KENT PETANQUE ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 KENT PETANQUE ASSOCIATION ISSUE No.42 DECEMBER 2009 A good meeting, a few contentious subjects covered, without any resulting major problems. Sadly only 24 KPA members attended including the Management Committee. The meeting followed on from a successful year for Petanque in Kent. Good to see that Mark and Corrine Cooter were recognised for the time and effort that they have given to Petanque over the years, and were awarded KPA Life membership. Also good to see Mick Weston and Eric Hatfield awarded the Taylor Trophy for the time and effort given to petanque, and in particular to petanque at Lordswood P.C.. M E E T I N G S P E C I F I C S. Finances. Ken Buchan (KPA Treasurer) presented the accounts which showed a total of 7360:59 in the KPA account and 1727:47 in the KPA Junior Fund account. The player subscriptions to the KPA will rise from 5 to 6 for 2010, noted that this subscription has remained unchanged for the last 5 years. Juniors subscription to the KPA will remain at zero cost. KPA Management Committee for Next Year. Martin Eggleton (Chairman), John Middleton (Secretary), Ken Buchan (Treasurer), Annette Eggleton (Membership Secretary), Andy Mills (web master), Ron Yates (Gazette), Mick Weston, Eric Hatfield, David Baxter and Richard King. Both Colin Senneck and Mick Nash have resigned from the committee. Timing. Agreed that David Baxter should proceed with his investigation into the use of Chess clocks for timing Petanque matches at a preliminary cost of 35. KPA Grants to Clubs. The accounts for 2009 show a total of 1200 being given to Clubs for piste improvements, as against zero for year A total of 500 has been budgeted for This subject created a lengthy discussion with the outcome that the Management Committee will produce guidance as to the requirements to obtain a grant for piste improvements. It was stressed that Clubs wishing to apply for a grant for 2010 should notify the Treasurer of their intention by the end of year Page 1

2 Regional Championships at Brean Sands. Another lengthy discussion relating to the fact that the total amount of entry fees collected from the Regional Qualifiers is less than the cost of the accommodation at Brean. For 2009 a total of 2316 was collected from entry fees as against 3065 being the cost of the chalets. This difference was slightly off-set by 385 being collected from guests of qualified players, attending Brean (with 35 still outstanding from one guest, shown as a debtor on the 2009 accounts). The Management Committee is to investigate all the options for Brean 2010, including increasing the number of qualifying competitions from 4 to 5, to increase the entry fees into the qualifying competitions, the types of chalets to minimise vacant bed space, charging unqualified guests for accommodation. In principle the qualified players will get free accommodation. Overall, the aim is not necessarily to break even, but to reduce the actual cost to the KPA. KPA Team Kit. General consensus was that the new Kent team strip is a success, but the Management Committee are to investigate if costs to players can be reduced. Recognition to be given to Paul Hardwick of Tovil Workingmen s Club for obtaining a cash grant from London & Scottish Breweries which was used to subsidise the cost of the team strip to the players. Kent Players. A proposal was made relating to the eligibility of players to represent Kent when not resident in Kent. The Chairman removed this proposal from the Agenda, to a discussion point in any other business. Clarification was made of the discussion point to be considered: in short that the present existing eligibility for individual players living outside Kent should remain as is, but any new future players residing outside Kent would not be eligible to play for Kent. Strong opinions were expressed at about 50/50 for both sides of the argument, however no conclusive action was forthcoming. Management Committee Meetings. A request was made for notes of the minutes of meetings to be published on the KPA web-site. The Chairman emphasised that the regular meetings are open for any KPA member to attend. AND FINALLY..a good meeting with good and positive involvement of those attending, relating to some pretty important subjects. All the pity that there were only 24 players attending... A picture at Tovil, in the cold and wind, early Spring, but after a long time in the planning, FAY and STEVE GOLDER are taking the first steps to a new life living some of their time in Tenerife. Both Fay and Steve, a very likeable, and popular couple from Tovil P.C. have also been regular faces of Kent Petanque for many years with many friends around the petanque Clubs.. who wish them well with their new life in the sun. Remember the Regional Triples Qualifier at Tovil P.C., excellent competition, even better bar-b-que and top man PAUL HARDWICK provided a beer tent to escape from the heat of the sun. The beer tent was in fact a marquee of size approx 30ft x 15ft. and Tovil P.C. offer this marquee to other petanque clubs for hire. Contact Paul at Tovil if you are interested. Page 2

