News from the Editor's Chair
The season came to a satisfactory conclusion at Stoke on Trent on Sunday the 8th April. A successful Annual General Meeting on the Saturday, followed by a celebration dinner at 'The Reardon' in the evening rounded off a year that could be considered by many to be a landmark in the story of English Billiards. A significant improvement in the standards of play, higher breaks, higher averages, and more junior entries into national competitions gave those involved in the organization of tournaments an optimistic view of the future.
Apart from congratulating all those well-known individuals who take it upon themselves to organize the sport, we must not lose sight of those unsung heroes who turn up, regular as clockwork, from far flung areas of the Empire to support the game. The Jock McGregor's, the Bill Andress' and the Albert Beard's of the billiards fraternity, and all those intrepid referees, who give time and energy to help the sport along. Many people help in so many different ways, this combined support giving the sport its backbone and fine reputation, and giving vitality to its continuity. Mention must be made at this point of the improvement of players tournament dress, particularly with the juniors. The image of ourselves to outsiders as a sport with pride and character can not be over emphasized.
A well attended Annual General Meeting gave the members present ample opportunity to voice their opinions on the matters under discussion. As generally expected, the amended constitution was well received and the Association effectively became an Independent body. One member was concerned that the Association did not abandon its links with the professional game. The member was assured that the Association had no intention of severing links with any other body, but that the E.A.B.A. was now fully autonomous, and it had aims and principals of its own. Affiliations to other bodies would only be sought where those affiliations were thought to be in the best interest of its members, and the members themselves would decide by democratic means if those affiliations were acceptable. It was agreed at the ordinary meeting that took place immediately after the A.G.M. that letters would be sent to all relevant International bodies informing them of the E.A.B.A. decision, its reason for doing so, and outlining its aims and objectives.
The launch of the E.A.B.A. 200 Club, with already over one hundred members, gave a great boost to the confidence of members at Stoke. The 200 Club which gives automatic membership to the E.A.B.A. and a chance to win cash prizes four times a year from an expected prize money pool of £1000, has proved popular with the billiards fraternity and is well on its way to target. Counties, Leagues, as well as individuals have shown great interest in the venture and membership is steadily growing. The E.A.B.A. Committee is pleased to record that several cash donations were made to the Association to coincide with its changed status. A very kind gift of £1000 was donated anonymously as were several other large cash gifts connected with setting up formalities. The Association is very grateful to these most generous benefactors and can assure them that their support is much appreciated and will be put to good use.
On the Saturday night at Stoke some of the supporters of the weekend event were considerably inconvenienced. A power cut at one of the local hotels necessitated all the guests being evacuated from their hotel and relocated to any hotel with a bed, in some cases as far apart as forty-five miles. Thankfully everyone was accommodated and the Hotel waived charges for the weekend. On the Sunday the Hotel was fully occupied by a Clairvoyant and Mystic Convention. A little inside information can be quite useful.