Well here goes for a 'brief' report of our time at the PDPA Championships in Newport, South Wales on Saturday 22nd September 2007.

We booked in at the Night Lodge hotel in Stow Hill, Newport - £65 for a twin room for the night with breakfast - good, clean and comfortable room - they just don't do a big greasy fry up for breakfast after your skinful of beer the night before!! -  its a much more civilised cereal, fuit & toast - Oh well - you can't have everything!! BTW - the hotel is up quite a steep hill if you walk back from the town (can take a while if you've has a few!! - as me & Sal found out!!)

We arrived at the Newport Centre just before 12noon to catch all of the action as it began - quite an impressive place and a good sized room that seemed to be half empty and was very quiet (not your usual darts). We caught up with lots of people including Darrell 'Thunder' Thorpe and Neil Wild, some of our local darts players - both did well, with Darrell reaching the last 32 only to lose 3-2 to Merv King (Fantastic result though). Caught up with John Part, Andy Smith, Terry Jenkins, Wayne Mardle and others, and decided that today we'd get some interviews - BOY did we get some interviews!!! - 6 in total, including an hour and a half epic between me and Colin Lloyd!! - You've got to check them all out!!

It was a great, full day of darts, sometimes spoilt for choice as to which match to watch!! - I think the most unbelievable part was watching the final between Alex Roy and Barney, whilst sitting next to the one and only Phil Taylor, who, by the way, was having quite a conversation with our Sal - but I'll let HER tell you about that!!

After a few beers and the close of play we decided we needed food to soak up the (considerable amount of) beer that we'd had during the day - went to a great little Italian place in the main street (can't remember the name) - one tip though, don't have too much garlic!!!

Back to the hotel to get washed and changed and back out on the town - we were lucky enough to be with a great crowd, which at various times, included; Neil Wild, Ian Trow, Paul Anthony (cracking bloke - can store his beer too!!) Alan 'Dangerscouse' Green, Scouser Ste, Lee (the nutter) Palfreyman, Security Guys Big Billy and Mad Pete, plus their boss and one of the others who was really so drunk we didn't get his name - you know who you are!!

We had a really great night, can't remember when I've laughed so hard and so much - thanks guys, we really enjoyed your company!!

Can't wait for the next one

Vic xx

Well, what more can I add  ……..  an absolute Fantastic night !!  You did a brilliant job Mr Paul ‘Wobble’ Walters – Organiser Extraordinaire.

It was a great start when Kat offered to drive.  Once we arrived, we took our places, of course at the front.  Only the best for the Darts babes, ready for the action to start. I just couldn’t have drunk Coke, it would have been wrong when I wasn’t driving, hence the Strongbow was flowing very well.

With the first session about to start, no one had any idea what the night would be like.  It was the first time Paul (Apples) had took to the mic.  Well, all I can say is that I didn’t see much of the first 6 games (not for the beer either) but for the tears streaming down my face with laughter.  He was just amazing, so natural.  It was as if he had done it loads before. Although his jokes could do with improving – sorry Paul !

Another trip to the bar in the interval, ready for Vic’s turn on the mic.  This was her third time on the mic, she loves it & is improving each time  -  although after 5 or 6 pints her ‘180’ screech (sorry Vic) is a classic  !!!  Luckily for the ears of all that night, no one hit one in her session.    

With the third session about to start, along with the shirt for a 180, I offered £10 to a charity of their choice.  When Pecker hit 180, he chose Cancer Research – resulting in a bucket going around, raising a grand total of £250.  Good choice Pecker & well done to all who donated.

As Vic was so keen to point out, I was even more drunk than her (trust me - this is a rarity) I was glad she was navigating us back home as I can’t even remember getting into the car. !!!  Wednesday morning was another encounter in itself.  Not felt like that for a while ( well since Blackpool – 2 weeks earlier !!!)

Thanks to Kat, Vic, Wobble, Apples & Hayley & not forgetting the lovely Andy ‘The Hammer’ Hamilton.   Without a doubt another excellent night worth writing about.

 Sal x   

What a FANTASTIC night..... I'm now going to try and relay to you 'My Night'........

Me, Sal and Kat arrived at Codsall Legionnaires Club at around 7pm on Tuesday night for an exhibition with Andy'The Hammer' Hamilton, if I'm honest I didn't know what to expect from the night, as I really didn't know Andy. The night was arranged by Paul Walters (you may know him as paulmids76 if you frequent SoD). Paul had TOLD me at the Bobby Bourne Tournament in Blackpool that I would be doing MC for the night and have a leg of darts with Andy - great, I thought, I've done this before for Wayne (Mardle) - piece of cake!!

