When the EABA asked me to join their team to contribute to the English Amateur Billiard Player I was flattered and pleased to do so.
After a good deal of thought I agreed on the condition that what I did say would not be edited providing it was printable and not offensive in any way.
Whilst I will be pleased to answer any queries regarding coaching or advice within my own capabilities, I do not wish to translate into words a complete coaching manual. OF THAT I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! Books are plentiful, and words easy to come by, can be endless.
For this reason I would like to introduce myself to those who may have heard the name of a commentator and wondered if it was worth asking a written question they hope can be answered to help their game or to satisfy their mind.
I was born on the 18th of the 6th 1917 the youngest of ten children, made my first 100 break in 1926 playing Tom Newman. I was taught by the famous champion who expected great things from me.
My teenage years were spent playing with and learning from all the old time greats, such as Tom, Walter Lindrum, Joe Davis and Willie Smith onwards. Unfortunately in 1939 Adolf Hitler changed things a bit, so I helped in my little way to put his fire out, which took until May 17th 1946 when I was demobbed. At about 30 years of age I decided to settle for billiards and started to study the art of the game, as I had been privileged to see and to play with the great masters. Pot hunting was not my intention, my target was far more difficult in changed circumstances, yet with hindsight the correct decision to make.
Billiards is the MASTER GAME that covers every facet of play on a billiard table or if you like a snooker table.
There is no 147 or even 155 to finalise or satisfy the ego. At billiards your best could always have been better, if that is your incentive the desire to play will always be with you...your share of victories will give you deep satisfaction.
As a former chairman of the governing body which at that time was an amateur concern, I restored the World Professional Snooker Championship to the fore after many years in the doldrums. John Spencer turned professional and won the event from Gary Owen, another new "pro", a former fireman. Ray Reardon was at that time a policeman. That was the spark that set snooker alight. From then on with Pot Black the game reached, through the media of television, great heights and enticed sponsors to part with their money. I personally, do not believe that the skills of the players has improved. This is of course debatable, so if you want to tell me I'm talking a load of rubbish, get your pen to work. That should give a certain Mr Williams of Cheshunt the incentive to dip his pen again and leave his address this time. During my years with the BBC Ted Lowe, David Vine, John Spencer, in fact nearly all the commentators opened scores of letters, mostly nice, just the odd nasty one which gave us a laugh before being tossed in the bin from whence it came. Somehow Mr Williams of Cheshunt found his way into print, so much for the editor! I can only leave readers to form their own conclusions as to why. "I did" and told him so.