Ruby Roberts Travel Diary 1910-1911 | The Lady Billiards Champion

Ruby Roberts’ travel diary from 1910–1911 offers a rare glimpse into the life of a trailblazer in billiards. At just 19, Australian billiards talent Ruby Roberts embarked on an ambitious tour through colonial Asia and the United Kingdom to pursue her professional career. In addition to her exhibition matches and contests against seasoned male players, her journey captures vibrant cultures, striking landscapes, and memorable encounters. From the golden spires of Rangoon to engaging deck games aboard steamships, Ruby’s writing provides a firsthand look at early 20th-century life and the challenges faced by a young woman forging her path in a male-dominated sport.

Ruby’s journey was more than just about competition; it was about breaking barriers. As one of the first women to play professionally on a global stage, she defied expectations and proved what women could achieve in billiards. Upon returning home, Ruby became a strong advocate for women’s participation in the sport, coaching others and using her public appearances to promote billiards as a beneficial activity for women.

We’re deeply grateful to Graeme and Mary Walters for preserving and transcribing the original diary, and for generously granting permission to share it online. Special thanks to Dale Mackay for his invaluable support, and to Julie Watson, Victorian Women’s Billiards Champion, for providing an image of the Ruby Roberts Perpetual Trophy, named in honour of Ruby’s groundbreaking contributions to women’s billiards. This prestigious award continues to celebrate her legacy and the remarkable achievements of women in the sport.

We invite you to explore Ruby Roberts’ diary and her remarkable journey—not only as a pioneer in women’s billiards and a fearless competitor on the world stage, but also as a spirited young traveller with a keen eye for detail. Her diary is rich with vivid, often amusing stories of local life, lively encounters across colonial Asia, and beautifully rendered descriptions of the places she visited. It’s as entertaining as it is insightful—a captivating window into another era.

Tammy Lindrum