Well, it all kicked off about 8ish with an opening session of 6 games, MC for the first session was Paul 'Apples' Spilsbury, who I've got to say was EXCELLENT - thats when I started to think... I'm not that good, I can't do this!!So, I decided to get a few beers down me, purely for dutch courage you understand!! The first session soon seemed to be over, and there were some cracking games of darts. Raffle tickets were sold during the interval and a 'football style' card was taken round by Kate (Andy's wife) and for a quid you had the chance to win a Unicorn shirt signed by Andy.

During the interval I was outside chatting to 'The Hammer' when I said, 'oh, I must have a go on the card - to have a chance of winning the shirt', Andy's reply without even thinking about it said 'don't bother, you can have this one' (pointing to his match shirt and the one that he was wearing) - Well I think my jaw must have hit the ground, I was so pleased!! Time to go back inside now, AND it was my turn on the mike!!

OK, here we go, I warmed up the crowd, took the p**s out of some of the players that came up to play, wore a stupid hat and I was away, a little more relaxed now and having a fab old time!! - Those 6 legs went so quickly and looking back now I can't remember much about them!!! I was asked to draw the raffle, and of course, was honoured to oblige - funny though I remember all the raffle prizes were alcohol related!! Then Andy asked me to reveal the winner of the 'card' - number 12, the chap came up to collect his prize, which Andy duly signed and this chap then promptly told everyone that it would be used to raise money for a charity he supported (Later on, when I was chatting to Andy, a bloke came up and announced that he's paid £100 for the shirt and could Andy please put to Kristian on it, as his son loved to watch him play - Fantastic). Thinking on my feet, I spotted that Andy had another shirt, so I negotiated with him that if any of his challengers hit a 180 in the final session of the night, they could win this shirt. No-one had hit a 180 up to yet, including Andy, so I figured his shirt was probably safe!! (to be honest so did he!!!).

Then that was it, my session was over and I went back to join Sal and Kat at the table (front, of course!!) Its a good job Kat was driving as Sal was even more drunk than I was!!'Apples' took to the mike for the last 6 games, and low and behold second game in a chap by the name of Greg 'Pecker' Parkes went and hit a 180 - he was chuffed to bits with the shirt!! Oh, here we go - MY TURN TO PLAY!! Yes, good old 'Apples' didn't let up on the verbals, even over my walk on song which was Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper (you wouldn't expect anything else would you???). Well quite truthfully by this time, I'd had, shall we say, more than sufficient beer and couldn't hit a barn door with a javelin!!! I somehow managed to score 391 with 3 darts and leave myself Double 12 for the match!!! - 3 darts missed at it and Andy hit the winner - how could he???!!

Not being one to miss a chance, I'd taken the liberty of asking Andy if he would mind doing an interview with us for the website (so you lot can get to see it) and of course, being the brilliant bloke that he is, he duly obliged. I love doing the interviews, as, even after several pints (no I'm not telling you exactly how many!!) I can still remember my darting trivia, like Andy being in the Semis at both Blackpool and Purfleet last year, which meant that he was at the forthcoming Grand Slam in Wolverhampton!!

After the interview, Andy, true to his word, handed me his shirt, told us that Wayne Mardle was going up to his pub later in August and we should go, and then he asked if we were going to Dublin - my answer was, of course, Yes - he said that we could have VIP tickets if we wanted them!!! - at this point, totally 'gobsmacked' I can't really remember what happened next other than being in the car on the way home!!

I had the hangover from hell on Wednesday morning and stuggled to find the motivation to go to work, but thats nothing new for me as usually after a fantastic darting event I feel the same!!

Well you ask, was it all worth it??  You bet your life it was - I had the most fantastic time, found out what a true gentleman and all round brilliant guy Andy 'The Hammer' really is and the next time I watch him play I will be wearing his shirt - what else could a Dart Babe want!!

Til next time!!

Vic xx     

Well, I know its been a while since we posted on here - but we just had to tell you about our 'Mad Week'!!

We decided this year to go to the Bobby Bourne Tournament in Blackpool for the day, as we'd not been before, we invited Kat along for the day, as an honorary dartsbabe!! - However, a couple of days before we went, Sal had an idea that perhaps we should stay the night so we could all have a drink (or two!!) - so we found a flat to stay in, Dar-Lyn (just behind the Winter Gardens)- what a fab idea it turned out to be...

