Most Mini-Prix players will know by now that Des Heald is no longer organising the Tournaments. The reason for this move on his part is due mainly to the fact that he is becoming increasingly involved in the administration of professional billiards and feels that he will not have the time to devote to the Mini-Prix as he has had in the past. He says he is looking forward to supporting the Pro/am events as a player and free from the administrative responsibilities.
Des ran the tournament for some seven years. They became, in a sense, the lifeline of the game, and, without them, such players as Russell and Gilchrist, would probably not have been able to build on the early skills attained on Teesside and develop as quickly and to the extent that they have. Older players such as Bob Close and Norman Dagley have seen them as a great opportunity for a day's billiards match play they would otherwise not have had. Many amateur players owe much of their improvement to the experience gained in these one-day events. Much of the encouraging resurgence in billiards popularity over the last few years is due to the success of the Mini-Prix. It is quite depressing to imagine what the state of billiards today would be without three influences; - the Mini-Prix, the Teesside boys league, and the efforts of such as Mark Wildman and Malcolm Lax. At a meeting with Des I agreed to take on the Mini-Prix in order to help it survive. It would be nothing less than a billiards tragedy were it to die. Since then there has been encouragement from a number of sources most notably Eddie McNicholas who is organising the Widnes event.
Players will be aware of the initiative of Derek Townend and his Amateur Billiards Circuit. Billiards Quarterly Review is in regular contact with Derek to avoid clashes of dates and any overcrowding of the calendar.
** The Grimsby and Bradford dates are provisional. It is fairly certain that Grimsby will be that date. Bradford may be a week later, but there will be definite information by the date of the Widnes Tournament and hopefully also more dates. Note that Grimsby will be a one-day event this year as the new Victoria Club will have more tables than the old one had. Billiards Quarterly Review is in negotiation with Huntingdon, Yeadon, Harrogate, Norwich, Thome, and there is a possibility of a club in the west country. If there could be a tournament a month from January to May or June, then, together with the A.B.C., there would be plenty of billiards for all at National level.
Players will be kept informed of all developments and it is hoped that there will be forms available at Widnes for a further three tournaments at least.
Let us sincerely hope that there is a future. The economic situation of the country is a bit shaky to say the least, the Government of the day admits to a recession and there is a much unemployment. These facts have repercussions even in the humble world of billiards. It is no secret that many clubs are struggling and some are closing down, there isn't a lot of money about. Work this one out - Entry fee to a Mini-Prix Comp. = £12.00. Total prize money = £700. Fifty entrants with, say, half-a-dozen paying £8.00 as being under 18. It is not necessary to have the mathematical ability of an Einstein to see that it doesn't add up, and that is without reckoning administrative costs. In other words the Mini-Prix cannot operate without some kind of sponsorship -usually provided by the host club. We shall do our best to keep it going but players should not be surprised to find that some clubs where tournaments have been held in the past no longer feel able to put one on and it is likely that there will be fewer events this season than last.
Anyone who has a suggestion or any constructive criticism should put it to me at Scarborough. All practical ideas for improving or maintaining the circuit will be given every consideration. It has been often suggested in the past that there should be some form of handicapping. I shall sound out the top players for their views and, again, would welcome comments and opinions from any player.
I hope that the above information has helped to clarify the current position. With your support the Mini-Prix will survive.