Dawn dunkley

With profound sadness we mourn the sudden and unexpected passing of Dawn – an absolute gem of a human being.

Dawn was a cherished member of the Northants Bar Billiards League for many years. Dawn’s boundless enthusiasm, her cheeky smile and infectious laugh, and her unparalleled kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Dawn’s warmth and vibrant spirit brought joy to every gathering, whether at the table or off it. She was more than a teammate or competitor—she was a dear friend to so many of us and a cornerstone of our league. Her absence will be deeply felt, especially by her team, but also by every member of the league who was lucky enough to share in her company.

During this very difficult time, our thoughts are with Dawn’s family – for whom we know just how devastating this is. We hope you find comfort in knowing how deeply loved and admired she was by all of us. While her passing leaves a great void, we take solace in the thought that she has been reunited with her beloved Ted, whose loss we have also felt so greatly in recent years.

To the rest of the league, let us honour Dawn by remembering the way she approached life and our game—with joy, with humour, with humility and an open generous spirit. Dawn’s memory will remain a source of inspiration and joy for us all. 

Rest in peace, Dawn—you will forever hold a special place in our hearts and you will forever be part of the fabric of the Northants Bar Billiards League.

 

 

 

Welcome to the Winter League 2024/25

It’s finally time!!

The 2024/25 Winter League will kick off on Monday 7th October and we are eagerly expecting another thrilling season – after all, it’s what we do best.

Following the very well attended AGM, we are all now redoubling our efforts to ensure that this season is yet another fantastic success. There is plenty to play for and so many fantastic evening of play in store.

In Northants, when the evenings get cold, the Bar Billiards gets hot!! You can follow our progress here!

 

SUmmer League 2024 – Rule britannia!!

What a way to finish! This summer, it is certainly a case of Britannia rules the 4-Pin Summer League 2024. The newly adopted format for the Summer League proved to be a very popular leveller and the season saw some fantastic and closely fought matches.

Mid-way through the season it looked for all the world like it would be the Storm that land a consecutive Summer League crown, but they faltered in the final few weeks just as Britannia rose again from the shadows.

The final league match could have still seen the title go to one of three teams but it was the Britannia Club that held their nerve and were deserved champions – many congratulations!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stevie Anscombe

We are saddened to hear of the recent passing of Stevie Anscombe. A mainstay of the league for many years and a highly capable player. Whether as a team mate, a pairs partner or whether coming on as a late substitute – Stevie could be relied upon to deliver a steadying hand built on a wealth of high level experience.

We’ve missed you of late Stevie – and we’ll be thinking of you and your loved ones as this shocking news sinks in. We’ll be raising a glass to your memory.

Rest in peace, Stevie x

 

Carlsberg – the best team in northants……….not even probably!!

Much like developing the perfect recipe for a thirst-quenching pint, the Carlsberg Club team served up a delicious season of tasty results to once again clinch the Division 1 title in the Northants Bar Billiards Winter League. As early into the season as November, you’d have been nuts to bet against them as they raced into what turned out to be an unassailable lead – such was their thirst to regain the title. The reward for such crisp play was almost an unblemished league campaign, were it not for a single bitter evening with the Red Lion! We bet the Carlsberg captain’s comments were salt and vinegar flavoured that night in the post match team talk!! But that spill of points aside, the team quickly began fizzing again and rightly regained the position as head of the league. Particular congratulations go to Jason Neal for his stella(r) unbeaten league season – a fantastic effort.

Many congratulations to the team – Simon, Jason, John, Stephen, Leanne and Michelle. Champions again!

 

ted’s HEADLANDERS land THE 2023/24 DIVISION 2 title

A memorable season for Ted’s Headlanders who came out of the blocks so quickly at the start of the season and made clear their intent. A string of both consistent and impressive results has earned their place back in the top flight next season and the crown of Division 2 Champions with a game to spare. This team is a delicious cocktail of stalwarts of the league, mixed with new talent and charismatic personality – the perfect team for our league. Whilst next year, in Division 1, will again be a tough test, Ted’s Headlanders have earned the right to celebrate this fantastic season. 

Many congratulations to Martin, Aidan, Mick, Dawn and Richard – well done to you all!

Storm clears way to Summer League Crown

The Storm team managed the rare and remarkable feat of retaining their Summer League Crown.

With the final round of fixtures still to play, the Storm secured the title courtesy of a 3-1 away win at The Cock ‘C’.
The form of the team has been outstanding throughout the summer and bodes well for the Winter League – upon which they can look with optimism.
However, they are short of manpower and so an additional playing member of the team would be a fantastic addition.
If you’re interested in being part of a social, committed and high quality team do reach out via this site!

