Joanne celebrates 20 years of service

SERVICE WITH A SMILE . . . Joanne Potts.

DARTS: ONE of the leading lights of local women’s darts has celebrated 20 years of loyal service.

Joanne Potts has run the Failsworth Women’s Summer Darts League since 1990.

Friends, family and fellow darts enthusiasts gathered for a surprise party at the Mare and Foal in Failsworth to salute Joanne’s dedication.

Leanne Tosh, who plays in the league, said: “In 1990 Billy Grogan, who was fantastic for local sport and heavily involved with football, wanted to start a local women’s darts league, playing on the Manchester Board.

“He phoned Joanne, asking her to help.

“Everyone would always joke that Billy never really did anything in terms of running the league other than make an appearance when it was the presentation, it was always Joanne who has everything organised!

“Since 2001 Joanne has run this league all on her own because Billy moved to Ireland.

“Even after Joanne broke two ribs and suffered a punctured lung when she fell off ladders at home in 2004, it didn’t stop her.

“Without Billy, who sadly passed away last year, there would be no league and without Joanne, it could not have kept going for 20 years.”

Joanne was overwhelmed when she saw her flowers and realised people had come together to acknowledge her efforts.

She said: “I had a wonderful night. I run this league for the love of it rather than for recognition, so I did not expect anything at all.

“Billy and I started it up and 20 years later, it is still going strong.

“Marion, Billy’s widow, got up and said a few words which set me off crying. It was a very emotional occasion.

“The league has a family feel to it. Everyone knows everyone here.

“I still enjoy my role and would like to continue for as long as I possibly can.”