£2,000 plus £500 retrospective funding was provided to the E.A.B.A by the E.A.S.B Executive. This sum was reduced by some £800 plus as sponsorship of Chris Shutt to the 1996 World Open Championship.
Chris, by agreement, refunded £160 being 20% of prize money received from the event.
The E.A.B.A contends that the agreement to fund the sponsorship was made by the E.A.S.B prior to the agreement on '96/97 funding and should therefore be the responsibility of the E.A.S.B.
We respectfully request that the monies allocated from the E. A.B. A budget be refunded.
Thanks are extended to Chris Shutt who proved to be a fine ambassador for the E.A.B.A with exemplary conduct and representation. Chris reached the quarter finals before being defeated by Geet Sethi.
Regrettably the approach to the Leeds branch of the CIU has not been responded to, therefore no progress has been forthcoming towards introducing a junior/youth scheme in that target area.
Thankfully the Eastern Counties have provided a worthwhile initiative thanks largely to the efforts of Philip Welham. Whilst relatively small numbers are involved it has made a significant interest factor in the region towards the expansion of the game and the development of future useful players.
We will continue to seek an expansion of the principle of development of billiards amongst juniors where ever the opportunity arises.
We raise concern that billiards coaching facility within the scheme is virtually non-existent.
Questions raised on the matter have brought no worthwhile response other than Robby Foldvari is amongst the number of national coaches.
We would request that a greater emphasis be considered within the coaching scheme towards Billiards.
Five tournaments were staged and sponsored by the EABA in different locations. Forty-seven different players took part in the events.
Participation was available to players aged 21 and under.
Paul Bennett won all 5 of the events staged. It is the intention to continue and possibly extend the series next season.
Seven tournaments were staged by Derrick and Peggy Townend at various locations. The events were totally self financed from entrants..
Entry to the event averaged over 50 per tournament New players were introduced to the tournament scene at all venues.
Paul Bennett was the number one ranked player with fellow Teessider Darren Kell in second place.
The tournaments continue to provide an excellent opportunity of competition and communication with EABA officers and enhance the flow of information on billiards related matters.
Entries to both events were poor. Regional qualifications took place in Teesside and the Eastern Counties.
The final stages (last 8) of both tournaments were held in Middlesbrough at the Erimus Quoit and Rifle Club. Trophies and prize money was presented by professional Chris Shutt.
Robin Wilson aged 13 years 4 months established new records by being the youngest ever under 19 champion and also being the only player to have won both championships on the same day.
The event was well supported with a large entry. Regional qualification took place in the 6 areas. The final stages were held at the Atack Snooker Centre at Nuneaton.
Brian Harvey (Bridgwater) defeated Dennis Marr (Liverpool) in the final.
Because of the tournament commitments the events has been deferred till Septembers start of the new season.
Entry for this event was less than in previous seasons. Regional qualifications was scheduled in 9 areas to determine the final last 32 players.
South Humberside with 4 players was the smallest qualifying group, it was set to produce 1 qualifier.
The allocated organiser in addition to his own regional qualification duties, failed to organise the event and failed to advise of the omission.
After enquiry from 2 of the competitors we became aware of the problem. When attempt was made, at a late stage, to organise the group other problems like family weddings and pigeon racing caused competitors to be unavailable.
The group was ultimately cancelled, entry fees returned and letters of apology despatched along with an explanation of events to the EASB. A bye was awarded in the 32 man draw.
Play from the last 32 was held at the Atack Snooker Centre at Nuneaton in excellent playing facilities with referees and markers at every game.
Strachan of Stroud kindly provided a cloth for the final table.
Event boards acknowledged the EASB assistance to the EABA were displayed.
Paul Bennett defeated Terry Ward in the final.
We sought to have the event staged in line with our agreement with the EASB which requires co-operation with our professional counterparts. Regrettably our approaches were not furthered.
We hope to have the event staged in the early part of the new season.
Continues to be produced on a quarterly basis with contributions from professional and amateur enthusiasts in addition to Officers and Editorial contributions.
The standard of the production is improving as is the rate of subscriptions.
Paul Bennett will be sponsored to compete in the September/October event.
Robin Wilson and Chris Gladwin (Teesside Billiard players) have been involved in the programme for future transmission.