News from the Editor's Chair
Where do all the billiards players go to in the summertime? Like most other sports enthusiasts a recess comes as a welcome opportunity to relax and pursue those other diverse and enjoyable interests off the green baize. Strong temptations to practise are avoided as are the urges to read a little more Riso Levi or Sam Mussabini. This year my ambition to see more of the highways and byways, nooks and crannies of my beloved Yorkshire Dales and Moors has been realised. To look down upon the Red Lion and bridge at Burnsall from the top road to Bolton Abbey is something special. The view from the quayside across the harbour to Whitby Abbey is an unforgettable joy. The sheer beauty of the English Counties is endless, and the pride I feel in being an Englishman grows every day that I am privileged to see more of my Country. Having said that, I look forward, eager and optimistic, to another challenging and enjoyable season of billiards.
Ryan Jackson is a three years old Bradford youngster. He suffers from a very rare and incurable disease, Proteus Syndrome. His ambition is to go to Eurodisneyland. Brian Watson, a well known billiards buff and regular ABC player has arranged 'An Evening with Mike Russell' at Queensbury Conservative Club, Bradford, on Saturday 3rd August, starting at 7.30 p.m. Brian hopes to raise enough money to realise Ryan's ambition and allow Ryan and his mum to visit Eurodisney in the near future. Mike fits this event into a very busy schedule inbetween a coaching engagement in Thailand and an Asian Tournament later in the summer. Fresh from a very successful World championship, Mike will no doubt put on a very good show at Queensbury, for the benefit this very unfortunate little boy and his family. We wish to express our thanks to Mike Russell for giving his time to this worthy cause, and wish Brian Watson every success in this very worthwhile venture.
Following the career of one of the newest members of the professional ranks, Lee Lagan made a very successful debut at the 'Springwood Bowling Club', Huddersfield, on Friday 5th July. As part of the Huddersfield team's success in this year's Yorkshire Inter-District Billiards League and their captain's success in winning of the Huddersfield championship, the Club invited Lee along to give an evening exhibition. Young players were chosen from the Huddersfield Sunday School League with a guest player from St. Peters, South Bank, Middlesbrough, to match their skills against the talented Lagan. Everyone put on a good show, they did their very best on this happy occasion and the youngsters will always remember the night that they played Lee Lagan. On his debut, Lee did a very good job. He handled the youngsters with tact and understanding, and was well accepted by all present. This was an excellent initiative by the Huddersfield club and an excellent performance by Lee Lagan. More of this type of spontaneous event can do nothing but enhance the image of the professional game.
At least one billiards player we know of will be enjoying some sunshine for the next twelve months. Peter Gilchrist, the World number two, leaves shortly for Qatar in the Middle East, to take up a year's coaching contract with the Qatar sporting body. Peter will probably be teaching more snooker than billiards during his stay, but hopefully he will be able to display his skills at the three ball game. Another touring party will be leaving for New Zealand in October. Bill Andress, Paul Dunning, Peter Shelley and Dave Smith, (later to be joined by Brian Harvey) will soon be visiting New Zealand for the third time in three years. We wish them all bon voyage and every success. We know that they will be well looked after by our Kiwi friends.