VIV WRIGHT

[SirKT]

I had a sad call from Ken Hussey earlier today. One of the all time greats of not just the Ladies game but who played in the early Opens, AE competitions and Jersey also, Vivienne Wright or Shephard as most of you will remember her by, passed away recently. Some of you will go back when she was Viv Bacon, that’s when I first knew her , playing in my dad’s first pub, the Duke of York, Croxley Green, Herts. Between her and Ernie Jordan, they moulded a very keen 10yr old , who was happy to stand on a beer crate to learn the game.
Viv went on to win the AE ladies singles 10 times, a phenomenal feat when you look at the talent around, Chrissie Newson as she is now was one of her great rivals, Jan Taylor (Kent), Sheila Pinner (Sussex), Sue Mariner( Banting back then), Jill Jose’s (berks), Gay Austin (Kent); Gail Woods (Surrey) and a young Pauline Withey to name but a few..
When Viv and I were teammates along with Ernie in Hertfordshire and Bucks, I was amazed when she regularly thrashed some of the UK s finest players; week after week, her cue action was second to none, when lining up the shot, cue up and over the cue ball before striking it to devastating effect. Those were great days back then, Bar Billiards at its peak. Oh and then she knocked me out of Jersey one year 😮
Commiserations to Peter , her husband. RIP Viv, one of the Greats xx

As soon as I have the funeral details, I will post them on here. August 13th I believe in Chesterfield.

[Chris]

I am so, so sorry to hear of this.

Viv was my nemesis in my very younger days aged 17 and onwards.

Viv when I knew her was Bacon. A truly great player that I was always determined to beat.

I went to the indoor league with her hosted by Fred Truman. She whopped me at age 18.

We went on later to meet in many All England Ladies singles games.

This is not about me, just her and I have to say we both mellowed over time and I respected her talent.

I am so glad I have chance to say that this feisty competitor was actuaĺy a lovely lady and true person to the game.

My condolences to her relatives

RIP Viv

Chris

[jordans]

A lovely lady and I have to say I think one, if the not the best ladies player I ever had to play. I was always in awe of her and will never forget that cueing action, like her it was one of a kind.

Viv was one of Ernies longest and dearest friends in Bar Billiards and he has many memories of playing with her in the same team, he is to hear this news.

RIP Viv

Ernie & Dawn x

[Chris_Sav]

Terribly sad news that I have only just picked up.

Viv was a friend and team-mate when her and Peter lived around Canterbury. A lovely lady  as good as any lady player I have seen in fifty years of bar billiards. She once knocked me out of the Canterbury singles with a 14k break after I thought I was safely in front with a 10k lead.

She was my team-mate in the Lion Team from Ash, the minnows that won the National Pub Team title in 1993. Viv won all bar one of her group games in the finals I remember, that's how good she was!

Gill and I had some lovely nights with Viv and Peter, when Peter was running the Phoenix in Canterbury.

My thoughts are with Peter and all who knew her, a legend and a thoroughly nice lady.

Chris

[tommo III]

How sad to read that Viv has passed on.  She was awesome to watch, made the split shot her own: rarely seen to miss.  Made it to the last eight in Jersey (1982) when hundreds entered.  And all those AEBBA Individual titles !  Quit playing whilst at the height of her powers.
Condolences to those she leaves behind.  RIP Viv.

[Chris_Sav]

From Pot Black in January 1994

Three, at least, are no longer with us.

[geoff]

Indeed, it is sad news to hear of Viv's passing... and referring to the previous post from Chris...
The Flying Scud lost in the Team Championships final in 1993, to Chris and Viv's team from Kent,
But go back to when the Scud won the Team Championship in 1976, we played the Duke Of York (ref Kev's post),
in our first match before we went on to win it. But it was the first time I had the pleasure of meeting
Viv, Kevin and Ernie. 48 years ago!
R.I.P. Viv.

[Chris_Sav]

Viv's funeral is at Amber Valley Memorial Park Derby Road, Swanwick, Derbyshire, DE55 1BH at 1300hrs on Tuesday 13th August.

All are then welcome to a celebration of Viv's life at the Gate Inn, The Delves, Swanwick, Alfreton, DE55 1AQ.

Peter said that Viv still had fond memories of her bar billiard friends, despite her failing health.

[sleezy]

I am to hear the news that Viv has passed on. One of the finest lady players I have ever known with that unique cueing action she
Was a match for the finest. I played Viv a few times back in the day and one year in particular in Jersey had a  lovely chat and a few drinks.
I remember well in a all England team champs back in the day a player from another team talking with me. He said think I'm all right next 
Match I'm playing a lady I don't know. I said who's that, you can guess who. I didn't have the heart to say anything just chuckled to myself. 
I saw the guy later after he had just  had 20k wound past him. That's what Viv could do. An absolute legend of the game and a lovely lady.
My condolences to Peter and all family and friends. 
Rip Viv. 

[PaulS]

Only just seen this. What a player! Up there with the best men in her day. I had the honour of playing with Viv in the AEBBA pairs which we won on one occasion. The only Lady to win it I believe. Viv was amazing in the final making crucial breaks when needed.
news, my condolences to Peter and all her family and friends.
RIP

[Chris_Sav]

A moving and lovely tribute was paid to Viv this afternoon in which bar billiards featured heavily relating to the achievements of a multi national champion and a thoroughly nice person.

Ken Hussey was supposed to be doing a eulogy but he was taken into hospital this morning for dental surgery.

R.I.P. Viv.