I have just been over to Butlins in Skegness
My work load for this visit was to re-cover three full size snooker tables and fit a good second hand cloth to a torn table to make good
also fit new nets and leather to one table and check all 16 tables for loose or broken  straps and nets and leathers .
I also provided two new dust covers for Free as a thank you for repeat work bookings.

1st day strip down full size snooker table and re-cover + fit second hand cloth to torn bed table

this was the table that had the second hand bed cloth fitted , the table is a burroughs and watts steel cushioned table , one of two steel cushioned tables in the Green Baize .

Finished 1st recover on the 1st day .

Two more tables being stripped ready for new cloth , in this photo the cushions being re-covered

The two tables have just had the new bed cloths stretched and tacked on and they are now ready for marking out with baulk line D and spots

the two tables are completed and ready for play in their Strachan 6811 tournament 30 oz cloth
just because it is a holiday camp we do not cut corners on cloth quality , this is top quality first grade cloth no seconds or faulty cloth or low grade manufactured imported cloth is used by GCL Billiards
only the best for our clients .

and these Holidaymakers were very keen to try out the new cloth , notice we also replaced the nearest tables nets and leathers.
We replace one set every time we call and then use the older good nerts to repair any worn out nets in the hall on other tables
by doing this we keep the costs down and nothing is thrown away before it is had its full use  , a part worn nets still has life in it so why throw it away
by recycling nets around the room we are keeping replacements costs low saving butlins money but still, maintaining a good playing standard within the room of the tables .
Arrangements have been made for me to call again at the end of the year to check over the tables for other work , I have an ongoing maintenance routine with Skegness Butlins .
they really do try and keep a good standard of snooker table , but with many youngsters and young holidaymakers playing they do get torn and misused now and again .

with 16 full size snooker tables there is always something to do on each visit .

I have been over to Rugby to re-cover a 6ft Titan snooker table
this table was made in china and branded Titan here in the UK.
there was a problem with the cushions being loose on this type of table and here are a few photo’s to show why you should be very wary of chinese made tables

This is a bolt nut insert on the underside of the cushion , a bolt is passed through the slate and the cushion is supposed to clamp down onto the slate on each edge
the problem was these inserts just unscrewed out when tightening the cushions down to the slate bed , it is not a good design and you fine this type of fixing more on American pool tables rather than snooker /Billiard tables

I did manage to tighten them up a bit and this is the finished table
I informed my client to make holes in the outer edge and wood screw the cushions on using large screws with brass cups , this will improve the bounce
I can see the under bolts coming loose as the ball hits the cushions , it is a terrible design flaw on this type of table
if you require advice on buying a table look through my reports and see what to avoid , this type of table is one of those that you should avoid because of the faulty bolt fixings
apart fromt that is was ok really .

I have been over to Nottingham to re-cover a Karnehm and hillman snooker table , move it approx 6 inch to one side and then 6 inch towards baulk end
plus open pockets up to nearly 4 inch at the drop , I shaved off and reshaped around 1/8th off each side .

Close to 4 inch at the drop and my client was very pleased with this opening
he is not any where near close to professional standard , and only plays for fun and required really wide pocket openings
This table used to be located at Newark Cue club and had 3.5 inch openings at the fall

these K&H tables close up towards the rear of the pocket and as you can see it is a more respectful 3.5 inch at the rear

the finished table re-covered in 6811 Strachan tournament 30 oz cloth .
My client is very happy with the way we moved the table and also opened up his pocket openings at the fall to nearly 4 inch
I am sure he will enjoy his snooker even more now .

We have a client based in Berlin in Germany who wishes to sell their very nice and old Antique Jelks billiard table circa 1890/1900
A most unusual collectable piece of Billiards memorabilia  for a person who has not got enough room for a large full size or even a 8ft or 9ft
This table oozes character , with the sought after Barley twist legs and unusual storage of Drawers built into the frame work
My Client has supplied some superb photo’s

Photo from one end looking down on the cloth

Photo from one side also looking down onto cloth

Rustic oak type woodwork renovated by Hamiltons and at a very expensive price when first bought
the thin barley twist legs are a very rare find

Very unusual to find twin drawers at one end for storage .

The table comes complete with all the tackle as shown in this photo.

another unusual side drawer storage compartment

My client would like to point out the tables only fault , a wood crack on a end cross member , this can be glued and clamped or maybe even wood crewed from underneath
a bit of stain polish and it will then blend in .
it is nothing serious .
My client is looking for £1000 for this rare piece of billiards history , if anyone is interested either in the Uk of in Germany , just email me and I will forward you my clients contact details .
You can always contact Hamiltons and find out what they sold this table for , but you should be sitting down when they inform you !

I am working away in Skegness all next week and will be away from the phone due to very weak signal in metal clad building in Butlins
so please send emails only , and I will answer them next weekend when I get back to my PC.

I am working in the Green Baize in Skegness butlins re-covering and general maintenance to the many full size snooker tables .

I visit Skegness Butlins around three times a year maintaining either american pool / uk pool or full size snooker tables

The Hot Shots American pool table area is also another part of Butlins where I maintain the cue sports tables .

also the team diner where they have two supreme winner pool tables for staff use .

March 21st update reduced to £500 , this is very good price for a steel cushioned table of This quality Vintage Burroughs and watts

We have a Client who wishes to sell their full size Burroughs & watts full size snooker table
The table has the sought after Steel cushions

the table has square tapered legs with mouldings just above toe and at joint of frame skirt  as they taper joins the main upper block

The Makers Name plate on one end cushion shows Patent Eureka Steel Vacuum Cushions.
now reduced to just £500 !
Steel cushions are much better for rebound value and that is why they are more sought after on the second hand market
only a small percentage of full size snooker tables have these steel cushions fitted , they are considered professional standard
Today more modern pocket plates and openings are the way forward , these B&watts tables will not take a ball at speed into the centre pocket as the plate is of 1900 design and not 2016
Burroughs and watts where one of the better makers of Billiard tables
They where bought out by E.J Riley in the 1960s and then the name disappeared , it has recently been resurrected by a Birmingham firm who uses the name, but they have no direct links to the old Established Victorian firm that made this table . but they use the history on their web site which is questionable and gives the impression they are the same firm to people who do not read in between the lines .
But this table is a Genuine Burroughs and watts circa 1910 to 1930s circa ?

I have not got any clearer photo’s of this table
it is based in North Norfolk near Melton constable , any enquiries to Geoff at GCL billiards

contact email is…………………    c.large@btinternet.com

or telephone 07753466064