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Post by Chris_Sav on Jun 16, 2022 10:50:58 GMT
Message from the chair:
Hi all,
You will all be aware that at our last Committee Meeting in February, when we discussed the future of the League, it was agreed that we would reconsider the position again in 6 months. in the hope that we may have more teams than the potential 4 seen at that time.
However, with Mike's passing and the loss of another team at the Alma, we now have only 3 confirmed teams at this time and there seems little or no prospect of additional teams and certainly short of the 6 teams which we considered necessary to make it worthwhile continuing the League.
In the circumstances, I have discussed the position with our Competition Secretary, Craig, our table expert, Chris, and others as opportunity has arisen. Agreement appears common that there seems little point in prolonging the League and, to this end, I now propose holding an Annual General Meeting early in July (see details below), at which only one proposition will be tabled as follows:
"That the Dover Deal & District Bar Billiards League be wound up and, in accordance with the Rules of the League, 'If for any reason the league shall cease to exist, the properties and assets of the league shall be disposed of in such a manner as the committee shall think fit.' "
Date of Annual General Meeting: Tuesday 5th July 2022
Time of Meeting: 8 p.m.
Venue: Fleur de Lis, Sandwich (subject to confirmation)
In accordance with the League Rules for a General Meeting, all registered players will be entitled to vote at this meeting, with 10 registered players present needed form a quorum. As far as registered players are concerned, this can only be measured by the players who took part in the last full competition run by the League, being the Winter League 2019-2020 which finished in February 2020. Confirmation of eligible players can be found in the Player Rankings for that competition on the League website.
As you may have seen from the League website, Chris has confirmed that, he will no longer be able to store and continue to maintain the stock of tables and sundry items, a role which he has undertaken selflessly and expertly for many years. In anticipation of the likely winding up of the League, Chris has, with full support of both Craig and myself, started to prepare a detailed inventory of the League's stock of tables and other materials and has sounded out a number of potential buyers for this stock.
Tim Bourner
Vice Chairman (Acting Chairman)
Dover Deal & District Bar Billiards League
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jun 16, 2022 11:04:43 GMT
The asset list referred to above is to be found on the Dover and Deal website
The seven tables in storage will be included should the vote be for winding up. It is not clear how many of the four installed tables would be included in any sale. Five Bells and Alma tables' future is unclear. Anchor, Wingham and Dover Sea Angling Club have indicated a wish to purchase.
We have a firm acceptable offer from Hamilton Billiards for nine tables and the entire stock. Any leagues interested should contact me before the A.G.M. if D&D vote to wind up then a disposal committee meeting is planned to follow the A.G.M. on the same evening. We would like to see the tables stay within our fraternity.
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Post by reverend on Jun 27, 2022 8:32:06 GMT
Hi Chris
I am in need of a timer to complete the restoration of a table.
I notice that Hamilton have made an offer for everything, but is it still possible to purchase a timer mechanism.
Regards
Colin Green
Reverend
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jun 27, 2022 10:30:59 GMT
Hi Colin,
Decisions will be made at the A.G.M. vote on cessation of the league and the committee meeting that will immediately follow it for disposal of assets (regardless).
We have firm the offer in for the entire stock from Hamiliton, which has now been matched by one person in the Bar Billiards community. Expressions of interest in bulk purchase have been received from three other sources.
We have met with local company Ivor Thomas Amusements who have tabled a non cash offer to take over maintenance and hiring of six tables, guaranteed for approx four years at which point table ownership would revert to them free of charge. The idea being to give the league a chance to recover with the four existing rentals and two more pre covid sites.
Too many variables to speculate what will be decided next Tuesday.
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Post by michaelshallcross on Jun 27, 2022 10:55:56 GMT
Hi Chris I am in need of a timer to complete the restoration of a table. I notice that Hamilton have made an offer for everything, but is it still possible to purchase a timer mechanism. Regards Colin Green Reverend Hi Colin, I can put you in contact with a friend of mine who supplies timers for restored tables, if you drop me an email at yorkbarbilliards@gmail.com Cheers, Michael |
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jul 5, 2022 8:48:22 GMT
Just a reminder that this evening sees then A.G.M. to potentially wind up the league.
That will be the only item on the agenda.
The A.G.M. will be followed by a committee meeting as the owners of the league's assets to finalise disposal of all league equipment.
Seems hard to fathom that our 'friendly' league has suddenly collapsed over the last five years. We had held our own for many years. At the end of 2015 we had 66 registered players, at the end of 2019 we had 40. Covid and beer prices going up by over a quarter did the rest.
