Photograph courtesy of Mrs Elsie Lightwing relative of Henry Lightwing

(Third from left back row.) who was Chairman of the League from 1909 - 1925.

According to the 'Loftus Advertiser' a challenge match at Billiards took place between Brotton Institute and New Marske Institute on 26th April 1895 and it seems likely this was the forerunner to what is now claimed to be one of the oldest Billiards League in the world.

A League was run during 1897 - 1898 but the first surviving recorded minute is of a meeting on 13th October 1898 with representatives from Brotton, Skinningrove, Cambridge House, New Marske and North Skelton attending.

Club subscriptions were half a guinea and together with the above, Guisborough, Grangetown and St Mary's made up the League members. The first Chairman was T. Welford of Brotton who continued in the position until 1909 and R. Clark of New Marske held the post of Secretary until 1908.

Meetings were held at Marske Institute during the first year, for which the League paid room hire of 2s-9d and the total expenditure in the first year was £3-3s-11d. When you consider the lighting was gas, and most transport was by train, the original organisers must have had quite a headache to get all fixtures fulfilled.

Medals were awarded to League Winners, together with a bowl, and a cue was presented to the maker of the Highest League Break.

Last year the League ran ten K.O. competitions with awards or trophies provided for winners and runners-up in team events, and also semi-finalists for individuals and pairs. Two Snooker Divisions were run with trophies being presented to winners, runners-up, winners of most games and highest breaks in both divisions.