Editorial
Mark Wildman
Mark is to step down from the Chairmanship at the Billiard Players next A.G.M. Both Wildman and Des Heald are due for re-election. The Chairman has announced his decision to stand down and will not be seeking re-election as a member of the committee. It is not yet clear whether or not Des will seek re-election.
Mark Wildman has been doing the job for a good few years now and professional billiards has undoubtedly made progress under his leadership. He has come in for more than his fair share of criticism and, certainly, not everything that Mark has initiated has been seen to prosper. There is however, not the slightest doubt that his heart is in billiards and that he has devoted many hours to the interests of the game he loves. It is quite unclear as to whom will succeed him. What is clear is that Wildman may become once again a powerful force on the table, and enthusiasts will look forward to seeing the real Mark Wildman in action.
Apologies
To David Rees. Des Heald, and Bern French The April Issue of the BQR carried an article covering the Derby Mini-Prix. In it I wrote that as far as I could remember only John O'Neill, Joe Jordan, and Tony Done, had previously won a Pro-Am (Causier won at Derby.) It has been pointed out that Des Heald won at Ilford in '87, David Rees won at Dudley, '87, and I (arrogate '90, these wins when the players concerned were still amateurs. I also mentioned somewhere that Bern French had reached his first final. Bern, in fact, reached the final of the King's Cross event in '87 and was beaten by Russell. When you get to my age - your memory!
English Amateur Billiards Association
At the inaugural meeting of the English Snooker and Billiards Association (E.S.B.A.) a new body set up by the W.P.B.S.A., the E.A.B.A. (Are you still with me?) was highly praised for the successful organisation of the English Amateur and then highly criticised for actually existing. This was not very good news for Townend and Co after all the hard work they had put in, and in view of the previous accord with officials of the W.P.B.S.A. The latest seems to be that the two sides are moving closer together again and that some kind of agreement will be arrived at. An agreement Has to be arrived at. There are few enough billiard players as it is and the game could not stand a split in its administration. BQR will try to keep readers informed of the latest situation. A list of those who had subscribed to the funds of the E.A.B.A. for the purpose of running the championships (Founding Members) is included on the back page of this issue.
Blank Pages
I have been told by a reader that his April copy had a couple of blank pages in it. This can sometimes happen in printing - two sheets get taken through the machine instead of one. If any reader has a faulty copy please let me know and I will send a complete copy.
Ray Moore of Bridgwater did not receive his copy though one was certainly sent. That makes five from the last issue that did not arrive, if you think you should have had an issue by a certain date and have not had, then please contact me. Publication dates are the last day of the month that completes the quarter though I try to publish before that date if possible.
A.B.C. Pro-Am
Derek Townend's proposal to run a handicapped pro/Am (See P. 13) is scheduled for the 12th September -at the Star Snooker, Leeds. Derek will be sending out entry forms in due course which will confirm the venue and date.
Professional Dates
It has been announced that The British Open will be held in Sheffield from August the 4th to the 7th. The World Qualifiers will follow on August 8th and 9th. As the World Championship is scheduled for Delhi, Sept 27th to Oct. 2nd, then there is some logic in the qualifying dates. Any readers toying with the idea of spending some of their summer days watching billiards should confirm the dates before travelling.
Have a Good Summer.
