Heart Of Darts

71 Valley hill, Loughton ,Essex IG10 3AT

Telephone : 0208 508 0751 Email :heartofdartsianw@aol,co,uk

Chairman Ian's new message :
Hello darlings, heres hoping 2012 will be a great year for us all. Another set of World Championships has come and gone and we congratulate Adrian , Christian and Anastasia. Did you spot our pin badges on nearly all the BDO players including both Champs, finalists and semifinalists? Perhaps that gave them the edge to reach the heights : was it the love and support from all Heart of Darters everywhere? So many players tell me they firmly believe in "the power of the pin" I have to believe they are a symbol of strength, composure and compassion. If I thought they improved my playing skills too, I would wear a dozen , but we can't work magic ! Eternal thanks from Andy, Jenny, Joan Maisie and me for your loyalty - you are all stars in our eyes.

Thanks to your marvellous continued generosity we are able to carry on improving quality of life for so many deserving people. On your behalf we have purchased wheel chairs, special buggies, standing frames, personal and individual aids, mechanised support machines, specialised electronic equipment, 2 stairlifts for paraplegic and blind persons and other things. please check out or "News" for latest updates.

2012 marks our 12th year of being. I hope this will silence at last the sceptics and "knockers" who for reasons known only to themselves tried so hard to stop us operating. Andy , Jenny , Joan and I never doubted ourselves or our intentions to improve the lives of those who we could. What means so much to us is YOUR faith and loyalty to our cause. We are eternally grateful, God bless you all, we will continue as long as we are able. I think of us as one huge family, pulling together to help wherever we can.

Hello Maisie here. this is a new year and a new start for all. This year we are hoping to help more people get what they need in life but only with your help can we do that. If you know anyone that need's our help please send us an email or even give us a call. Tell us your stories so we can make the frowns turn upside down. Where are your stories and pics? also i need more happy helpers too ? Come on LETS GET CRAZY - REPLY TO MAISIE ! For more infomation please call 0208 508 0751 and also email us on heartofdartsinw@aol.co.uk thank you.

About the charity

The Heart of Darts was formed in December 2000 to give darts supporters and players, at all levels, their own unique charity. Hard to believe we are now in our 12th year!

The "Heart" refers to the compassion and big heartedness of the darts fraternity who never seek (and rarely receive) the accolades they deserve for all the good they do, both individually and as teams.

The aim of the Heart of Darts is to give help and support where it is not readily available from any other source. Items purchased, for example wheelchairs, remain the property of the Charity and are out "on loan" until such time as they are no longer needed, or need to be exchanged / upgraded. This helps in two ways:

first, we can donate or pass on equipment so others can benefit; second, if we wish to do so the Charity can pay maintenance or adaptation fees to save our recipients worrying about expense.

The Trustees , l to r : Andy and Jenny Fordham , Joan and Ian Waller.

Andy is our World Ambassador and Jenny is our Appeals Co-ordinator. Joan is our secretary and Ian is Chairman. Our American Ambassador is, the Ladies World Champion Stacy Bromberg , and Les Miller is our Themes Valley co-ordinator. Maisie is our new website wizard.

Everyone works voluntarily – no wages are paid. Only necessary expenditure is made for things that canot be obtained by gift or donation. We are a non-political charity and encourage and welcome help from virtually anybody.

Appeals are brilliantly managed by Jenny. Part of our system is to check to ensure that the help requested cannot be obtained elsewhere, for example Social Services, grants, other charities, etc… This is not a reflection on anyone's integrity. Quite often we have found that people are unaware that the help they need is available if you know where to ask. We are sure no genuine person minds us checking and it ensures the funds are wisely spent. We have had some "dubious" appeals for cash, but have not paid out thanks to our information service. Indeed, the charity does not give cash, we buy the things needed, usually direct from manufacturers or mobility services.

The people we help do NOT have to be connected to darts. It is the funds that are raised by dart players and supporters, and those that benefit are usually recommended by dart people. Do not be shy in suggesting worthy causes.

We respect the privacy of our recipients and, when asked, we agree to anonymity. Some people still feel it is a stigma to receive help, some feel it a blow to their pride, some feel it a sign of failure or inadequacy. You and we know that this is just not so, but if someone feels that way we do our utmost to respect and protect their wishes. In these present days, we are extremely fortunate if we and our families never have to ask for, or receive help – be it financial, physical or mental, so please do not be put off approaching us. We are compassionate and understanding and our sole purpose is to help and support if our constitution allows.

Viv, Sandra and Wendy are primarily responsible for producing our literature and letterheads and earn our undying gratitude as they do it all free of charge,bless them.