3 Facts and figures relating to Club and Player membership of the Kent Petanque Association for Year 2009 are as listed below, and are as presented at the A.G.M. C L U B JRS ADLTS AMNT C L U B JRS ADLTS AMNT BAT & BALL BATTLE OF BRITAIN BEAUTY OF BATH BRIDGES BROWN JUG 3 15 BORSTAL CROWBOROUGH CROWN CUCKMERE VALLEY 3 15 DITTON DUKE OF EDINBURGH 9 45 DUKE OF WELLINGTON FIGHTING COCKS THE GEORGE GEORGE & DRAGON GRAVESEND RFC 9 45 HARRIERS HARTLEY C.C HENLEY ST.COCKS IGHTHAM LORDSWOOD LUDDESDOWN COCKS MEADOW NEW ASH GREEN OLD SHEAF OPTIMISTS 9 45 PILOT 9 45 REDSTART SEAL SHERWOOD OAK 7 35 SINGLETON BARN STAR MEADOW 9 45 SYDNEY ARMS THREE TUNS 8 40 TOVIL VALE TAVERN VETERANS VILLAGER WALNUT TREE WHEATSHEAF WHITEHOUSE UNATTACHED TOTALS FOR Number of Clubs belonging to the KPA = 41 Number of Junior Members of the KPA = 22 Number of Adult Members of the KPA = 724 Total Value of Subscriptions Collected by the KPA = 3620 Total subscription per player was 17, with 12 being passed on to the EPA and 5 being retained by the K.P.A. Page 3

4 On Sunday 15 th November following one of the windiest days of the year with gales most of the day and then torrential downpours in the early hours, Crowborough Pétanque Club held their Charity competition. Eight teams from Croydon, Handcross, Lordswood and Tovil had braved the weather to join three Crowborough teams to play. By ten-o-clock the weather had cleared to some blue skies and play began. The morning s play was in two leagues of four with some close Handcross -TONY KIDD & DEREK OFFER hard fought games but only one team Handcross, (Derek Offer & Tony Kidd) won all their games and there was one team fannied. Lunch was taken at twelve thirty and the heavens opened and we had a very heavy shower until a quarter to two. Play got under way in the afternoon s knockout round under blue skies again. Handcross continued in their winning ways disposing there opponents to reach the final. The Cannons (Dorothy Bickford and Michael Little) had closer games to reach the final. The final was an interesting game with Handcross coasting along to 8-0 before the Cannons managed to score a point, then Handcross looked likely to come unstuck as the Cannons kept taking a point after each end. With the game at 9-8 Handcross at last found their form and won Thank you all who took part and helped us to raise the money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Report by TOM WALDRON KENT & SUSSEX WINDOW CLEANING AND GUTTERING CLEANING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC RELIABLE & FRIENDLY SERVICE PROVIDED COMPETITIVE PRICES GIVEN FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR QUOTES PLEASE CONTACT or A healthy tasty alternative snack before you leave home to play the Wednesday League Petanque match on a cold winters night. Cut 4 rashers of bacon into 20mm squares, peel and slice a handful or two of mushrooms, and throw the lot into a frying pan complete with a fair dollop of vegetable oil. Fry for about 10minutes, and in the meantime make a slice of toast and cover with good quality cold butter straight from the fridge, if you can find it! When the bacon looks cooked, or your mouth is watering like the Trevi fountain, empty the contents of the frying pan onto the toast and cover with a goodly sprinkling of salt and pepper..and tuck in. This dish will contain enough calories to protect against the coldest of nights.you will be thirsty, but will probably need an indigestion tablet later. Page 4

