Quorn Charities Darts League: a Short History

As far as we can tell, it started around 1945. The League, said Colin Loseby, was started with the intention of playing darts, companionship and a good social event. Coupled with that they set up the Charity side of things so that the money people paid to play would benefit others. The money was also to send flowers to anyone in the league and their families, when there was a birth, a death or maybe even a wedding. In the early days, the elderly residents of Quorn chosen from the Electoral Register, would receive flowers, later this was changed, with the co-operation from Bradleys, to a voucher that could be spent on goods from the shop at Christmas.

A small annual registration fee from players plus a small weekly match fee raises money for the Charity. Kirk Raynor, a current member of the committee, is often seen sweet-talking the local pubs and businesses for sponsorship and to donate items for the Presentation night raffle.

The pubs that took part were, the still familiar pubs that are in Quorn today, The Apple Tree, The White Horse, The Conservative Club, The Royal Oak, The Blacksmiths, The White Hart and The Manor. But then other names of pubs that have long gone came up, The Pig & Whistle, The Hurst Hotel (now the Chinese), The Bulls Head (now the Quorndon Fox) and even the Cricket Club played.

At its height, there were 27 teams of 6 players per side, with three divisions. At least a third of the players were from the surrounding villages. Trophies presented to winners were coveted, as was the glory of winning; things are still the same today. We tried to find out a bit more about where the trophies came from before we realised how many trophies there are: The Peak Cup for the Singles winner; Rose Bowl donated by Mr W J Beardsley in 1963, for the most tons; The League Trophy donated by Mr J C Proctor in 1945; Pairs Trophy donated by Maj O Waite in 1947.

Presentation Night in the old days was a big event taking place at Rawlins with a dance and a live band; the Chairman always dressed in a Dinner Suit. Today Presentation Night is more low key but still enjoyed by those that go.

The league is smaller now than in its hey days, and after struggling to survive a few years ago, seems to be increasing in popularity with 8 teams of four players (as well as some reserves) and at least another two teams expected to start next year. We hope to continue for another fifty years.

If this has whetted your appetite to get involved, registration forms are distributed to the pubs over the summer. If however you cant raise a team but still want to play, talk to the pub landlords at The Apple Tree, Blacksmiths, Conservative Club, White Hart and White Horse, who should be able to point you in the direction of a team looking for members. The AGM will be held on the 12 August, 8.30 at the Conservative Club and although non league members would not be able to vote they are more than welcome to come along to find out what goes on.

Our thanks go out to the landlords for their support and assistance. Thanks also go to the committee, Jon Allcock, Kirk Raynor and John Tyler, as well as all the players without whom the league would cease to be.

Franca & Gordon Cummings
Committee Members