brian stein TRIBUTE

1943 – 2023

The Club was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely death of our much loved and well-respected Chairman, Brian Stein, on 15 May last year. The news was particularly distressing as Brian had attended the annual Members Welcome to the Season event just a few weeks earlier.

It would be easy to just remember Brian for his involvement and friendships within the polo community but he was so much more than that. His life encompassed a broad spectrum of interests and achievements – recording musician, fashion photographer, entrepreneur, pilot (both fixed wing and rotary), sailor, navigator, engineer, diver, marksman, pianist, guitarist, singer and painter... the list is pretty lengthy!

Born in Johannesburg in 1943, Brian left South Africa for Israel in 1962 where he joined the Israeli Defence Force as a paratrooper. One of the most demanding militaries in the world, it is testament to Brians resilience and strength, both mentally and physically.

Following military service, Brian headed to the UK in 1964 to make his fortune – which he duly did. Starting out with the band The Frugal Sound as singer, guitarist and pianist, Brian soon moved onto fashion photography before finding his forte as a restauranteur. He began with a coffee shop in London’s Hampstead, before graduating to more salubrious establishments. Maxwells, and all its various venues, will forever be associated with Brian and few will forget his legendary hospitality. From hosting the Queen’s Cup Draw at the Café de Paris with our late President HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh through to his memorable and most generous early season drinks parties at PJ’s on the Fulham Road – Brian as always the genial and convivial host. He loved a room packed full of people. When told by his team that the guest list for a PJs Polo Party was already at maximum, he always wanted to add more names, such was his nature.

Although a lifelong excellent shot and a man of the sea, Brian went on to discover a passion for polo in the 1980s. After first playing at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – the Club’s founders Bryan Morrison and Norman Lobel were friends - Brian and his Ockholt team became an enduring entity at Guards Polo Club, enjoying considerable trophy success.

Assisted by a succession of players, including Derek Reid, Will Hine, Tommy Elliott, Jimmy Mulligan, Ashley Rake and, latterly, Antonio Manzorro, Ockholt secured the Spring Amateur in 2003, Labrador in 2007, Crawford in 2007 and 2013, Roberts in 2013 and the Chairman’s in 2013 and 2014. Sadly, when competing for his own trophy as Chairman, Ockholt finished runners-up in the 2019 final after which Brian finally hung up his polo boots. However, for many Playing Members, an enduring polo memory will be the annual polo tournament for the Ockwell’s Trophy in the latter half of September. Following the end of the season at Guards Polo Club, Brian would host many players at his historic, Berkshire home. It was a time for much conviviality – polo, barbeques, parties – with Brian as ever the understated host at the helm.

Having been elected to the Board at Guards Polo Club in 2001, Brian became an integral part of the Club’s core. He chaired the Clubhouse Redevelopment Committee which successfully concluded with HM Queen Elizabeth ll officially opening the new Clubhouse, Royal Box and La Martina Store in 2009. As a thank you, Her Majesty presented Brian with his own personal parking space in front of the Clubhouse, something of which he was most proud. If you look around the Clubhouse today Brians presence remains. The striking stick sculpture in the Stick Room and the propeller above the bar are enduring hallmarks of his influence and style.

But more was to follow. In 2018 Brian was elected Chairman and over the following five years he successfully guided the Club through the Pandemic and beyond. Under his stewardship the Club thrived and Brian successfully steered the Club’s impressive Grounds Project through to its final stage, the redevelopment of Ground Four, just before he died.

Unconventional though he was, Brian forged a close relationship with the Crown Estate and the Royal Family which bore rich rewards for the Club in the form of the successful Royal Charity Polo Day, now entering its fourth year. Charitable endeavours were in Brian’s heart and he was a prime mover and supporter of the Charles Stisted Memorial Shoot, which is held every other year in the Park and has raised many thousands of pounds for military charities.

Having been re-elected Chairman in 2022 for a second term, Brian remained passionate about securing the Club’s future. He was a people person who relished interacting with everyone from all walks of life. As such he impacted on many people’s lives who benefited from just knowing him. It was a two-way process and Brian enjoyed engaging with people. He loved life and I am sure that the South African Cultural Gospel Choir UK, that entertained everyone so colourfully during his Memorial wake last summer, would have brought a mischievous twinkle to his eye.

Always kind and humble, it will be no surprise to learn that Brian was both a loving father and grandfather. The Chairman, Vice-President, Board of Directors, staff, Players and Members extend our warmest wishes for the future to Platina Tong, Brian’s partner and soulmate and his beloved children, Dan, Emily and Alice and their families.

As we welcome in the season, with the new fields impatient for play, the Club’s robust health, growth and ongoing success is, without doubt, Brian’s legacy, for everyone to enjoy and benefit from. For all of this Brian we, as your Club, would just like to say thank you. u

Major Jamie Hayward

The Sav oy London

Cuv ée Rosé, chosen by the best.

Maison Familiale Ind Pendante