A meeting was held on the 22nd August at the house of Malcolm Lax (Rugby) at which the Committee of the EABA, after much discussion, decided to take up the offer of becoming the billiards committee of the new association - EASB (English Association for Snooker And Billiards) - which was set up by the WPBSA and which officially came into being on September 1st.
The committee reserved the right to keep the name EABA and revert to independent status if the new body should not be successful. This is considered to be very unlikely. If, at the end of a two year 'trial' period, all is well, then the EABA will be officially disbanded and become the billiards committee of the EASB on a permanent basis. The BQR feels sure that this was the best way forward for the amateur game and congratulates those who have had the strength of character to subjugate personal feelings for the good of the game. The hard work that has been put in will not go to waste and there seems no reason why the amateur game should not flourish as it has not done for many years. It was reported that South West representative Mike Billinge had resigned as he felt that there might be a conflict of interest as he was now a professional referee. Bill Andress was accepted as South West rep. and may be contacted on 0392 881422.
In addition to the Amateur Championship and the Junior events, the EASB (Billiards) will be running two new events in the form of a three-man team championship, and a Masters Tournament. Any further details regarding the new billiards committee, how it will function, funding, etc., may be obtained from the secretary:- Mr. Albert Hanson.