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.

A On to happier news: 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.              

2011 marks our ELEVENTH YEAR OF OPERATION, something which Andy, Jenny, Joan and I am immensely proud of. We have always strived to spend wisely  and buy prudently and we believe we have done the best we can with YOUR money. I am not exaggerating  when I say many, many families and individuals have had their lives permanently improved thanks to your compassion, loyalty and generosity. Therefor we should ALL share the pride - you have done and continue to do a fantastic and so very worthwhile  job. Everlasting thanks go to each and every one of you. No matter how large or small your contribution your gifts are the life blood of our Charity, may your God bless you and smile kindly on you always .

Hello  Maisie here.  I hope I can do as good a job as Sheila, queen of the web . Please send me some info or event dates I can put on to the site. Send me plenty of stories, pictures and gossip - clean and nice only, please - that we can all share. How about promoting your team or yourself ? Achievers or non-achievers, funsters , professionals or amateurs, all are welcome and photo's would be nice. Don't be scared,  I dont bite   -   well not that often !! I hope to freshen up the website with some new features, but I do need your imput. We are opening  "Our family Photo' Album" with pics of those we have helped. Of course we would love to have this updated, so send us some latest pics.  Another new feature will be "Happy Helpers" for everyone that has raised funds in any way.  Straight or whacky snaps, we don't mind!
I am looking forward to meeting you on the website ... isn't it nice to make new friends? 'Bye for now,  Maisie.

                                                      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 eleventh 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.