COULD this darts playing pensioner lay claim to being Bury’s oldest sportsperson?

At 90-years-old, Betty Wilson, of Broadoaks, Bury, is still turning out for Fairfield Social Club every Tuesday night.

A relatively late starter, Mrs Wilson took up the game around 30 years and has not looked back since.

Mrs Wilson, who used to work as a cleaner at Fairfield Hospital, said: “I started playing in about 1987 when I lost my husband.

“I wasn’t going out anywhere and my husband’s cousin and his wife came down and he said ‘why don’t you come up to the Gamecock at the top of the road and have a chat with everyone?’ Anyway, they were playing darts so I went over and joined in.

“They asked me if I was going to play for them and I said ‘well, I’m not much good. I’ve never done it before,’ and they said ‘well, join the club!’”

She duly accepted the offer, and, after playing for the Gamecock in Rochdale Old Road for a while, eventually started playing for Fairfield, the hospital’s social club.

Bury Times:

90 year old Betty Wilson of Bury with her 180 trophy

Mrs Wilson is one of seven players who currently represent the club, and says that opponents are often shocked when they discover her age.

“I’m the oldest one of the lot!” she said.

“I suppose playing darts keeps me young. It’s something to look forward to, my Tuesday nights. It’s a good night out for us. That’s how we look at it, and if we win, well, we’re over the moon!”

Despite such comments as this, it is evident from watching the nonagenarian play that she is not one to show up merely to make up the numbers.

Proof of her ability lies in the fact that she once hit a 180, and she even has a medal at home to prove it.

Mrs Wilson celebrated her 90th birthday on November 9 alongside her five children, 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, and says that she now has her sights set on reaching a century.

“A few people have asked me whether I’m looking forward to turning 100 next, and I told them “I’ve already booked that one!””

On Tuesday, Mrs Wilson travelled to represent the social club in an away fixture against Walshaw Sports. So, does she plan on putting her feet up any time soon, or will she continue to show up at the oche every Tuesday?

“Oh yeah, I’ll keep playing for as long as I can,” she said. “I might as well because eventually there will come a day when I can’t.”

Bury Times:

BETTY V TOM 

WHEN I heard that Betty Wilson was still playing darts at 90, I decided to challenge her to a match so I could watch her play firsthand.
She duly accepted, and invited me to her house for a game this week.
Upon my arrival, I was met by a partisan home crowd consisting of Betty’s daughter Elaine and friend Hazel.
Based on my limited experience of playing darts, I did not have high hopes for myself. I would have been content just to hit the board a few times.
I threw first. And luck appeared to be on my side as my first three throws all landed sweetly on the board.
As the game went on, this form continued. An upset was on the cards, and Betty knew it. She did not want to be defeated on home turf.
She became increasingly focused, trying to keep up as I inched towards victory.
I had her on the ropes, and she began bemoaning the weight of the soft tip darts I had requested we use due to my fear that using proper darts may result in Betty sending me a bill to have her house re-plastered.
But, with victory in my sights, I fluffed chance after chance to secure the win.
A tense finish ensued, but the all-important double to win the match eluded us both.
Then, with Betty requiring a double two to win, she stepped up to the oche and delivered.
As the dart nestled where she had intended, the steely, concentrated facade she had maintained throughout fell away, and a smile beamed from ear to ear.
Betty is remarkably fit and active for her age. She is proof to us all that you are never too late to pick up a new hobby. There is no shame in losing to her.