Editorial

First let me say thank you to all those enthusiasts who have considered this magazine worth a subscription - at least for one year. I have received very many favourable comments perhaps best summed up in the one from a subscriber who wrote: - "An excellent Magazine just what we have been waiting for since the demise of the old 'Billiard Player.' Looking forward with interest to all the news, reports and comments to come. Many thanks and may I take this opportunity to wish the Magazine and all its readers good luck for the future."

I have also received many suggestions for improvements which have all been noted and some of which have been incorporated into this issue. One or two unusual ideas have come in; unfortunately I am not in a position to start a National Campaign for the abolition of the word 'Snooker' as in Snooker-cue, Snooker-hall, or Snooker-Table, much as I am in agreement with the spirit of the proposition; neither do I think it would be of much use sending a copy of B.Q.R. to the Queen Mother. The most common requests have been for biographical pieces on famous players of the past and for instructional articles - in that order. This issue contains both and future editions will have more, for e.g. that Class 1 enthusiast Chris Hudson has promised articles based on Riso Levi, the first of which will appear in the next issue.

Readers will notice a change in format. The first issue was dogged by a technical problem or two which caused the page make-up to be quite different to that which had been planned. The appearance of the magazine will change gradually until something like the original conception is achieved. I hope readers will approve.

Overseas

Overseas connections are being gradually extended. B.Q.R. is now in contact with enthusiasts in The Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, Ghana, Singapore, Australia, and India, and hopes to include items of interest from all of these countries. Many readers will know that the World Professional Championship scheduled for Brisbane in December will not now take place. It may be possible to hold The Championship in India and negotiations are in hand.

Carom

The first British Professional Carom Tournament was held in Kenilworth. (P. 17.) It was interesting and Carom may be seen again at the Barbican in January and in Bolton at Easter.

B.& S.C.C. Under 16 Championship B.Q.R is happy to report that the Under 16s will take place as usual. See letter on page 21. B.& S.C.C. Chief Executive David Ford makes a point about numbers. Point taken - This Magazine is to sponsor three entrants.

Websters Handicap

This Tournament as advertised in the first issue has been cancelled - due to lack of support. This is surprising as last year's event attracted 44 entries. The Websters was an important event in the calendar. The cancellation is a great pity as it is a Tournament, and to a format that has produced some great matches and some remarkable results. Maybe next year? New Professionals

Anyone who wants Professional Status may now have it on payment of a £100 joining fee and an annual subscription of £50. Entry fee to Tournaments is generally around £25. There are to date five new Pros. (Page. 19) with two more players who may take up Pro. Status after the Derby International. Some of these will be well out of pocket and it is very long odds that a short list of players from which the next Professional Champion will come would not contain the names of any of the new Professionals. However.Billiards is 'Open' and if they want to have a go - well - Good Luck.

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