Editorial
Alex French
The death has been reported of Alex French. Alex died at his home in France in April. All old Mini-Prix regulars will not need me to remind them of Alex of the thunderous voice, calling the roll and getting the tournaments under way. Those were the great days of the Pro-Am. All players from that era will be saddened to learn of Alex's death, barely two years after the death of his daughter Maggie.All readers would wish to offer condolences to Alex's widow Joyce.
Graham Willis
Readers will saddened to hear of the death of Graham Willis. Graham was well known on the ABC circuit and he was a regular player for Banbury in the Midlands League. Graham was well-liked and much respected. He was killed in a car accident together with his son-in-law. No other vehicle was involved and it is thought that Graham may have suffered a heart attack. BQR offers condolences to Graham's family in their tragic loss.
David Edwards
David was twice English Amateur Champion and was noted for his speed of play. When he got going at the spot end he was as fast as the 18 year old Russell and that, I can assure you, is pretty fast. David never quite made the impression on the professional scene that might have been expected probably through lack of practice and good practice opponents. He has retired from tournament play and writes,
"Now that I have finished with tournaments the BQR is the only contact I have with the game so I really look forward to it. Best wishes to you and all the players I've met over the years. P.S. I wouldn't mind a challenge match now and then."
If any reader feels like challenging David Edwards for a pound or two, a word of advice from BQR would be - make sure you get some practice in before making any challenge. David Edwards can actually play the game!
Rhys Cochrane
Reports from Australia indicate that the young Queensland player is in great form. A match between this talented young player and Britain's Chris Shutt would be an interesting encounter indeed. The chances of it happening are, sadly, just about non-existent.
Lady Billiard Players
The only one I know is Karen Corr, but I have often wondered why there are not more lady players. The report of the inaugural Victoria Ladies Championship is of some interest. The highest total, 175 (40 minutes) is not bad, though the highest break was only 18. There are plenty of ABC matches where players are not on the 200 mark at the 40 minute stage, and there are plenty of players who struggle to make 20 breaks.
I don't know what response there would be to a ladies championship but we shall not know until we try. One thing is absolutely certain. If the billiards were not to be of the highest quality, at least the ladies would be much easier on the eye than most of the male players that I know, who, when playing rubbish - as they mostly do - are not even attractive to look at. I see that the Australian ladies champion is one Theresa Whitten. Whitten is a familiar name on the one-day circuit. Any relation Ron?
The Future of the BQR
I expect that some readers will be aware of the recent exorbitant increases in the price of paper in general and newsprint in particular. These increases have had an effect throughout the world of publishing not excluding small circulation specialist magazines. The BQR may not continue in its present form. More news next issue.
