Hi Everyone,

It is now actually past that time of year (September), but it IS the time of year that the 2005 NPC is being organised.

Dates are tentatively proposed as the 9th, 16th and 23rd of November.

Reasons/excuses it was not held in September:

1) School holidays prevent some regulars from attending
2) I was away
3) I have changed jobs, and only just got access to HPDP emails again (if this gets through ;-) Thanks Henare).

I am not planning on heavily promoting the NPC in the pub. The people to whom it is important will know, and I see no reason to encourage blow-ins with the idea that there is more on offer for these three weeks - there is only pride - not prizes.

On a related note, due to recent differences of opinion expressed over the pool table I am trying to get a list of rules to be put up in the pub (possibly only for Wednesday nights even). The following are up for discussion:

1) Honest attempt at own ball.
2) 1 shot rule.
3) If the white ball leaves the table, opponent must take next shot from the line and shoot forward.
4) If any other ball leaves the table, it shall be returned to the spot or as close as possible.
5) A player may miss the black ball. Any other foul on black is loss of game.
6) Deliberately sinking opponents balls and "tap" snookers are considered foul shots (see rules 1 and 2).

Anything I need to clarify, add or remove? [Make a comment or email the list]

Regards,

Phil Ryan
P.S. It is worth noting that unpopular though it is, a new record has been set. Brian Budd has now won the last 5 weeks in a row, beating Ben and Josh's records of 4, and making Pete's once unattainable 3 in a row look like old news. See rule 6 above for a clue to some of the differences of opinion that have been vioced.