5 The Indoor Club Competition has been running for a few years in November and February and for year 2010 there is an additional competition in March. The competition is over two days, Saturday and Sunday and six teams of 6 players compete in a series of double and triple matches, accumulating wins and points to establish the top team for the weekend. The teams and finishing positions were, 1st BOULODROME 2nd AHIG - 3rd EAST MIDLANDS - 4TH HARTLEY - 5th YORKIES - 6th SADDLE. Which gives some indication as to spread of locations from which players travelled to this competition, York in the north and Kent in the south. The competitors pre-book entry into this competition, which gives the organisers ideal time to produce a well run competition. The entry fee also covers a fish and chip tea on the Saturday and a buffet on the Sunday lunchtime and numerous bottles of wine as prizes. Whittlesey is an excellent venue, particularly in the winter, indoors with heating, and good value bar. Angie Gaughan and her husband John run the competition, they are not locals, but travel from York for the competition. Angie will be the new E.P.A. Membership Secretary, taking over from Corrine Cooter. The teams at this particular weekend appeared to be of a similar standard ability producing good matches, and a friendly atmosphere. The next Club Competition is on the weekend of 20/21st February. For list of all events at Whittlesey, see Messages/Notices on the KPA web-site. Page 5

6 CHAIMANS REPORT As the season progressed the status quo was resumed with Meadow, formerly Plough & Chequers, christening their new venue with the League title. They will be joined in 2010 by their number 2 team. This brings us back to where we are accustomed to being. Fighting Cocks went from breaking the mould last year to relegation this. A startling decline, brought about by a big reduction in personnel and the loss of their home patch. Hartley Eagles will join Meadow 2 in Division 1, the first time I think that the Country Club has had two teams in the top division. Congratulations to all the winners and runners up and also to the strongest team in the league, Henley Street Cocks, who were left holding everybody else up. But commendably they kept going and I hope we shall see them playing in Mick Nash took up the onerous task of succeeding John Middleton as our Hon Secretary and he, I believe, ran the league admirably and electronically. Mick puts in a lot of his spare time on our behalf and I think he is doing a great job. There were a few hiccups but Mick dealt with them well and I am very pleased that he is going to continue. Ken Buchan has taken over the financial reins and I thank him for that. We have again a nice surplus, which your committee has every intention of give back or making available to members and clubs. We live in uncertain times, especially in the pub trade, which is leading to some insecurity of tenure for some of our clubs. It was with great sadness that I learned that one of our oldest clubs, Seal, had to leave their terrain of happy memories for them, and for many of us, when the Crown closed it s doors. Let us hope the same fate doesn t befall anymore clubs in the foreseeable future and that Seal can rise again at a new venue. Seven divisions is fine but we have trophies for nine! Wouldn t it be great, however, to have more clubs and teams so that this time next year we can present a full set to the winners of the nine divisions in this the best Petanque league in the country. By COLIN SENNECK KPL.ACCOUNTS presented by Ken Buchan Treasurer The total account stands at 2327:21. Printing, postage and printing was at zero compared with - 211:61 for year 2008, due to electronic reporting and recording. 150 was granted to The Duke of Wellington for piste improvements. Trophies and prizes rose from 516:55 in 2008 to 1136:80 in 2009, due to the addition of 8 bottles of wine per team for league winners and runners-up. SECRETARY S CHAT...by MICK NASH, said that by and large the season went very well with minimum problems, explained that he has adopted a policy of distancing himself from minor disputes relying on the Clubs to sort out the problems themselves. Mick gave high praise indeed to the WHITEHOUSE P.C. and their venue, the WHITEHOUSE P.H. at Heath Road, West Farleigh for the organisation, catering and hospitality for hosting the League Plate and Cup finals. The committee will remain the same for year 2010, as being, COLIN SENNECK (Chairman), KEN BUCHAN (Treasurer) and MICK NASH (Secretary). A questionnaire was distributed requesting opinions relating to the types and values of prizes and opinions regarding where surplus funds should be spent. 43 players representing 11 clubs attended the meeting, which was better than the KPA AGM, however considering the importance that most Clubs place upon the Summer Leagues for their competitive petanque, the turn-out was disappointing, particularly from the Clubs and players who had won trophies but were too tired to turn up to collect them. Page 6

