Northants 9 Counties Challenge supporting Cancer Research UK

Dear Friends in Oxfordshire,

You may be aware that the Northants League is shortly to commence the 9 Counties Challenge in support of Cancer Research UK. This is a repeat of a very successful event which took place about a decade ago (The 8 Counties Challenge) which raised more than £4000 for Cancer Research. Every league and county visited supported this event so well and that is why we managed to raise so much for this important cause.

This time we are hoping to go one better and compete in a Bar Billiards match against 9 Bar Billiards playing counties in one weekend. This is not only a challenge of logistics but also one of fund raising as we have set an improved target of £5000 this time.

We are almost there in terms of organisation now, we have the route, we have the venues and we have some very enthusiastic opponents who are all seeking to find ways to help us achieve our fund raising target.

With thanks to Leon Beer we have managed to agree with the Conservative Club in Didcot to open very early on Saturday 30th August to allow us to play our match against Oxfordshire. In order to complete the challenge the match against Oxford needs to take place at 8am!!

Despite approaches to a number of people within Oxfordshire Bar Billiards so far we have been unable to secure the commitment from anyone to take on the task of putting a team together to play us in support of this important cause. Of course it is entirely understandable that many people will have commitments on that day (which has been the case so far) but please do not let the early start prevent you from doing something to support this wonderful cause.

It would be a real shame to have to turn this back into an 8 county event, so if you feel you are able support us by putting together a team of players and help raise money please do not hesitate to get in touch on this thread or by PM.

We would be very grateful for any assistance you may be able to provide.

Many thanks in advance,

Lorin Clough

Northants Secretary

[milhouse]

If Leon has sorted the venue, then can he not also sort a team ? I spoke with Simon on this matter a few days ago and he mentioned about the venue, i was a bit surprised that someone had agreed a venue but not a team? Surely the person who has organised a venue should also organise the team?

If there is nobody else who is prepared to help out on this, then i can TRY and sort something, but the venue would be closer to home for me....

Hi Mark,

Many thanks for your reply.

The reason for the urgency in securing the venue was because of the early start time. The Conservative Club in Didcot, being used for Bar Billiards events during the year, seemed the obvious choice. It was considered unlikely that other venues would be prepared to open so early if they are not used to hosting events for Bar Billiards. The Con Club have been very generous in their offer and eagerness to support this cause.

I was under the impression that you were unable to help because you play cricket on Saturday's hence my appeal to a wider audience.

It is great news that you are able to help - although you may wish to involve others if you do have other commitments so it does not all fall upon your shoulders - as what we are seeking is the maximum possible involvement in order to raise awareness and, obviously, donations.

It would be particularly great if we could secure representatives from all leagues within the Oxfordshire Association.

Best wishes,

Lorin

[milhouse]

Hi Lorin,

Yes, you are correct in that i play cricket on a Saturday but i would hate for this to not happen! Part of the reason why i would want to play somewhere closer to home!

Shame that out of all the people who play in Oxfordshire there is nobody else who could take this on

Northants are having our Fund Raising Fun Day on Saturday (also supporting Cancer Research UK) where there will be some players from Oxfordshire leagues participating. I shall be hoping to persuade them to become involved if they can.

But hopefully other people, whom maybe I don't know, will read this thread and want to get involved.

Thanks,

Lorin