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Donelson ‘Pool Gang’ on cue




Pool class instructor Ralph Bristol is sandwiched by fellow billiard enthusiasts John Beard, 96, and Frances Bruce, 92, at the Fifty Forward senior center in Donelson. They love a good game of pool, and Bristol invites the curious to come and take a class to learn the fun activity.PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH BRISTOL

Pool class instructor Ralph Bristol is sandwiched by fellow billiard enthusiasts John Beard, 96, and Frances Bruce, 92, at the Fifty Forward senior center in Donelson. They love a good game of pool, and Bristol invites the curious to come and take a class to learn the fun activity.PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH BRISTOL

John Beard is dubbed the “Pool Gang” leader in Mt. Juliet. 

No, not swim pool, as in water.  

Rather, Beard is affectionately known as the local ‘cue pin’ of billiards at Fifty Forward Donelson Station Center. It’s a pool-playing group that takes place there almost every day with regular players. Newbies and seasoned veterans alike are welcome.

There’s a new class there to teach beginners the basics of this fun hobby and sport, taught by well-known former conservative talk show host and proud Donelson resident Ralph Bristol.

Beard has held a pool cue stick in his hand longer than many have been alive. Someone might not think he’s 96 years old when he shoots the cue ball with precision and skill and pretty much ‘racks’ up the other pool players at the senior center – more often than not.

“I’ve learned as much, or more, from John in terms of strategy than I have my entire life playing pool,” said Bristol.

Bristol joined Fifty Forward in Donelson in February 2018 and started playing pool with the regulars there. He’d never admit it, but he’s somewhat of a celebrity in Donelson for his 11-year stint as the morning drive host of Supertalk 99.7 WTN in Nashville. He retired early last year and has 40 years of broadcast experience as a radio and television news reporter, anchor, news director and radio talk show host.

It’s a fun and airy environment in the poolroom at Fifty Forward center in Donelson. The activity of playing pool is gaining popularity because anyone can play the game with ease.PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH BRISTOL

It’s a fun and airy environment in the poolroom at Fifty Forward center in Donelson. The activity of playing pool is gaining popularity because anyone can play the game with ease.PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH BRISTOL

He’s spent the last year and a half playing pool, and now teaches pool at Fifty Forward.

“I’m known as the youngster of the group,” Bristol, 69, said with a laugh.

There are about 15 participants in the pool playing group, but about eight regulars, said Bristol. 

He started his ‘how to play pool’ class in April and just taught his fifth class last week with a healthy number of students.

“I’ve played pool all my life,” said Bristol “When I joined Fifty Forward, I started playing pool there, and a guy taught lessons, but he died. I decided I wanted to teach a beginner’s pool class.”

 

 

Bristol has played the game since he was a child in Nebraska. He was one of five children. 

“They changed the attic into a bedroom, and there was enough room to put a 7-foot pool table up there,” he said. “That’s what we did for entertainment as a family. I learned a lot from my dad.”

He said it’s not really proper to call the game billiards – though that sounds much fancier – but he said true billiards does not have pockets.

“The average age of our pool playing friends here is 75,” he said. “That’s why I’m the young buck.”

Two regulars to the game at the center are 96 and 92 years old.

“Pool is probably the best activity for older people if they want to keep active,” said Bristol. “It’s active without rigorous activity. It’s for people who want to stay marginally active and socially active. It’s great for retired people and keeps the mind sharp, as well.”

Learn the ‘cue’ from Bristol

Bristol’s pool basic class is the second Friday of each month at 2 p.m. It’s free to members of the center, but just $5 for non-members. 

“It’s really just for anyone who is curious and wants to learn,” Bristol said.

He teaches such things as how to hold a cue stick properly, how important it is to purchase a straight cue stick, how to be comfortable holding the stick, making a great ‘bridge’ to have a good aim, how to hold your body while shooting and how to aim.

“It’s the basic stuff,” he said. “I find people really don’t know much about the game. You have to learn to hit the cue ball and send it where you want it to go.”

Anyone, no matter what age, can play pool. He said it’s all about muscle memory, sort of like learning to play golf. 

After these basics settle in the brain muscle, it’s all about practice. In the afternoon at the center, the three tables are pretty much available for just that. 

It’s a fun way to meet people and keep active, all say. Regulars play from 8 a.m. until noon each day, give or take a player or three, now and then. 

Bristol said he’s been elevated in the Pool Gang group. The gang elected him as “superintendent” of the poolroom.

“This carries a very heavy responsibility,” he said, “making sure we don’t run out of coffee.”

For times when the center is open, call 615-883-8375. The poolroom is open at all times when the center is open.

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