In August 2024, Alan Money of East Garston was taken ill with a heart attack and he described the care he and his family received at the Basingstoke Hospital Heart Unit as having been “impeccable”. Alan had also been in twice before, treated and back home within a short space of time. He and his family decided they wanted to give something back to say thank you.
They eventually agreed that a twelve-hour darts competition in the East Garston Village Hall and Social Club would be a good way to raise funds. This would also help support a venue which puts on so many events each year but which – like all village halls – is always in need of income. The extra takings from the bar would be most welcome.
The event took place between 11am and 11pm on Saturday 26 July. There was good a good attendance of at least seventy people in all, as well as several who were only able to drop in to buy a pint and a raffle ticket.
The afternoon was dominated by the singles event which was won by Kevin Heath, with Matthew Money as runner-up. The tombola sales were steady throughout the whole day, as were those of the raffle tickets. The BBQ, cooked by Shaun Cox and James Harris, also did very well, ensuring everyone was well fed. As ever, Ray Baker and other volunteers ensured the bar was running the whole time, so thirst wasn’t a problem either.
The doubles event in the evening also had a great turnout and this saw Matthew Money and Kevin Heath bring home the main trophy. In addition, the heavy-dart and light-dart competition was won by Teddy Edwards for the under 16s and Kevin Heath for the adults.
The eye-catching prize of the wheelbarrow full of various kinds of drink also made a lot of money, and was won by Neil from Kintbury. The auction alone raised £562, with every lot being sold, and everyone enjoyed the tension when it came to the bidding.
In all, the event raised over £1,300 for the Basingstoke Hospital Heart Unit .
“It was a very long and tiring day,” Alan Money told Penny Post afterwards, “but worth every minute. Thank you to everyone who helped, attended, donated prizes and in any way supported this worthy cause.”
The organisers and helpers included, as well as Alan, Wendy Money, Matthew Money, Zania Money, Becky Money, Shaun Cox, James Harris, Simon Heath, Jackie Heath, Emma Pryer, Kevin Heath, Tamara Laing and Ray Baker.
“I was also delighted with Penny’s dart-throwing performance,” Alan added. “Despite her saying when she was interviewing me on 4 LEGS Radio before the event (see below) that she was unlikely even to be able to get a dart in the board, I noticed a rapid improvement when she and Brian came down for a pint and some practice throws during the early-evening lull. The singles title next time, Penny?”
But will there be a next time? “You never know,” Alan replied. “It’s always wonderful to organise something that gives so many people pleasure, supports a local venue and raises money for a good cause. If we do repeat it, we’ve all got some ideas as to how we could make it even better next time. So, watch this space…”
• Penny and Brian interviewed Alan Money on 4 LEGS Radio the day before the event and you can listen to this (from 29 minutes) by clicking here.
