Elite snooker

Terry · 01-12-2004, 14:15

Ha Ha. Sorry all , but I think I am going to be asking lots of question about Accy now I've found this site. I've got 40 years or thereabouts to catch up on. I've also got to read all the posts on here as well

. Todays question is :- is the 'Elite' snooker place still in existence? I still have my 50's memberships cards.

When did it close down and what is it now please?

jelly baby · 01-12-2004, 14:32

The Elite Snooker Club is on Grange Lane In Accy, I don't know if it's still open. My brother used to go to the old elite, I think it was at the bottom of Ormerod St at that time.

rockrabbit · 01-12-2004, 17:44

the elite is near where central car sales started out accross from the police station the one on ormerod st was rileys . the elite is still open but from what i hear not a place id wanna go anymore i used to go a lot but thats over ten years ago a lad i work with went down with one of his mates just over a year ago and was walking out round midnight and got jumped by a group of asian lads for no reason and they made quite a mess of him

janet · 01-12-2004, 18:53

I think the Elite would have been opposite the yorkshire Bank back then terry, would i be right?

Perran · 01-12-2004, 22:34

I go to Elite on a regular basis and although some of the tables are showing wear and tear its still a good alround place, plus the beer is cheapish! I always walk around by the police station not down on to Black Abbey as its quite dark down there and the risk of getting jumped is higher. The area overall has gone down with Nuttall St area being a hole. The club that was at the bottom of Ormerod St was Riley's, its now council offices. Used to go there years ago before they pulled Platts down.

Terry · 03-12-2004, 07:50

Janet. It was upstairs above shops or stores(can't recall) along Blackburn Rd but I can't place it accurately. I can see it in my minds eye but that's all

Terry · 03-12-2004, 08:10

Janet. Another flash of memory. Directly opposite the Town Hall Entrance via the side St. opposite Avenue pde. but don't hold me to that please

Wynonie Harris · 03-12-2004, 08:50

Terry, the entrance was on the lefthand side of St James Street as you go up. It was between the side of Redmans (as it was then) and the Derby. I was a member in the late 60's.

Terry · 03-12-2004, 09:11

Ah yes the Derby. Another memory into place. It had a big lounge area as I recall. Now I am remembering. Well I think I am.

Is St James st the one that went up to the baths?

Wynonie Harris · 03-12-2004, 09:56

That's the one, Terry.

Bazf · 03-12-2004, 14:28

Wynonie remember when a young Alex Higgins used to take everyones money in the Elite ?

Sparkologist · 03-12-2004, 14:46

In the early eighties, the Elite used to be in the old Ambulance Drill Hall, at the end of Hyndburn Road underneath the viaduct. I used to go in with a few mates from school, on Friday nights. We normally only had enough money to play on the 8' table in the back right-hand corner of the snooker hall.

Wynonie Harris · 03-12-2004, 14:55

Yeah, I remember him, Bazf. An unknown Irish lad, but his skill certainly showed through, even then!

Terry · 03-12-2004, 15:58

When I was a young teenager I played a fellow called Derek Plinston in the final of a comp up there. He was a bit on the heavy side was Derek but he beat me anyway. I played him on number 8 table because it had the tightest pockets. Ha Ha but it didn't do me any good. Nearly got him though if it hadn't been for a fluke of his. I think he used to play in the Observer cup every year against a fellow called Todd???? and a bloke called Joe Thornton. I think Thornton always came second from memory. He could never win it

Terry · 03-12-2004, 16:03

Wasn't the Ambulance drill hall where the Accy pipe band did their practice. And I remember the military or brass band practicing upstairs at the Castle in Whalley Rd.