Second memorial tournament to be held in Inverness to remember the North’s ‘Heavenly Darters’
A second special darts event is to be held later this month in memory of a stalwart of the game in Inverness, and other players who have died.
Peter “Big Pete” Somerville died back in June 25, 2022, aged 79, but his wife of 60 years Violet or “Vi” as she is better known, is determined to keep his name alive by organising charity matches in the city and at the same time scoring some cash for Prostate Cancer UK.
And she wants the event to be also in memory of those she calls the “Heavenly Darters” from all over the Highlands and Islands who did so much to put the north on the darts map over the years.
The memorial darts competition is on Saturday in the Royal British Legion Club, King Street, with registration from 12.30pm for a 1pm start.
There will be Gents Singles and a Ladies Doubles (Best of 5 legs) competitions with a £5 entry fee per player.
There is also to be a raffle and small auction with all proceeds to Prostate Cancer UK.
A tribute to Peter after his death said he would be would be remembered as a larger than life figure who was ever-present at Super League and Inter County matches during the Nineties and played for many teams in the Inverness league, including Caley Club, Clach Club and Thistle Bar.
While playing for the Caley Club in the 1990/91 season Peter won the B League Doubles title and was runner up in the C League doubles in 1989/90.
Peter’s last occasion on the podium was in 1997 when the 6ft 3in ex RAF Police officer partnered by his 5ft 1in wife Vi, and were runners-up in the Summer C League Doubles, representing the Clach Club.
“We were known as Little and Large,” said Vi.
The first Pete Somerville memorial darts organised by Vi was last October in the Chieftain Hotel - a ladies fun day when £500 raised for Prostate Cancer UK.
Vi said that she was pleased that men were taking part this year too, and their two sons Jeffrey, 62 and Garry, 58, are coming along from Glasgow and Dalmally respectively.
“I am hoping some of the grandchildren will take part too,” said Vi. “Gary used to play but it was 30 years ago.”
Ex nurse Vi, who has been charity fundraising for 40 years, said: “Prosdtate is one of the cancers that is taking over, and it is not just the older men that are falling victim to it,” she added. “More younger men are getting it these days as well, so it is vital that they get themselves checked.”
