A member of Bushey Conservative Club played five exhibition frames of snooker in the club on Saturday night, then proceeded to demonstrate a number of trick shots.

So what? – So members watched some of the most skilful snooker playing it would be possible to see anywhere. For the member concerned was none other than honorary member, world champion, Ray Reardon.

The club games room was packed for the occasion, which included a buffet supper, the “auctioning” by the champion of one of his cues – “the one that has never missed a shot” – and the “grand finale” demonstration by Mr Reardon of some of his most unbelieveable trick shots – such as “firing” six red balls into a wicker “bottle”.

The gallant five regular members who volunteered to take on the champion were club snooker experts Messrs Mac Vooght, Clive Skinner, Maurice Lancaster, Sid Harris and Edmond Saunders.

All put up a good show and made one or two shots which were good by club standards but, needless to say, made little impression against Ray Reardon, who demoralised his first victim with an opening break of 81.

Chairman Bill Skipp brought a most successful and enjoyable evening to a close with a brief expression of thanks to Mr Reardon and his opponents, and to Mr Gordon Mailing and the entertainments committee for arranging the event.

[From the Watford Observer of November 23, 1973]

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