Stewart Reuben

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Stewart Reuben, Garry Kasparov and Tim Rice (presumably at the 1993 London Kasparov-Short PCA match)

I would have guessed earlier - perhaps 1986?

I think Richard is right. The presence of Tim Rice suggests an event connected with Chess The Musical, which according to Wikipedia:

opened in London's West End in 1986 where it played for three years.

Tim Rice wrote the musical, along with Benny Andersson and
Björn Ulvaeus.

I believe it would be possible to find accounts from Stewart Reuben himself (on this forum) on a consultancy-style role he played? But that is only a vague memory I have, so may be wrong.

EDIT: It was Bill Hartston who was the chess advisor for the musical. What I was remembering was some anecdotes that Stewart told about Hartston's role.

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[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

Isn't Tim Rice an Honorary Life Member of the ECF? I'm sure I saw a list of them a little while ago and he and Jeremy Morse were the only names I recognised.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Jeremy Morse died in 2016, so maybe it was a little bit longer ago than you thought.

[Roger de Coverly]

I believe it would be possible to find accounts from Stewart Reuben himself (on this forum) on a consultancy-style role he played? But that is only a vague memory I have, so may be wrong.

EDIT: It was Bill Hartston who was the chess advisor for the musical. What I was remembering was some anecdotes that Stewart told about Hartston's role.

Stewart would claim that he was an inspiration behind "The Arbiter's Song"

[John Upham]

Stewart Reuben, 101st British Championships 2014 (Seniors), The University of Aberystwyth, Wales from 18th July to August 2nd, Day 14, (1st August),

SRs opponent was David A Lemoir and the game was

1.e4 c5 2.d3 Nc6 3.f4 e6 4.Nf3 d5 5. Be2 de: 6. de: Qd1:+ 7.Bd1: Nf6, draw agreed.

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[Matt Mackenzie]

Heh, don't think that one would have found its way into any of David's books.

[John Upham]

Heh, don't think that one would have found its way into any of David's books.

It was the final round so all can be forgiven. Not quite as short as the (in)famous SR - AJM encounter however.

[John Upham]

Here is Stewart looking for fresh material for the FIDE arbiters manual:

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[Lauren Ashleigh]

I would like to thank you all for your wonderful posts for Stewart.
My uncle was an extremely interesting and kind man, and although small in stature he had a bombing voice and air of command as and when needed. I wonder how many of you had the pleasure of seeing this side of Stewart?
Stewart was always happy chatting to me about all kinds of topics, and although I don't play chess he very often mentioned the game so I became very aware and proud of his contribution and devotion.
As was Stewart’s wish to be cremated this has been planned to take place on March 4th, 12.30pm at Golders Green Crematorium East (men should cover their heads). There will also be a 'live feed' and 'on demand' available. If you would like more details please message me.
Once again thank you all for your great memories of my quirky, little bit eccentric but extremely interesting uncle.

[Roger de Coverly]

although small in stature he had a bombing voice and air of command as and when needed. I wonder how many of you had the pleasure of seeing this side of Stewart?

I rather think many of us did. Some of the tournaments he ran would have had several hundred people in one hall and at the start of play he would make announcements about what was allowed and what was not. I'm not always sure he had a microphone either.

[Nick Ivell]

Seconded. Just shows you don't have to be built like a prop forward to have an air of command.

[Kevin Thurlow]

I agree. I also recall a nice gesture from him. Tony Ashby and I were in line for a prize at Gibraltar in a pairs competition (alternate moves by each team), but we then lost to a team that cheated by playing out of order. Stewart wandered over and gave us a prize for the best team name to cheer us up, which was incredibly nice of him and not really necessary.

[John Upham]

Garry Kasparov, Stewart Reuben (BCF Chairman) and Steve Davis (BCF President) from the November 1996 edition of ChessMoves

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[Paul Habershon]

Garry Kasparov, Stewart Reuben (BCF Chairman) and Steve Davies (BCF President) from the November 1996 edition of ChessMoves

Pedantic note: Steve Davis

Has any national newspaper yet published an obituary of Stewart? I think he is worthy of one. I know Leonard Barden has included a tribute in the Guardian chess column. I subscribe to The Times and am fairly sure a Stewart obituary hasn't appeared in it yet, but it is quite common for there to be a delay of several weeks if the person isn't a household name. Leading chess figures have had an obituary in the past but I wonder if RDK had influence when he was The Times chess columnist.

[Ian Thompson]

Has any national newspaper yet published an obituary of Stewart? I think he is worthy of one.

I seem to recall that Stewart liked getting his letters published in The Times, so the least they could do now is publish his obituary.