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In 1921 our league was formed compiling of just a few teams. The teams players were mainly members of the
Fort Osborn Army Barracks, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Although the army barracks are no longer there, we must remember
their contribution to the forming of the league.
Originally, each team rated their players as #1, #2, #3 etc. and they played against the other teams same
rated player. ( Player #1 on one team would play Player #1 on the opposing team ) After awhile; some players were
increasing their skills to the point of the matches were becoming unfair. So a handicapped system was adopted into the league.
Exactly when, is disbuted, but in 1949 when Tom Hargreaves joined the league it was in place. Tom Hargreaves is a life member
of the Veterans English Billiard League with a total of 49 years in the league. 25 years of that, Tom was the secretary/treasurer
of our organization.
At one point in time, each match night consisted of 3 matches. Partially due to some clubs only had one
table and the amount of players on each team. When matches were played at these clubs they tried to start the matches as early
as 5:30pm (instead of 7pm) as to be able to finish the matches that night. But as the popularity of the game of English Billiards
grew in the Winnipeg Area, they found that 3 matches per Thursday night wasn't enough so they adopted to four matches per
Thursday night. Our league at one time supported 22 individual teams, and is presently supporting 10 teams.
At this time, we all must take a moment to thank the 3 life members in our league, Tom Hargreaves, Jim Simm,
and Ray Trinder. Without their grit and love for our great game, we might not be here. THANK YOU.
I would like to thank Tom Hargreaves for his support and the above information in order to preserve the memories of all
that have come before us. And thanks to Tom's dear friend and orginal member of our league, Harry Lockwood, who
educated Tom on the early beginnings of our league.
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