February 26, 2001 16:57: WHEN darts teams step up to the oche at one South Bucks community centre they have more than just another bullseye as their target.

For more than 20 years, darts players at Cressex Community Centre, High Wycombe, have been raising money for charities including Hayward House Hospital in Queens Road, High Wycombe, and the Special Care Baby Unit at Wycombe Hospital. This year the charity is the South Bucks Day Hospice.

The man behind the fundraising efforts is Den Biscoe of Elm Road, High Wycombe, who said: "I didn't actually think of the original fundraising idea. It was decided upon by the darts tournament team. It finished in the early eighties and some other people took over and they didn't want to do it. That is when I decided to go it alone."

The fundraising tournaments started in 1977 when £355 was raised for Trevor Barnett at the Bucks and East Berks Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association. They again donated to the charity last year but this time were able to raise more than £1,000.

Among the trophies played for is the Star Charity Shield which was sponsored by our sister paper and first played for six years ago.

The trophy will now be renamed the Bucks Free Press Charity Shield and will be featured regularly in Midweek and the Bucks Free Press.

Apart from the Star Charity Shield and other darts tournaments, Den has also raised the money from events including boardwalks, where three men have a board tied to each foot and have to stop at various pubs for half a pint. There is also a Ladies Fancy Dress Pram Push, where participants are awarded a trophy for being the best dressed, but it is in the rules they have to wheel around a 'body'.

Den's commitment to fundraising has ensured that a large amount of money is raised each year, even though he says it can be tough getting people to join them.

He said: "You feel that it is hard work and it takes a lot of time but you have to sacrifice it. Because when you do something good for an organisation, it really gives you a little kick.

"It is a different ball game raising money these days. We used to have dances in the Community Centre as well to raise the money and people would really enjoy themselves.

"We wouldn't be able to do it for £2 a ticket these days, it would have to cost more and I wouldn't be sure that as many people would turn up as they used to."

Den said how he would have struggled to organise the events if it wasn't for the help from the Cressex Community Centre and Social Club.

The club, which was formerly a shed when it opened in 1969, is the venue for his money-making ventures such as raffles, pig roasts and Miss Cressex competitions.

He said: "They have always let me get on with it. If I wanted to do anything they would just let me and would never complain. I could really use some help in other ways which would be from firms. I am seeking them to sponsor the boardwalkers so we can raise more money.

"They can even wear the company's T-shirts, it will be excellent advertising for them."

He added: "When we first started we raised about £150, but it was a different amount back then. Even if it paid the phone bill or for their postage stamps it would be worthwhile.

"It is a lot of hard work and every year I say it is my last year, but here I am again."

Teams of four, pairs and single darts players are being asked to join in for this year's competitions, held between March and June. The competition is open for people over the age of 18 who can chuck a dart. Ladies fancy dress pram pushers and boardwalkers are also needed.

For more information or an entry form contact Den Biscoe on (01494) 639773.

Victoria Birch