'Sally' became a phenomenon (From Oxford Mail)
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'Sally' became a phenomenon
2:51pm Monday 21st July 2008 in Search By John Chipperfield
From left, John Smith, Harold Purbrick, Dick Cox, Frank Watson, Jim Dixey, Bob Baind, Martin Boswell, Bambie Alsworth. Front: Vic Hills, Sid Green, Basil Collins, Phil Sollis, Eddy Cross, Ron Purbrick
Basil Collins, a keen darts player, was puzzled when two men walked into his pub and asked him to form an Aunt Sally League.
"What the hell is Aunt Sally?" came the reply from behind the bar of the Black Swan, in Abingdon.
An explanation of this unique Oxfordshire pub game followed, and it wasn't long before Basil was calling on fellow licensees and drumming up support for the Abingdon and District Aunt Sally League. Basil was installed as secretary, and later also took on the job as treasurer. He had intended to serve for two years. He stayed for 30.
He recalls: "We started with 14 teams and over time, our league membership stretched to 1,200 in eight sections.
"There were trials and tribulations, but they were all sorted out by a good committee."
The picture shows some of the original players at the league's 25th anniversary celebrations.
Back row, from left, John Smith, Harold Purbrick, Dick Cox, Frank Watson, Jim Dixey, Bob Baind, Martin Boswell, Bambie Alsworth. Front: Vic Hills, Sid Green, Basil Collins, Phil Sollis, Eddy Cross, Ron Purbrick.
A book written by Basil at the end of his stint, in the early 1990s, records that the first matches were held in 1960.
With the generosity of licensees and breweries and much begging and borrowing, the league ended its first season with £9 18s 4d in the bank.
The finals night, held in the early years at Abingdon Corn Exchange, was a particularly enjoyable night, with trophies and prizes being presented to winners and runners-up.
One member went home on his moped with so many trophies that the police stopped him and questioned him on suspicion of burglary!
His explanation that he had been at an Aunt Sally presentation evening - and had been particularly successful - was eventually accepted.
Later finals nights, the highlight of the year, were held at Morlands Brewery, a great supporter of the league; the MG Social Club; Elms Court, Botley; and the Abbey Hall, Abingdon.
When Basil finally stepped down, tributes were paid to him on a "job well done".
His consolation was that he was leaving the league in good shape for the future - and it is still flourishing.
Any Aunt Sally memories to share with readers?
