Owen Wilson awarded Honorary Membership of Bangor Club on 28th Sept 2023

The 8-member club committee voted unanimously to bestow its highest award on such a distinguished and loyal member.

The committee said:

“As Club Secretary for many years, Owen helped with the running of the organisation, sometimes through turbulent times. Without members with Owen’s level-headedness and 100% devotion to what is best for the club, the very club that we so cherish, may not have existed today. In 2023, the club is now one of the biggest in Northern Ireland but we stand on the shoulders of members like Owen who volunteered so much time and energy to keep the heart of the club beating over the decades!”

On a personal note, fellow Honorary Member Brendan Jamison stated:

“when I started running events at Bangor Chess in 2018, I was struck by the incredible warmth and kindness of Owen. One of the delights is watching Owen walk into the club each week, face beaming with a big smile for everyone in the hall and exuding so much enthusiasm for the week’s activity. This level of passion and wonderful warm glow has been a perpetual inspiration. No-one at the club could be a greater role model for our younger generations. We feel very honoured to have Owen as our chess friend, a true gentleman, he is one of the most special people to ever be part of our local chess community in Northern Ireland. The entire club is extremely grateful for all that Owen has given to the club over the past 20 years. Long may Owen continue to delight us with his magical presence, his abundance of positive energy, his eloquent writings and his gentle lightness of being, we salute you with our utmost admiration dear chess friend!”