Forty nine years ago I sat in a meeting with Richard Turner, John Winder and I think his dad Cyril discussing how to form the Dover & Deal league out of the ashes of the Old Deal League. With the sad loss of our chair and my friend and Brother-in-law Mike I am the only player who played in the old Deal League.
Many friends have come and many have gone over those fifty years, only two of our team that won the national Pub Team in 2002 still survive. The memory of that final will always remain with me when we were down and out with two minutes to go but two Oxford players stayed on the table too long on big match winning breaks and pegged them, opening the door for us.
It is hoped that some of the presently rented tables will remain in pubs, looks like three of the four may do. We might have some form of doubles league, who knows! The other eight and mountain of kit we have two solid offers and registered interest for bulk disposal.
For those that remember the league players, take a look at 'We Remember Them' and the history on the league website before the inevitable closure of the site when the current hosting expires at the end of the year.
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Post by tommo III on Jul 5, 2022 15:38:55 GMT
Good luck with the meeting, and we await news of the outcome with interest.
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jul 6, 2022 9:36:58 GMT
The league was formally dissolved at last evening's A.G.M.
Eleven officers and players turned up and discussion of the diminished forty registered players in the last competition showed that only around twenty still appeared to be interested. That and the demise of pubs and the escalating prices therein meant that the league had no future. The decision to wind the league up was unanimous.
The league decided the only concrete offer we had from the bar billiards community for the entire seven tables and stock in storage would be given first refusal to save further hassle and in preference to the Hamilton offer. Several other leagues had indicated interest should all that fall through.
The four tables still in pubs would offered loyalty discounted to the pub landlord/resident team. Three were accepted immediately. Two former league pubs indicated a desire to purchase a table but had done nothing to get their tables reinstated over the last year. They would be offered the fourth pub table if not required by its host, to save us removing it, but not at the discounted price. It will be added to the main sale if not required locally.
Our President sponsored the purchase of one of the tables, he will be offered the return of that sponsorship.The remaining proceeds will likely go to the local branch of the RNLI, whom our late chair supported.
The league website will close at the end of the year.
Chris has almost all the trophies (none of value) and will store them for now, current holders can retain theirs of they wish.
"Alas poor Yorick I knew him "
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Post by milhouse on Jul 6, 2022 9:41:44 GMT
This is sad news indeed to lose a league.
Is there any opportunity to give some of the funds of the league to the AEBBA? I know it would be greatly appreciated by them and the Bar Billiards community as a whole in helping fund future tournaments etc ?
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jul 20, 2022 20:14:28 GMT
Three of the four tables still in pubs have been loyalty discount purchased by the pub/team.
The fourth, in the Alma, was not purchased and so was removed this evening.
The invoice for sale of eight tables and spares has gone out to the preferred bidder who has seven days to complete the purchase.
If the sale does not go through then we will be offering the assets to one of the other confirmed bidders.
Guess that's about it!
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Post by bigtj on Jul 21, 2022 6:04:55 GMT
A  day sorry this has happened but can see more leagues following if we are not proactive |
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jul 21, 2022 9:02:25 GMT
I'm gutted T.J. as you say it won't just be my league, pubs are in dire straits and beer prices ridiculous.
My bar billiards will be down to a couple of four pin comps a year, where I can still challenge and won't have to watch massive breaks and run-outs.
Next job is to get the forum through the massive update of version six that will, at last, soon be upon us.
Running the forum will then want looking at as three of the four mods no longer play and hand-over to the next generation must soon come.
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Post by tommo III on Jul 21, 2022 21:47:48 GMT
Like your Wilburys track ..... Tom Petty sings "I'm just happy to be here and to be alive" - rather ironic.
Re: beer prices, ridiculous yes (which is why much bar billiards has been driven from pubs into social clubs. But equally ridiculous is the disparity between pub prices and those in supermarkets for the same thing. No wonder so many people prefer to drink at home !
They have the right idea in Ireland - apart from large hypermarkets like in Cork, if you want alcohol they tell you to go to the pub !
Regarding the future of the Forum and possible shake up in Admin, please bear in mind that a very high proportion of users access the Forum via a smartphone for a quick bar billiards 'fix' and not all the features (avatars, profile signatures, top menu etc) are visible to them by this means.
Changing to the new version could mean turbulent times ahead, especially for those not blessed with a laptop !
tommo
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jul 22, 2022 8:34:28 GMT
If you listen to the whole song it's brilliant indirect summation of those few of us who are not afraid to put our heads above the parapet and make the effort, often criticised, to run things for the benefit of others and then quietly disappear at the end of the line.
