Brian William Allsop was born in Smethwick on July 18th 1956 and passed peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with Anita by his side on March 9th 2024.
Brian’s funeral was held at Waseley Crematorium on April 17th 2024 with his Wake held in the Austin Lounge immediately following; where Longridge Chess Club has often witnessed Brian displaying his love of chess during these few years it has been our home.
Eleven Longbridge Chess Club members paid our respects along with seventeen family members.
For me personally; it was a tearful experience saying a last goodbye to my friend Brian; just as I am once again tearful recalling my impressions of the day. I think we were all moved by what turned out to be a beautiful service.
Thankfully, we are able to share some of the moments of the day.
A commemorative booklet was provided containing some insights into Brian’s life and times with Anita: a slideshow of four pages is shown here:
April spoke about her father. It was very moving. Anita spoke of her Brian, with whom she shared so many memories.
Processional Music opened the ceremony with Roy Orbison’s “Beautiful Dreamer.” Followed by a Welcome and Introduction from Morgan Farraday-Miles, Funeral Celebrant.
We learned Brian and Anita had attended the same Abbey Road School but did not meet until after, when they fell in love. We discovered things most of us never knew; that Brian loved his snooker and darts and loved to watch sports on television. His significant love of chess was prominent during the ceremony.
Most surprising for me as a former guitarist myself, was to imagine that Brian had learned to play guitar before he was ever diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease in 2017.
Reflection Music was provided by Elvis Presley’s “The Wonder of You,” a track Brian and Anita shared during their long history together.
Final Words of comfort were added by Morgan Farraday-Miles. Recessional Music was “Annie’s Song” by John Denver.
Brian’s Wake was held in familiar territory with so many friends that would subsequently tuck into the buffet that Anita had provided.
As Chess Club Secretary, I took it upon myself to make a presentation to Anita of a framed memento in loving memory of our friend from all at Longbridge Chess Club.
Here I am offering a Bereavement Card signed by so many of our Chess Club members. Anita and her family were very touched and wish to thank everyone at Chess Club for our memorial gift and card.
We shall not forget our friend Brian nor his wife Anita who remains a personal friend and honorary member of our Chess Club.
Anita will make the presentation to the winners of the Brian Allsop Memorial Trophies, which will be an internal Longbridge Chess Club tournament to be held every summer.
I’m still expecting Brian to step into the Austin lounge from having enjoyed his momentary vape overlooking the sports field.
I recall how during Covid, Chess Club survived under the Rule of Six; Brian stepping through my French Windows onto my back garden porch, comfortable in making himself at home with his cigarette; while Richard, Roy, Kevin and Leigh helped Brian and myself keep Chess Club alive in my converted living room. Brian was ever-present in being at the heart of our Chess Club. His presence will be forever felt amongst us.
Rest in Peace my friend.
LONGBRIDGE CHESS CLUB 