In October 2023 a small group of Pétanque players started to look at opportunities to develop a new Petanque Club. The aim was to become affiliated to the WPA, to enable us to take part in their competitions.
The Harlequins Rugby Club, with a disused piste, was identified. The area was in need of a great deal of work to bring it back to an acceptable standard for play. A committee of seven members was formed to make this dream a reality.
Discussions with Harlequins Rugby Club Committee were successful, a project plan was agreed and work began under the inspired leadership of Phil Freegard. Materials were sought and work commenced on the 12th of December 2023, clearing the site of debris and weeds. On the 13th a digger arrived at 7:20am! The site was cleared and levelled over the next two days. Late in the afternoon of the 14th of December, after the weed barrier was laid, the first 10 ton of gravel arrived. A further 19 ton was to follow! On the same afternoon the timber surrounds were delivered, put in place and staked to the ground.
It was a hard slog, at times back breaking, but with a tremendous team, working hard for four days, sustained by an endless supply of hot drinks, biscuits and doughnuts. The work was completed and on the 15th of December the first boule was thrown.
Our First club day was a pre-Christmas Chuck in on Sunday the 17th of December 2023 with over 18 members attending. The ribbon was cut by Phil to open our new piste.
We have since built a shed to store equipment and to supply refreshments to our members when playing.
Word of our endeavours spread quickly through the pétanque community and to our neighbours.
All members belong to the WPA and Harlequins Rugby Club. As club members we are able to share the bar, meeting rooms, catering and toilet facilities with the Harlequins Rugby Club.
In February a lovely evening was spent in the company of some of the former members of The Old Quinns Pétanque Club at the India Gate restaurant. Since then we have welcomed 7 of them into the new club.
Just two months on from completing the piste our numbers continue to grow. We are participating in various competitions in the WPA, having entered three teams into the WPA League Competitions in our first year.
We aim to improve our collective skills through coaching and playing on a variety of different pistes at other clubs. This will also enable us to make new friends who share our love of Pétanque.
Our Committee members are: – Phil Freegard (Chair), John Tyrrell (Secretary), Paul O’Donnell (Treasurer), Debbie Ford (Membership), Dave Jones (Piste), Sue Dayananda (Social Secretary) and Rob Glaves (Harlequin liaison officer) .
You will find us playing on Sunday, Friday and Monday afternoons between 2-4pm, weather permitting. From April, Tuesday evenings will also be introduced.
Anyone looking to join us please contact our Membership Secretary.
