Bulls Head Inn, Little Hallam Hill, Ilkeston, Derbyshire

The Derbyshire town of Ilkeston lies at the heart of one of the country's great skittles traditions. The game of Long Alley Skittles is a true East Midlands speciality, played almost exclusively in the neighbouring counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire. It's a robust, highly skilful game in the hands of experienced players, and very different to the more widespread game of alley skittles found throughout the south and west of England and Wales, where the balls are generally required to roll sedately down the alley rather than flying through the air 'Dambusters' style! Long Alley Skittles is frequently played outdoors and in all weather conditions, though Winter competition is confined to those pubs and clubs with indoor, or at least covered alleys. Skittlers are a hardy bunch, but not 'that' hardy!

In common with almost all of the more traditional pub games, participation in Long Alley Skittles has declined markedly over the last few decades. Even so, alleys are still relatively common, and there are several leagues active in each of the three counties. Ilkeston gives its name to one of these, a league of some 16 teams competing over the Summer in two divisions at pub and club venues in the town and surrounding villages. It's a great game to play, and a good one to spectate if you get the chance, albeit that some alleys can give a limited view of the action.

There are perhaps half a dozen pubs and clubs in Ilkeston town with skittle alleys, not all of which are in league use. The Bulls Head Inn is just a short walk out from the centre of Ilkeston, and has a good covered outdoor alley which is currently out of action for league play, though it's hoped this won't be a permanent situation.

The oldest part of the pub dates from the 17th century, but has been extended over the years to give the substantial building we see today with a games oriented Bar (left) and separate Lounge, as well as a garden and patio which overlooks the Skittle Alley.

When I asked the licensee about skittles and its place in the pub, she pointed me in the direction of the chap shown below. "Alf knows more about skittles than anyone I know...". I had a good chat with Alf and I can confirm  that he knows a hell of a lot more about the subject than I do, and probably more than most folk who play the game. This should come as no great surprise, Alf has been involved in the local Long Alley leagues since he was a young man, including time as League Secretary, though now confines himself to the equally skilful table version of the game.

Table Skittles, or Devil Amongst The Tailors as it's sometimes known, was once as common  in pubs and clubs as the outdoor game in the Derby and Nottingham area (and possibly Leicester too). In fact wherever Long Alley is (or was) played, Table Skittles seems to have been played too. Providing more comfortable, and considerably less strenuous indoor competition for keen skittlers during the Winter months. Until very recently this was still the case in Newark, and vestiges of the tradition survives in the Nottingham & Arnold Table Skittles and Domino League, a very small league of mostly club venues on the East side of the city. It's because of this almost extinct local pub game tradition that so many of these old skittles tables can still be found in the area, some of which I'm pleased to say are still in regular use.

The old Jaques table shown here in the bar of the Bulls Head is one of several vintage models owned and maintained by Alf. This one is on permanent loan to the pub, and Alf was happy to demonstrate his undoubted skills at the game over the course of a pint or two and a couple of rather one-sided games. All I'll say about the result of these games is that if, like me, you think you have some level of proficiency in a game of skill like table skittles, just try playing someone who really does! I found the table quite difficult to play despite being set up perfectly, not getting anywhere near a 'spare', let alone a 'floorer', and I have to admit that I gave Alf very little in the way of genuine competition. Alf, needless to say, made the game look very easy indeed. A highly enjoyable lesson though, and I very much look forward to a return match some time soon, once I've got in a bit of practice...

The Skittle Alley has all the common features of the Derby/Notts game. The metal 'shoe' (below) indicates where the players trailing foot must remain before the ball leaves the hand. Should the ball fall short of the white line in front of the frame (above), it is adjudged a foul throw and any pins felled don't score. This line is often marked with a loose metal sheet to give an audible indication of a foul throw. The ball-return chute (bottom) crosses the steps up to the patio and is shown in its dismantled state here.