Women's darts league at risk after 50 years

Shirley Thorne is worried people are falling out of love with darts

A town that once had multiple women's darts teams has seen a dramatic decline in participation in the sport.

At its height, Wellington in Somerset boasted around 24 teams, but now only has six, despite the growth of the town in that time.

Members are now worried that dwindling player numbers, the cost-of-living crisis, and a lack of places to play, could plunge their past time into trouble.

"We will try our damnedest to keep it going", said Linda Perry, who runs the women's league in the town.

Shirley Thorne, 63, has been playing in the league since 1982 and captains Curly's Crew. She first threw darts when she was 18, after seeing her husband play.

"Just aim for the bull and you'll find your throw," was how she was taught she explained, adding: "I'm still waiting to find my throw!"

She worries the love of the game has been lost, and said no matter how many callouts they put up for new players, none come forward.

"It's a shame," she lamented.

Linda Perry wants more younger players to join their league

Ms Perry, 62, who has been playing since 1981 and chairs the women's league in Wellington, said: "We need more younger players - we've got hardly any. It's all old girls really."

Ali Stubbings, 66, who captains the Hot Divas, added: "We've lost the venues. We've got all this new housing going up around the place, people can't afford to go to the pub and pay the prices.

"So ladies of a certain age who have got a little bit of extra money in their purse now can still afford to go out and have a drink - but the youngsters can't."

Ali Stubbings said the cost of living is impacting her past time

Ali Stubbings said she goes out to play every week because she "loves" it.

"I've been coming out since I was 18, even when I went through and had my kids... I couldn't imagine not playing darts."

She added it was more than just darts for the ladies that play too. They use the matches as time to talk about other things going on in their lives, such as the menopause and their children.

The group hopes more women will get in touch, and have put up contact details and fixture lists in the venues around Wellington.