Peter Donovan 1934–2023
Peter Donovan RIP
1934–2023
We are very sad to report the loss of Peter Donovan, who passed away on Thursday 16 November after suffering from lung cancer.
Peter was a very long‑standing member of the Young Chelsea, having joined the club in 1969 soon after its establishment, and he was an honorary life member for many years. When he joined the club he was already the bridge columnist for the Daily Mail, and he continued to produce a daily column for the newspaper for nearly six decades, earning himself a Guinness world record for the longest‑serving daily newspaper columnist.
Peter was also the driving force behind the hugely successful Daily Mail Schools Cup in the 1960s and 70s and served on the EBU Board from 1979 to 1982. His exceptional service to bridge earned him the prestigious Tony Priday award in 2020.
Peter’s greatest passions were bridge, beer and cricket in equal measure. Latterly, he played most of his bridge at the MCC, whose bridge club he helped to found, and he was often to be seen sporting the vivid MCC colours in his attire. Peter was a true character who will be much missed and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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Peter’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday 14 December at West London Crematorium—East Chapel, starting at 11.30am. Following the service, we’ll gather at the nearby Masons Arms.
Tim, Peter’s eldest son, has requested that those intending to attend kindly inform him, allowing for a rough estimate of the number of attendees: tim.donovan@bbc.co.uk.
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For those of you who knew Peter Donovan the club has now received details of the celebration of his life. It will take place in the Meeting Room at Lords on Wednesday 21 February at 5.30pm. The Lords dress code is jacket & tie for men. If you would like to attend please contact Bernard Dokelman within the next few days. He is supposed to provide the names two weeks before the event and they are then lodged with security at Grace Gate where you enter.
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Item posted 22 November 2023, updated 6 February 2024
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