Darts ladies celebrate bullseye anniversary

WESTBURY Ladies’ Darts League’s 50th anniversary bash was saved at the eleventh hour after the caterers booked for the event were struck by swine flu.

The darts league had hoped to celebrate their golden anniversary with a three course meal followed by live music and comedian at Westbury Labour Club, but were left without a caterer just two days before the event.
Luckily for the 156 people attending the end of season awards bash, league member and pub landlord Lynda Brewer stepped in at the last minute and offered to prepare a buffet spread.

Lynda said, “It was a day’s shopping and a day of putting it all together but I did have a couple of helping hands!
“Due to my job I’m quite used to preparing spreads for a lot of people, so it wasn’t a difficulty.”
Lynda said her assistance from niece Helen Chandler and friend Nelly Roberts was gratefully received. Lynda also picked up four awards on the night, walking away with the Eileen Sneath Cup for Top Players; the shield for most wins in Division 2; the ‘Highest Out’ and was runner up in the Ladies’ Singles.
League chair of 20 years Kate Rainer said, “Lynda’s help was greatly appreciated! When I heard from the caterer that they had swine flu I didn’t know what to do; it was all a bit of a panic!”
Kate, who has been playing in the league for 40 years, is stepping down from her position as chair after this season.
“It’s going to be nice to just be part of a team for once!” she said.
She added, “I think the reason we are so successful is because we are a ladies only league. It’s the only place the ladies can go and have a chat and play some darts.”
The league currently comprises 181 players and has been split into two divisions since the 1970s.
“Division one take it seriously, but not quite so much in division two,” said Kate, “It’s a really friendly league. Everybody is so ‘together’ and there’s no bickering. Everybody is there because they love playing the game.”
Kate recently introduced her 18-year old granddaughter Jodie Bodman to the game. Jodie said she had enjoyed the social side of the league over her first season.
“It doesn’t feel like a competition because it’s more like a friendly match,” she said.
The league’s AGM will be held at the Labour Club on Monday 3rd August at 8.00pm.