Darts World 50th Anniversary
Where in the world of darts would players, official or supporters turn to discover what is happening in our beloved sport if it was not for Darts World, the most concise, informative and unique magazine for the players, supporters and enthusiasts alike, giving information stretching from grassroots to professional to International level together with coverage of all major darts events and competitions throughout the World.
Fifty years!! I personally know exactly how special a fifty years celebration is after recently celebrating with my wonderful wife Sheila our fiftieth wedding anniversary and fifty years of Darts World is an occasion to be celebrated by all who have anything whatsoever to do with our amazing sport.
Darts World has been and is even more so today the grand leader and promoter of darts with a history now stretching over fifty years, AMAZING!!!
The very first issue of Darts World was in November / December 1972, a magazine instigated by Tony Wood and assisted by Michael Beeken but Tony’s name didn’t appear in the opening page list of credits as editor until issue 71 in October 1978 some six years later.
The tried and tested successful format of the magazine continued right through until ill health stopped Tony Wood continuing in his role when in early 2018 he relinquished the reigns and the magazine was taken over by Andy Till who continued with the magazine until early in 2020 when the new regime took over.
With new owners, new editor and new staff the magazine was completely reformed the whole format transformed and turned into not only a smaller and easier to store and handle size but also into a more luxurious magazine with an upgraded paper to make it more hard wearing, longer lasting and once again easier to handle.
There was a new bigger and brighter outlook on the magazine with new ideas introduced into each edition together with the introduction of the online Darts World Extra which like its parent magazine is proving to be a very successful addition which keeps the darts fraternity updated on whatever is in the news and what will be making the news in future.
Going back into the history of Darts World once again and the very first edition and the cover picture which is the super smart darts champs. Four London champions showing off their Greater London team jackets before their successful match with Western Counties at Tottenham. They are (from left to right) Tony Bell, Johnny Nichols, Willy Etherington and Tommy O’Regan.
Darts World Issue 1
The very first individual cover picture came in issue number 4 in March 1973 when Dicky Brett had the honour of appearing on the front of the magazine.
Dicky Brett sadly lost his eyesight and both hands during the war and is shown practising his darts throwing at home.
Darts World Issue 4 Dicky Brett
Throughout the fifty years many professional and amateur players alike have graced the cover of the Darts World magazine and with the new and extremely enthusiastic people at the helm I am sure the only way that the top “Voice of Darts” will go is onwards and up wards providing all of what’s good in the sport and continuing to cover everything from amateur to professional leagues, competitions, exhibitions and of course the top league in the world the UKDA National League with county teams from the length and breadth of the country.
I am full of admiration for the determination and dedication shown by the new hierarchy and the new format of the magazine and plus the huge interest being shown for the new Darts World Extra. which all in all can only see the magazine grow in stature and attract players to the various reads throughout the world helping to increase entries to all events which without Darts World would not be advertised.
I am proud to have been associated with Darts World for many, many years and hopefully will continue to do so for many more to come.
ALAN TOWE