News from the Editor's Chair
It's just about ten years ago since entrants to the 1992 English Billiards Championship received notice from the Billiards & Snooker Control Council that "The Company is unable to fulfil it's obligations in the running of the 'English Billiards Championship' and we therefore regret to inform you that the matches notified to you will not now take place". A very sad state of affairs, and a situation that had been expected for some time before the event. In a quick response to this situation a group of committed billiards players rallied around to rescue the Championship. By individual donations, sponsorship, and the hard work of those involved in setting up the final stages, the 1992 Championship came to a satisfactory conclusion at the Cubbington Social Club, in Warwickshire. Ten years on, and after many, many trials and tribulations along the way, the game of English Billiards has survived. Some, would say that the amateur game has never been in better shape, and others would say that the game has even prospered.
The E.A.B.A. committee feels that now is the time to move on. Representation is being made to 'Sport England' in effect to be recognised as the governing body for 'English Billiards' in England. The Association has shown by example that it is the most reliable, and the most responsible, organisation that can be entrusted with the future prosperity of the sport. The Association has proved that it's belief in the sporting, social and cultural objectives are beyond reproach. By keeping down the cost of participation in amateur billiards, and by providing a caring and user friendly approach, we are encouraging more young people to join our Association. We are fully aware that we are a minority sport, but big is not always beautiful. The competitive atmosphere, camaraderie, and good will engendered at the recent 'County Billiards Championship', at Nuneaton, made me feel proud and privileged to wear an England badge.
Moving on to another equally important aspect of billiards. The international scene. I am very pleased to announce that the E.A.B.A. is warming to the prospect of organising a World Amateur Billiards Championship. There seems very little prospect of the word amateur being revived in international circles. The E.A.B.A. will do its utmost to make a stand to ensure that the 'World Amateur Billiards Championship' lives on. Many of our amateur international colleagues, incidentally, more than took part in the last open championship, have shown an interest in this proposition, and no doubt will support our efforts. Having a pretty good idea of the present ability of world amateur billiards players, it is safe to say that any one of a dozen cueists could win the World title. This is competition at its best, and what one should expect from a 'World Amateur Championship'. The cost of organising such an event could be somewhat daunting, but initial interest has already been shown by would be sponsors and their support is more than encouraging. I welcome any views on this subject and provide my email address for replies.
Mr. David Rees, the billiards international from Derby, has recently been co-opted on to the E.A.B.A. committee, to assist with coaching duties. Welcome on board David. Being a very experienced billiards coach, David will be an asset to the team, and is sure to make a valuable contribution to the Association's coaching endeavours.
Being my first opportunity to comment in the New Year. I wish all the readers of the A.B.P and billiards players everywhere a happy and healthy New Year, there are lots of exciting prospects before us in 2003, let's face them together, and may all our breaks be big ones—