realm of bingo.

An Early Start in Bingo

At just 16, Anthony Cockburn took his initial steps into the bingo industry, a world he would grow to influence significantly. Reflecting on his early years, Cockburn humorously notes, "I’ll start with my bingo career at the age of 16." This early start would sow the seeds for a two-decade-long journey through an industry filled with chance and community.

While his passion for architecture lingered, life threw Cockburn a curveball, forcing him to abandon his college studies due to personal circumstances. "I continued with my studies for a year, but personal circumstances led me to drop out of college," he recalls. As the doors of academia closed, the doors to bingo halls remained open, setting the stage for a storied career.

A Legendary Mentor

The Northeast's bingo scene introduced Cockburn to Chris Clavering, a towering figure whose reputation and experience spanned half a century. "Chris was a bit of a legend in the Northeast. Everyone knew him – particularly in bingo," Cockburn shares, signaling the profound influence Clavering had on his life. Their shared passion created a bond beyond business, a fraternity of sorts, where a veteran and an aspiring leader could exchange their philosophies on bingo.

Incisively, Cockburn recalls their interactions: "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." It’s clear that this mentorship wasn’t just about running a bingo club—it was about immersing in a culture both men cherished deeply.

The Ritz and Its Legacy

It was at The Ritz bingo club that Cockburn’s path entwined with Clavering’s most intimately. Clavering, seeing potential and dedication in Cockburn, one day handed over the club's keys to him, a symbolic gesture revealing both trust and urgency. "One day he handed his keys to me as he said he wasn’t well, and just asked me to keep things going," Cockburn remarks, signaling a significant turning point.

The urgency of Clavering’s condition soon became clear, as he admitted his declining health to Cockburn, paving the way for a more permanent transition of responsibilities. "He eventually asked if I was going to come and work for him. I eventually gave in and agreed. I was back in bingo!" Cockburn reflects with a mix of nostalgia and determination.

Transitioning Ownership

It was within the week that Clavering’s intentions became unmistakably clear. "The following week, he called me and said he needed to see me. It was then that he admitted he wasn’t well," Cockburn recalls. This meeting was not merely an exchange of updates but a transfer of legacy. Clavering offered Cockburn ownership of The Ritz, a move that would secure the club's future in trusted hands.

"It was at this point that he offered for me to take over the club and become the new owner," Cockburn recounts, with his gratitude unmistakable. However, Clavering, humble till the end, expressed his gratitude back to Cockburn, "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

For Anthony Cockburn, the role of owner is not just a title—it's a commitment to honoring Clavering's life's work. "It’s about keeping his legacy going… It was a promise, and I don’t need to change it," he states, cementing his dedication to The Ritz. With Clavering’s passing a week after the transition, Cockburn finds himself not only as a steward of a business but as a custodian of a cherished community legacy.

"He admitted he wasn’t a well man. He wanted the club to be in safe hands before he passed," Cockburn reflects, acknowledging the weight of his promise. His journey from architecture dreams to bingo reality underscores a narrative of resilience, mentorship, and a deep-seated commitment to community, ensuring that the reverberating calls of bingo numbers at The Ritz will continue for years to come.