Memories of snooker, billiards and more as Rex Williams appears at Halesowen venue

Interviewed by former Central Television frontman Bob Warman as part of an evening organised by Sportsnight Events and Memorabilia, he also took questions from the audience at The Laurels Social Club on Thursday evening

The 91-year-old held many roles in the game including being a former chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. as well as a top player and TV commentator.

He reached the final of the Snooker World Championship twice and helped develop and took part in legendary TV series Pot Black which had much to do with increasing the game's popularity.

Mr Williams told many stories about the greats of the game including Alex Higgins, Doug Mountjoy and his hero Joe Davis who was world snooker champion from 1927-1946.

He was also a businessman, manufacturing cues and tables for the sport, and told the audience about how the game had changed technically over the years.

Speaking after the event, Mr Williams joked he was playing snooker when his friend Bob Warman was born and spoke of the influence of television on the game.

He said: "Pot Black, which started in 1969, put the game in the shop window and took it worldwide it was so popular. 

"It led the way for the television coverage we see today and I will always have fond memories of that tournament, which I think they could have done more with in recent years.

"The game has changed significantly in terms of the balls they use now - when I started they were a lot heavier - and the tables which aren't all manufactured to the same specifications but I enjoy watching the talented professionals we have now including Judd Trump and Mark Selby."

Wayne Etheridge from Sportsnight Events and Memorabilia presented him with a cheque for £1,000 for the Pedmore Sporting Club and said: "It was a great evening and the stories of how snooker and billiards developed and the personalities involved were enjoyed by everyone.

"We also had Steve James present, a Black Country born and raised footballer who played for Manchester United with the likes of Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Charlton and he and Rex signed autographs and posed for pictures before and after the event."

Sportsnight Events and Memorabilia's next evening is on Thursday February 27 with former Villa players Mark Walters, Tony Dorigo and Paul Elliott at Cradley Heath Sports and Social Club.