Like many other billiards supporters I was stunned and saddened to hear of the demise of Ellis Lloyd who died on Christmas day.
Whilst the obituary is told on page 13,1 would like to add my personal tribute to Ellis who I've only known since my national involvement's through the EABA.
I found him to be a gentleman at all times, a wonderful supporter of billiards, and a devotee of his family and grandchildren.
Always one to question and challenge a viewpoint on billiards, I've spent many an enjoyable hour at ABC's being questioned on my role, my involvement, the game's progression, my arguments with EASB, and probably most of all, my work with the Teesside Boys.
Ellis was a great admirer of the Boy's League and the players that came from it. He relished their involvement and fostered dreams that it could be repeated nationwide.
Invariably, throughout the conversations we had, his family and grand-kids would crop up, they were never far from his thoughts. We extend to them our condolences for their loss, which we in billiards share.
On a happier note, congratulations to Ralph Macklin on receiving his recent Services to Sport award. My nomination of him to the Middlesbrough Council proved the point I made in the last edition of the magazine—the possibility of Awards, Grants, etc;—are there if application is made. No matter that he beat the nomination of myself for the same award, this great servant of the game rightly deserves it!
I am growing a little concerned that the row within the WPBSA that is ongoing and seemingly getting nasty, might have an effect on the Amateur game.
The WPBSA "rescued" the amateur game and brought into being the EASB. It provides funding and administrative support to that organisation.
The EASB in turn provides financial support and administrative support to ourselves, the EABA. If there is a change of heads at the WPBSA will there be a change of policy to the Amateur game and what would be the ramifications?
I had it expressed to me that Billiards would benefit when Rex Williams and Mark Wildman were appointed as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the WPBSA, personally I've got to say that I've not seen any benefit, so maybe, if they were to be replaced, nothing would change anyway—but as I said—I'm getting a little concerned. Maybe Martyn Blake could express a view to us?
The EASB have determined to have "open" meetings at varying venues (linked to professional tournament dates and venues) in the country to make themselves accessible to the members and prospective interested parties.
Currently the only accessibility is to the AGM which had been held in Bristol. For me, this means a 267 mile drive or a seven hour each-way train journey and an overnight stay. If you hear of such an open meeting, and have the chance, why not attend and ask anything you may consider relevant.
Remember to diary forward the week-end of 4th-5th April being the semi-final and final of the English Amateur Championships, and 2nd May being the finals of the English under-16 and under-19 Championships. The "Amateur" will be staged for the third consecutive year at the Atack Snooker Centre at Nuneaton and will see again a mini-arena created with tiered seating and decorative and informative displays.
Middlesbrough will again host the final stages of the Boys and Junior events, with eight players in each. Play starts at 10.00 am; and ends at 4.50 pm.
Both venues provide atmosphere and facilities along with excellent playing spectacle opportunity. I hope to see many of you there.
Until next time—good cueing and good viewing.