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For 16 years, Sundays on East London's bustling Brick Lane, a vibrant hub affectionately known as Bangla Town due to its large Bangladeshi population, have been synonymous with one man: Norman. This Syrian-born architectural engineer, a familiar and cherished face to British Bangladeshis and indeed all who frequent the area, has dedicated countless hours to playing chess against the public, completely free of charge, earning him the affectionate moniker of "The Chessmaster."
From 9 AM to 5 PM every Sunday, Norman can be found at a long table covered in chessboards, surrounded by eager onlookers and challenging players of all ages and abilities. Clad in his distinctive denim dungarees, striped shirt, beret, and with a pipe often dangling from his lips, Norman creates an atmosphere of playful competition and camaraderie.
"Don't cry, don't cry," he jovially taunts an opponent who has just lost, eliciting peals of laughter from the crowd before graciously shaking hands. His booming "Next!" signals the continuation of the day's lively matches, a testament to his enduring energy and love for the game.
More Than Just a Game: Bringing Joy and Friendship
In an exclusive interview, Norman revealed the simple yet profound philosophy behind his Sunday tradition. "First reason, my day off," he explained, referring to his weekday profession as a building contractor. But the second, and arguably more significant, reason is his unwavering desire to "make them [the public] feel happy."
"I love to meet new people all the time. So my aim [is] to meet people and make friendships," he shared. This sentiment was perfectly illustrated when a man approached him, phone in hand, recalling a past encounter. "Ah," Norman chuckled, "Not that many years ago," as he embraced the interaction with genuine warmth.
Norman primarily plays Bullet chess, a fast-paced game lasting under three minutes per player. He sees a deep connection between the strategic demands of chess and the challenges of life. He equates the "fight from the first move" in chess to the daily struggle for necessities. Crucially, he emphasizes the importance of respect in both domains. "If we don't respect each other, we don't play a good game. And then life as well. If you don't respect, you cannot do any business, you cannot live. If there is no respect, the life is short," he asserted.
A Beacon of Positivity on Brick Lane
Despite Brick Lane's reputation, Norman remains undeterred by potential troublemakers. "Here in Brick Lane, there are negative people. Maybe they are behind, they are unemployed, drinking, or beggars," he acknowledged. "But thank God, I control that 100% with a good smile, good help." His secret? Simple kindness – a friendly inquiry, a sincere compliment, even a piece of candy – all designed to "win his or her heart."
Norman's message to the public is a powerful one: embrace positivity. "Never, ever, ever say anything negative about yourself," he declared, holding up three fingers to illustrate his "triangle" principle: "Any time, any place, with anyone." He firmly believes that self-positivity radiates outwards, influencing others. "Now I can say 'I am good, I'm happy, I'm rich, I'm sexy, I'm open. I love everyone,' so no hard feelings and I win everybody."
The palpable results of Norman's radiant spirit are evident. His chess table is a magnet for laughter and joy, a spectacle that draws crowds, encourages photos, and sparks conversations. As Norman himself knows, the joy he spreads is what truly endures. "It doesn't cost me anything. Good smile, good give, you know? And like now, I believe every time you pass here... in your mind, Norman." He points to his head, a playful reminder of the lasting impression he leaves.
Indeed, anyone who has experienced Norman's infectious charm and wit on Brick Lane will undoubtedly carry a piece of his positivity with them. And who knows, perhaps they'll even find the courage to challenge The Chessmaster themselves one Sunday
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