Well done Storm – Summer League Champions 2023.

Back to Back!

Register for the 2023/24 Winter League Season – here!

TEAMS ARE READY FOR SUMMER BAR BILLIARDS 2023

It’s nearly time for the fun of this year’s Summer League. Matches will commence on Monday 26th June and will consist of a round robin league to determine the winning team.
It is always a wonderfully social league with plenty of warm evening laughs along the way. It is a great starter for newcomers or beginners to the game and so we’re thrilled to see some new faces this year.

BRING ON THE SUMMER!!

Champions crowned ahead of season finale!

With yet another powerful league victory, their 17th in succession, Rushden Cons overcame their title rivals Carlsberg Club ‘A’ to claim the Division 1 crown once again. They join The Red Lion ‘A’ who were crowned Division 2 champions last week.

Rushden now go into the final league match of the season chasing and incredible 18th win to also gain an ‘invincible’ season. This outstanding team has truly been the class of the field this season, with consistent play they have dominated the Northants League. Even so, they have maintained their well earned reputation for being one of the most social, most welcoming and friendly teams to play against.

We are thrilled to congratulate Rushden Cons as champions for the 2022/23 Winter League season.

The Red Lion ‘A’ have bounced back from their shock relegation from Division 1 last season by claiming the Division 2 title ahead of stablemates The Red Lion ‘B’.

Despite some indifferent form from key players and long absences of others, the welcome arrival of Stevie Oram helped to stable the ship and deliver vital points to the cause. In the end, with a match to spare, they claimed the title with an impressive away win against Ted’s Headlanders.

Both teams thoroughly meriting their league champions status and both are a credit to the Northants League. We all offer you our most hearty congratulations!

We know that you’ll enjoy your evening when you receive your well-deserved awards at Presentation Evening later this year!

Nick Faulkner

It is with great affection and fondness we remember Nick, who has sadly passed away after a lengthy period of illness. Nick was a great team mate, a passionate enthusiast of the game and a proud member of the league. His attendance at the Annual Golf Day was guaranteed and he was a key member of the Inter Area ‘C’ team.
None of us will forget the performance of his life in an Inter Area ‘C’ team match against Oxford which was live streamed via Facebook. He played such an outstanding match and earned his team a famous victory.
A wake is being held for friends to share memories and to raise a glass to Nick at The Headland, Northampton on Saturday 4th February. All are welcome.

Rest in peace, Nick. The league will miss you, but will always remember you.

AND WE’RE OFF!
Finally, the Winter League season kicks off this evening with some fantastic matches.

We are thrilled that we can offer wonderfully competitive, friendly, social and entertaining nights of Bar Billiards for league members – and we are always looking for new players who want to join the league or learn the game.

League results get posted on the league and team pages swiftly so stay tuned to see how your team gets on!

Red Lion Miss Out As Storm Thunder to Summer League Crown

As we start the final countdown to the Winter League – there was still the unfinished business of the Summer League final to settle. The Red Lion ‘A’ met Storm at The Cock in what was a tense but enjoyable evening.
One of the hallmarks of the summer league is the wonderful spirit in which matches are played – as well as the consistently close and competitive nature of the games themselves. The final was no different.
Played in the friendliest of spirit it was Matt who took the opening leg for Storm with a narrow win over Leigh. The lead was short-lived, however, as Red Lion captain, Dunc, took a convincing win over Dave to level things up.
As the third leg got closer, and the evening more tense, it was Kev who took an edgy one with Storm re-establishing their lead and needing only a drawn final leg to take the summer league title.
On to the pairs leg and it was Storm who managed to find another gear and Kev & Matt raced away to give their team a great win, a due reward for a fine summer league season as well as a real boost ahead of the gruelling Winter League.
Many congratulations to the Storm team from the entire league!

Well done and thank you to all teams for participating in this great summer of Bar Billiards!

Presentation Evening hailed as ‘A Night To Remember’

Recently we celebrated our 50th Anniversary at another spectacular Presentation Evening hosted at the Old Northamptonians Club.
Our wonderful Social Secretary, Michelle Coleman, really pulled out all the stops with a wonderfully decorated venue and seamless organisation. Guests sat for a delicious meal and enjoyed the annual trophy and award presentations.
Big winners on the night were Rushden Cons and The Headlanders for their title wins and Stephen Coleman for his Individual Knockout triumph. Aidan Coe snapped up a number of trophies and awards including the Mary Leeming Award and the Player’s Player of the Year award for Division 2. Chas Peel won the PPOTY for Division 1 after a truly outstanding season.
There were plenty of laughs throughout what was a wonderful, celebratory evening and we hope to post many of the fantastic images that were captured throughout the event on this website very soon.
We also took the opportunity to mark the passing of our founder member and Honorary President Ted Dunkley. We shared some of the most thoughtful comments and memories submitted by league members, and everyone was moved by the spontaneous standing ovation offered to Ted. It was a pleasure to be joined by Dawn, Jason and the family and we know it was lovely for them to see just how much Ted meant to the league and all its members.
Here’s another look at our own tribute to Ted.