Such a talent that band and only two of the five still alive.
Way off topic now but I disabled the mobile phone version of the forum months ago, JB was the only one who commented. Thus, as far as I am aware, everyone sees exactly the same. None of the nice add-ons and controls work on the mobile version.
That is part of the point of version six, there will only be one homologated version of the forum, no separate mobile version. Main problem will be the niceties we have built over the years, many will not work. I'll get the forum across to version six but much of the rebuild of the tailored stuff will be down our successors in leadership. New faces may have new ideas, I'm old fashioned and it would be wrong to stamp my wizened outlook on such a major reincarnation of the forum.
Back on topic:
All league equipment has now been sold and paid for, I've been down to the local lifeboat station and the former league will be paying for a complete replacement of all PPE the crews are supplied with to comply with the latest H&S, if anything is left over it will go to fuel costs. I had to laugh at the change in attitude at the station entrance when I asked to see the officer in charge. The attitude of the staff changed dramatically when I said I had a cheque for £12½k to give him! Press publicity presentation still to be arranged.
Sad but it will benefit others in more dire situations than the loss of a bar billiard league, but for me and my league it's "The End of The Line".
Maybe somewhere down the road a ways (at the end of the line)
You'll think of me and wonder where I am these days (at the end of the line)
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dipper
Distinguished Member
Posts: 828
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Post by dipper on Jul 22, 2022 16:26:44 GMT
R.I.P Dover and Deal.
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alanturner
Full Forum Member
Saxophone is the only thing that gets blown , these days !
Posts: 240 
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Post by alanturner on Jul 25, 2022 9:44:23 GMT
If you listen to the whole song it's brilliant indirect summation of those few of us who are not afraid to put our heads above the parapet and make the effort, often criticised, to run things for the benefit of others and then quietly disappear at the end of the line.
Such a talent that band and only two of the five still alive.
Way off topic now but I disabled the mobile phone version of the forum months ago, JB was the only one who commented. Thus, as far as I am aware, everyone sees exactly the same. None of the nice add-ons and controls work on the mobile version.
That is part of the point of version six, there will only be one homologated version of the forum, no separate mobile version. Main problem will be the niceties we have built over the years, many will not work. I'll get the forum across to version six but much of the rebuild of the tailored stuff will be down our successors in leadership. New faces may have new ideas, I'm old fashioned and it would be wrong to stamp my wizened outlook on such a major reincarnation of the forum.
Back on topic:
All league equipment has now been sold and paid for, I've been down to the local lifeboat station and the former league will be paying for a complete replacement of all PPE the crews are supplied with to comply with the latest H&S, if anything is left over it will go to fuel costs. I had to laugh at the change in attitude at the station entrance when I asked to see the officer in charge. The attitude of the staff changed dramatically when I said I had a cheque for £12½k to give him! Press publicity presentation still to be arranged.
Sad but it will benefit others in more dire situations than the loss of a bar billiard league, but for me and my league it's "The End of The Line".
Maybe somewhere down the road a ways (at the end of the line)
You'll think of me and wonder where I am these days (at the end of the line)
End of the line ................ very apt .................After all the years of hard work put in by many , Chris and his band of helpers over the years ......... It must be very disappointing ( judging by the responses on here ), to realise that virtually no body gives a f*** any more . So so sad the end of an era . The one thing that Chris to look forward to is continued visits to Sudbury were there is always enthusiasm and a warm welcome plus some great games to be played . Alan |
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Post by Chris_Sav on Aug 11, 2022 14:20:57 GMT
Now you see them
now you don't
Tables have gone, apart from mine, may sell that and get a narrow table!
Cheque for £12635 going to buy PPE for the local lifeboat crews tomorrow.
Commemorative plaque and formal press presentation to be arranged.
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taffy
Distinguished Member
Posts: 514
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Post by taffy on Aug 12, 2022 10:55:35 GMT
I have bought the stock of 8 tables from Dover Deal & District. I'd like to thank Chris for his honesty and integrity in his dealings. I found him to be easy to work with and straight all the way though. The request was to take the lot, when his head was nearly turned by others I just bit the bullet and waited, sitting on my offer, I was rewarded. I'd offered to buy the lot as requested - fluff and Kent cobwebs included...nothing left and that's what D,D & D have got. All gone, nothing left.
But hopefully some great memories! I hope you get about a lot Chris and I hope I have something in Cambs for you to come up to in a few years. That would be a sight, 4 tables in the Earl of Beaconsfield, a big competition on and all flourishing!