We arrived in Blackpool at 12 noon just in time for the action to start, and watched some crackin' games - met up with some friends and fellow 'SoD Members', caught up with some of the players and renewed some photos (see those!!).

In the evening we had a fantastic time, firstly in the Jaggy Thistle pub/karaoke bar - listening to Mr & Mrs Lewis (ade's mom & dad) on the karaoke was something else!!!! We joined SoD members Wils, Tinks, Shell, paulmids76 and Robbie 'Kong' Green and his wife Paula too, before moving on to 'Sundays' where we met up with Andy 'the pie man' Smith and his buddies, Paul & Tim from Worcester. The beer flowed well and in plentiful supply and we all danced the night away (some more than others - Sal!!) before retiring to our flat at some ungodly hour!!

The following Friday, 27th, Sal and I drove back up to Blackpool and checked in to the same flats. We went down to the Winter Gardens and got in the queue - managed to get a great table and shared it with some great fans - thanks all for your company. We had several beers and after watching 2 fantastic games, we went and had some chips on the sea front and met up with Andy and the gang back in Sundays, including Gary & Scott the PDC markers - more beer and more dancing. Again another fab night, rather drunk and rather late, we staggered back to the flats!!

Got up opn the Saturday ( A little late!!) but managed to fit in a huge breakfast (full works) at Peggys at the back of the Winter Gardens - excellent food - and then did some shopping. Back to the flat for a quick 40 winks and got ready for the final that no-one had predicted. Again FAB seats and a FAB crowd on our table. We were cheering for the bull, as we had spent most of our weekend with Andy and his buddies!!! So sorry that he lost the game, but James Wade was a worthy winner - good to see some of the younger talent coming through.

After match, it was off to Burger King for something to eat and some more beer - again we met up with Andy, Paul & Tim in Sundays before moving on to the Rose & Crown - a great sing-a-long and boogie and Terry came and joined later, obviously a little bit tired and disappointed, but nonetheless, pleased to have reached yet another final - time for some photos again, and another drink or two and a short stagger back to the flats (glad they were so handy!!)

We're Back home now, and on reflection, probably, this has been one of the best weekends that 'The Darts Babes' have had, to be lucky enough to share the company of Terry (Raging Bull) Jenkins, Andy (The Pie Man) Smith, Matt (The Badger) Sheehan and everyone else, made it so special, so here goes with the thanks.......

Terry Jenkins, Andy Smith, Matt Sheehan, Paul & Tim (from Worcester), everyone from SoD - Wils, Tinks (who was an honorary Babe for the day and even had her own pink t-shirt), ryder, paulmids 76 and the beautiful Hayley, Kong & Mrs Kong, Mr & Mrs Lewis (Ade's mom & dad) Paul & Aaron and everyone else we shared a table with at the matches, Gary & Scott, the match markers and to everyone else who we have probably forgotten ( by mistake obviously!!)

WOW... can't wait to do it all again in Dublin

Vic & Sal xxxxx

Well, after a bit of phoning round, being told to call back, then to phone the Winter Gardens box office directly, I finally got our tickets!!! We're off to the Semi's and the Final.

I managed to book them through ticketmaster (0870 380 1111) as detailed on PlanetDarts.

One BIG complaint though, beware of the hefty 'booking fees' that they load on per ticket - I got stung for an extra £2.55 per ticket for the Semi's and an extra £3.40 per ticket for the Final, PLUS £4.95 for Special Delivery costs.  I've also been told that its an extra £12 per ticket for the Season Tickets.  Given that the ticket prices had already increased by an average of 10% on last year - think its a bt much, still it won't stop us from going!

Look out for us when we're there, we'll be dressed in something suitable for the occasion!!

Not sure where we'll stay yet, probably not the same place as last year, put when we know - we'll let you all know.

See you there....

Vic & Sal

What a fantatsic Championships this year - culminating with the superb final and Barney coming out on top in the battle of the giants!!

We managed to get down to the Taven for the Semi's on Saturday 30th December, which 'sods law' said, was probably, in fairness, was the most boring of all the matches!!!