Ted Dunkley – Founder Member and Honorary President

It is with our utmost sadness that we mourn the passing of Ted Dunkley.

After an extended period of poor health we are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Ted. We are truly devastated for Dawn and for their children and grandchildren. Ted was a hugely important, popular, respected and loved member of our league who has been sorely missed in recent times as a team mate, a leader and an advisor – but he will always be remembered with great affection and joy. It is a tragedy that he will be unable to celebrate the 50th Anniversary with us but we shall certainly have him at the forefront of our thoughts.

As a Founder Member of the Northants Bar Billiards League and then latterly the League President, Ted had Northants Bar Billiards to his very core. It is due to his commitment during some of the toughest times that we have a league to enjoy today – we have long recognised the huge debt of thanks due to him. We appreciate fully the contribution Ted made and we look forward to paying a most fitting tribute.

Of course we understand that this devastating news will hit us all very hard and we know that the entire league membership will remember Ted, the many matches that were played, the laughs that were shared and the stories that he told – we sincerely hope that you will take a moment before your next match to remember Ted and raise a glass to his wonderful memory.

Thank you Ted – may you rest in peace.

Peter Farrelly

Once more we must sadly share the news of the passing of another important member of the Northants Bar Billiards League story.

Pete was a highly gifted player, organiser and record keeper – he diligently sought to record and safeguard the Northants Bar Billiards League whilst achieving considerable success on the national stage.

Pete made an outstanding contribution to our league and will be remembered with great fondness and gratitude for all he brought to his teams, his many friends and to the league as a whole. He was always keen to help players improve and taught many of the finest players we have the key elements of the game which still underpins their success today.

We are grateful for his lasting impact on our league and will always remember him.

Rest in peace, Pete.

Rushden emphatically win title in anniversary season

It seems fitting somehow that in our 50th year one of the longest serving teams in the league have landed the Division 1 crown. Rushden Cons have been the mainstay of our league for some time and are always a popular team to visit and to host. Playing at a consistently high level has not always brought the rewards they deserve, but this season every member of the team played a vital role in a fantastic success.

Chas Peel has won more league games this season than any other player and Damian Coates the second highest number of league legs. Captain Andy Chambers led his team superbly and in a thrilling climax to the season Jim Smith got the ball rolling with an outstanding performance in a vital first leg.

The pressure built in leg two and a rare mistake from Jase Neal allowed Andy an opportunity he duly converted. Wins followed for Stew Greenaway, Damian Coates – with a very impressive display – and Chas Peel completed the rout.

As ever, the Carlsberg team were gracious in their defeat and acknowledged the highly deserved success of their great rivals – a testament to the spirit that makes the Northants League both unique and the finest in the country. We are sure Simon Coleman and his team will be back stronger next season – but for now, the entire league congratulates the new Division 1 League Champions – Rushden Cons reign supreme!

Headlanders – The 2021/22 Division 2 CHAMPIONS!!

What a truly outstanding season the Headlanders team have put together. With some remarkable results, particularly against Division 1 sides, and a level of consistency that has been unmatched in recent years by this team, they have won the Division 2 title in style and more than proven their credentials as a Division 1 team for next year!

Many congratulations to Martin, Aidan, Mick, Nicole, Richard and Roger – a fantastic achievement.

About Us

Over the last few years there has been a strong growth in appetite for traditional English Pubs and Clubs which can act as a community hub with facilities for people to meet, socialise and enjoy great times. Being a Bar Billiards host venue helps provide fantastic patron entertainment (even in the smallest of spaces) as well as a strong revenue stream.

Known for being the fastest growing and one of the friendliest environments to get involved in the traditional game of Bar Billiards. We provide an unrivalled blend of good natured competition, great venues with a highly social membership.

We have worked hard at developing a compelling offer for pubs and clubs who are looking to significantly increase revenues by including a traditional and good natured pastime to their weekly activities. With a minimum of thirty guaranteed match nights per season and completely free of charge table provision more and more venues consider Northants Bar Billiards the perfect partnership.

Our membership has grown by a massive 23% in the last five years and you can be part of this continuing story as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary year. We cater for a wide range of abilities, from newcomer to players who represent England at national level (and all those in between) to create the finest league anywhere in the country – why not find out what we can offer you!