Darts team’s sports grant tops ‘one-hundred-and-eighty’
A Biggin Hill darts team has hit the bullseye, scoring a £250 grant from the local power firm.
Shaun Bakewell, an underground cable jointer at UK Power Networks, captains the men’s team at Biggin Hill Social and Sports Club and applied to his employer for the grant.
The team, which competes in the Sevenoaks Charity Darts League on Tuesday nights, is using the money to buy a new oche, the toe-line which players stand behind.
Shaun said: “It’s brilliant to see UK Power Networks taking time to help small clubs, charities and grassroots sports. It’s nice to work for a company prepared to do that.
“I was absolutely over the moon with the grant. Darts isn’t a big sport, like football and rugby, but we were chuffed to bits to receive this support. It’s a great addition.”
Players hope Michael Smith’s recent victory in the PDC World Championship continues the sport’s resurgence and translates into new fans and players.
Peter Melbourne, secretary of Biggin Hill Social and Sports Club, said: “We were delighted to receive the support from UK Power Networks, which is a fantastic boost for our darts team. We run a thriving club with darts, pool and snooker teams. It’s a welcoming place at the heart of our community where people can socialise, enjoy sport and live entertainment. It’s a cracking place.”
Shaun, whose wife and mum both work at the club, added: “I’ve been a member of Biggin Hill Social and Sports Club as long as I can remember.
“Darts is a sociable sport and I enjoy visiting different pubs we play in and getting to know the people we play against.”
The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sporting opportunities. Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. In 2022, 86 teams benefited from a share in £21,500.
Shaun Bakewell, an underground cable jointer at UK Power Networks, captains the men’s team at Biggin Hill Social and Sports Club and applied to his employer for the grant.
The team, which competes in the Sevenoaks Charity Darts League on Tuesday nights, is using the money to buy a new oche, the toe-line which players stand behind.
Shaun said: “It’s brilliant to see UK Power Networks taking time to help small clubs, charities and grassroots sports. It’s nice to work for a company prepared to do that.
“I was absolutely over the moon with the grant. Darts isn’t a big sport, like football and rugby, but we were chuffed to bits to receive this support. It’s a great addition.”
Players hope Michael Smith’s recent victory in the PDC World Championship continues the sport’s resurgence and translates into new fans and players.
Peter Melbourne, secretary of Biggin Hill Social and Sports Club, said: “We were delighted to receive the support from UK Power Networks, which is a fantastic boost for our darts team. We run a thriving club with darts, pool and snooker teams. It’s a welcoming place at the heart of our community where people can socialise, enjoy sport and live entertainment. It’s a cracking place.”
Shaun, whose wife and mum both work at the club, added: “I’ve been a member of Biggin Hill Social and Sports Club as long as I can remember.
“Darts is a sociable sport and I enjoy visiting different pubs we play in and getting to know the people we play against.”
The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sporting opportunities. Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. In 2022, 86 teams benefited from a share in £21,500.