He also showed me how to transport a table the correct way!
We hit two massive hold ups on the way home and got back after 8pm and still had to unload! I'm not sure where I'm putting everything, I've left the small stuff on the grass overnight and have to fathom it all out.
I 'should' now upgrade the whole effort to 'pretty serious about Bar Billiards'.
Cheers
Taffy
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Post by Q on Aug 12, 2022 11:53:54 GMT
Now you see them
now you don't Tables have gone, apart from mine, may sell that and get a narrow table! Cheque for £12635 going to buy PPE for the local lifeboat crews tomorrow. Commemorative plaque and formal press presentation to be arranged.
A sad post, shame it came to this but at least you did all that you could, well done |
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Post by Chris_Sav on Aug 12, 2022 15:09:29 GMT
Bankers draft and Lloyds presentation cheque delivered to RNLI Walmer.
Presentation to be arranged in September when the commemorative plaque is ready and I am back from Manxland and Sudbury.
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Post by Chris_Sav on Aug 13, 2022 11:35:18 GMT
Announcement from the acting Chair, please restrict any further comments to the thread topic |
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Post by barbelman on Aug 14, 2022 8:10:56 GMT
Announcement from the acting Chair, please restrict any further comments to the thread topic A nice acknowledgment of all your hard work and dedication to Dover & Deal over the years Chris. A unique contribution to any league….. Tony |
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Post by Chris_Sav on Aug 14, 2022 9:05:19 GMT
Thanks Tony, but it was not just me
The leadership of Mike Callanan was also a major driving force, but most of all the enthusiasm of the core players who helped buy the tables and were always ready to help install / maintain a table for pubs and finals nights. Craig Carlson was our competition secretary for more years than I can remember, a thankless task. Our bespoke results system was second to none with the website updated by Craig and I the weekend following every match-night. It was always good to see print-outs from the site around pubs.
Unfortunately I still do not understand where we went wrong for a stable league to collapse and lose half its players from 2016 - 2019, covid was just the straw that broke the camel's back.
We always tried to support the core players with break 2k limited pairs, off-the-spot and the popular triangles version (NOT off-the-spot as AEBBA play it), so they got a game and were not just spectators. There were no entry fees yet new players were still hard to find. Landlords paid no fixed rent, just profit share with all maintenance down to the league yet we found hardly any new sites. We ran a full website and had a social media presence. My own situation a year ago when I had what appeared, at that time, to have a nasty form of cancer that was debilitating me caused me to tell the league I would be ceasing maintaining the tables. Fortunately that proved to be what they were giving me rather than what I had, but I am still 75 but there was no one to hand the baton onto. Home facilities and people of a working age not having time contributed to this - somewhat catch-22.
I would have hoped that, despite the loss of so many pubs around here, we would have continued our second half century, but it was not to be. Bar Billiards has given me the chance to meet so many quality friends.
R.I.P. Dover Deal and District Bar Billiard League.
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Pete S
Distinguished Member
Posts: 714
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Post by Pete S on Aug 23, 2022 13:32:08 GMT
RIP Dover and Deal, we have had many great times over the years
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Post by Chris_Sav on Oct 24, 2022 8:58:15 GMT
Final act of the league, the official ceremony of the donation of £12½k to Walmer Lifeboat at the Lifeboat House will take place at 1030hrs on Saturday November 19th. - all welcome
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jul 25, 2023 9:45:04 GMT
A year has now passed since the dissolution of our fondly remembered league, tidying up this thread to the relevant posts.
My team still meets at 2000hrs on the first Monday each month at the Five Bells, which still has the table. Anyone reading this is welcome to join us to swing the lamp over a beer. We very occasionally have a few games on our old table. My own table has not been used since and holds too many sad memories for me from friends lost and over the sale of the league tables. I'll never play serious three pin again so watch out on ebay in a few weeks time when I have checked it out and ebay have a reduced selling fees weekend. it's a real goodun as you might expect from my own stock. no cracked slates or perished cushions on this one, just missing its back board, but that's another story. My home made solid mahogany scoreboard looks quite good in its place.
Anyone know of a museum with anything relating to bar billiards? My gathering of 70+ year old, largely NBBA, dust collectors needs a home for posterity. I'll bet no on has seen a bar billiard table cigarette dispenser before! Nearly bought an automaton toy table a few weeks ago, but times have passed.
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Post by bigtj on Jul 25, 2023 14:27:34 GMT
Fond and sad memories that are precious. Sorry you are going to let your table go but totally understandable.
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day sorry this has happened but can see more leagues following if we are not proactive