Anyway our weekend was FAB - we arrived on Friday evening and checked in to the Hilton at Dartford Bridge - not too extravagant, as we got a special deal (£76 the night for both of us, 2 kingsize double beds & breakfast thrown in!!). Some of the players and other officials stay there, so we had several drinking buddies in the bar on both nights (YES - too much beer and late nights!!) Went shopping at Bluewater on Saturday, and then to the Tavern in the evening.  We were not sure what to expect, having been told that the place was a bit of a 'S*** Hole', but it was OK, we've certainly been to worse places!! Beer £3 a pint, and food reasonable and edible too!

We had decent seats, which were allocated and you were even shown to your seats, we arrived about 5pm and there were no queues, mind you we did get a lift with someone, who got us in through the back entrance (Great Bloke!) You may have seen us on the TV, as we had our special t-shirts and bunny ears on, we even made our sign 'Barneys Barmy Bunnies'.

We will definitely be returning next year, wherever and whenever it maybe (if you listen to speculation) but hopeully be able to stay for the Final.

See you all soon

Vic & Sal

What a fantastic day of darts, both Sal and I really enjoyed the day and met some fantastic people, Mr MC Wils and Mrs Wils and the gang, just to name a few!!  and players such as Eric Bristow, Wes Newton, Andy 'The Pie Man' Smith and of course, Graeme 'Stodfish' Stoddart.

The atmosphere was fab and everone really got into the games and behind the players - some tasty prospects to mix up the World Championships coming up.....  for those of you who don't know, here are the Qualifiers:

Alan Green, Alan Tabern, Steve Smith, Wayne Atwood, Ian Branks, Adrian Gray, Richie Burnett, Martin Burchell, Colin Osborne, Darren Webster, Alan Caves, Dave Ladley, Gary Welding, Dave Jowett, Mick McGowan, Mark Lawrence.

Well done to you all.

Hopefully see everyone again soon, we'll be down at Purfleet, don't forget.... pop and say hello to us!!

Vic & Sal xx

Tickets

Well eventually............ following last years FANTASTIC night of darts at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, I managed to get some tickets for the 8th Feb 2007 and some tickets for the event at Birmingham NIA on 3rd May 2007..... Can't wait - should be brill.. 

Very disappointed though as the Civic website said that the box office opened at 10am on 1st November - actually it was 9am. Fortunately I booked some balcony seats on-line whilst I was waiting for my turn in the phone queue, good job as by the time I had got through all seats had 'sold out'.

I notice some toe-rag is selling his Wolves tickets on e-bay for a huge great profit (£81 bid at the moment with 4 days left!!) I say..... Let the Darts Fans buy the tickets for themselves from the box offices!!!

There are loads of venues with tickets left, so I believe, check this link to the planet darts website for box office details   http://www.planetdarts.tv/page/PremierLeagueDetail/0,,10180~921133,00.html

See you soon

Vic

Well.... we can't believe its already been 4 weeks since the World Grand Prix!!! - We had a fantastic time and enjoyed meeting all of you that we did!!

We stayed at the CityWest hotel complex itself, in the Golf Hotel part, the same as we did last year, its not that far to walk to the main hotel, the leisure club or indeed the darts event.  The Lemon Grass restaurant in the Golf Hotel is great and the breakfast's are self-service (great after you've had a skinful and want a good fry up).  We payed 140Euros per night for the room (40 Euros dearer than last year). We think its not too bad, as all of the action is on site!! Oh yeah and you can only get back into the bar after the darts has finished if you are a resident at the hotel!! (apparently!!)

We fly into Dublin, and travel by taxi to the venue (because we arrive late) - it costs anything between 40 and 50 Euros, which is quite steep, but it only takes about 30 - 40 minutes and drops you at the door.

We found, from a fellow fan, a cracking little pub up the way - 'The Saggart Arms' - turn right out of the main gate and keep walking for about 10 minutes, its on the left hand side of the road opposite the shops - it has a cracking and varied menu, is very reasonable and we found the service to be quick and friendly - Give it a try.....

SHOPPING..... Darts Babes love shopping, we go to 'The Square' in Tallaght - a short 15 minute taxi ride away (about 10 - 15 euros) it has all of your fave stores, plus some Irish stores to get some ideas for your Xmas Prezzies - there's also a HMV, Dunnes Stores and a McDonalds!

TICKETS/PACKAGE - We always phone up on the day the tickets go on sale (Plus send an e-mail) to ensure our booking and pay by credit card - the hotel are very good and don't actually charge your credit card until the tickets are sent to you, and you don't pay for your hotel until you checkout - we find this perfectly reasonable and will do the same next year!!

Feel free to e-mail us if you want any more info..... and we look forward to seeing you all there next year!!