The English Amateur Billiards Association
Inaugural Annual General Meeting
The Agenda Items were:-
- Acceptance of Constitution
- Election of Officers and Representatives
- A motion concerning seeding of players in the Amateur Championship, and in any competition organised by the E.A.B.A. This motion was proposed by Mr. Andy Reeve and seconded by Mr. Arthur Reeve.
There were 56 persons present from parts of the country as distant as Devon and Teesside. Considering that some championship matches had been arranged on the date this was an encouraging attendance.
There were apologies from a number of persons who would otherwise have been present.
Chairman elect Derek Townend made a resume of the events which had lead up to the formation of the E.A.B.A.
Secretary elect Albert Hanson informed those present of the current situation regarding the W.P.B.S.A. The main point coming from this was that the old championship trophies would be made available.
It was proposed by Martin Goodwill and seconded by John Smith that the constitution be accepted. This was carried unanimously. It was pointed out that the constitution is not inflexible and that there are procedures by which it may be changed if change were considered necessary.
The following officers were elected:-
- President Mr. Alf Nolan
- Chairman Mr. Derek Townend
- Vice Chairman Mr. John Richmond
- Secretary Mr. Albert Hanson
- Treasurer Mr. Alan Hughes O.B.E.
The following were elected as Area representatives:-
- South West Mr. Mike.Billinge
- North Mr. Steve Crosland
- Eastern Counties Mr. Andy Reeve
- North West Mr. Eddie McNicholas
- South Mr. Roy Bacon
- Midland Mr. Malcolm Lax.
Tom Terry was proposed as ex-officio Publicity Officer.
The motion regarding seeding was discussed in detail. After due consideration had been given to arguments both for and against, Mr. Reeve withdrew his proposal. There will be seeding in the Amateur Championship as usual this year. The matter may be re-considered by the competitions sub-committee (Area reps)
It was generally agreed that the new body has got off to a very good start. The link with the W.P.B.S.A, was welcomed as the best solution to a difficult situation. The amateur body hopes to establish and maintain a good working relationship with the W.P.B.S.A, professional billiards sub-committee and an invitation will be extended to this body to nominate a professional to liaise with the amateur body. Those present considered that the fact that the Amateur Championship is going ahead as usual this year is nothing less than a minor miracle, but one brought about by a deal of hard work on the part of a number of people and particularly by Messrs Hanson and Townend.
Billiards Quarterly Review' congratulates all those involved in keeping the flag flying and pledges what support it is able to give.