7 " Do you feel sometimes the need to argue with your partners on the piste? Do you feel depressed at times because you are not making progress or ( this one is for me! ) missing too many boules in one game?...so, here's a little story ( true!! ) to cheer you up... At the end of July last year I was in my home village of Collioure waiting for the afternoon play to begin at half past two. It was 2.15 and very hot and sunny; usual for this time of year! A friend calls me to say: " hey, look at this man! He looks English... " Sure enough a strange looking man was approaching our club house. His face was very red, probably the sequel of too many glasses of the local Banyuls wine; he was wearing a huge hat, and, a sure tell tale sign, he was wearing socks... He uttered two words only: " Jouer? Petanque? " And so he paid his two Euros contribution and waited for the draw. He was actually a very decent player and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. At the end of the afternoon, I went over to him and asked: " so, which part of England do you come from "? " Oh, no, I'm not English; I am Australian and this is my first time here. " I asked him, obviously: " what is an Australian doing in this part of the world? "... Here is his reply:" Well, it's quite simple really. A few months ago, my wife and I were looking for somewhere different for our next holiday. We live in a small village near Hobart in Tasmania where I play Petanque in a small club. Our village is situated at 42 degrees 31 ' south of the equator; so I opened a large map of the world which I placed on my kitchen table and looked for a place at 42 degrees 31 ' north where, maybe, I could find a place where Petanque is played. And I found that there was a small village in southern France which matched, where, surely, Petanque would be played. So, a few months later I packed my bags and my wife, flew from Hobart to Sidney, from Sydney to Singapore and on to Paris and finally Perpignan where we hired a car for the week at the airport... And here I am! " After he finished I was in shock for a while thinking I had been talking to a lunatic... but no, he came back everyday, played everyday and won a few bottles of wine and made many friends. When he said goodbye a few days later, he said that he would return the following year, but he didn't. Maybe he thought of something or somewhere else as he looked at his map once again. The true spirit of Petanque, which sometimes seems to desert us on the piste sometimes, is well and truly alive in a little corner of the southern hemisphere. JEAN LOUIS Some of us can remember the time in the sixties when all the visiting tourists from China walked the streets of London wearing identical grey suits, with a copy of the little Red Book stashed in their pocket. A time when there was a shop in Camden selling only products and imports from China, a collection of red flags and polystyrene busts of the Chairman, and of course many copies and editions of the Red Book in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Whatever the customer wanted and remarked that seems cheap to me, the reply from the shop assistant was always the same, comrade... in China prices only come down. The water-proof edition of the little Red Book was the best buy for the young active marchers and campaigners of the day, as most of the demonstrations seem to fall on wet and windy days. And so to the bottom half of page 143 of the little Red Book, the Chairman s words,...say ONCE TO AN AUSSIE, CALL IN TO VISIT IF YOU ARE NEAR.. AND HE WILL Page 7

8 It s official, going abroad is confirmed as being expensive and prohibitive, not that the abroad people are responsible for this state of affairs, more to do with the Brit bankers. Therefore it looks like a return to customs of old, the Runners of the Empire. The four course meal in the Republic, with a drink or two followed by a hasty shout of. run...,and then legging it up the Rue without paying. The last reported case of Brit Runners was in Calais in 1960, at the height of success of middle distance running in the UK and many gold medals in the Olympics, you may well remember! 1960 was also the year when French restaurants altered the sequence of eating so that the cheese was served before the pudding to confuse the runners, also a time when the waiters changed from being less surly to being more surly in an attempt to intimidate the rosti-beefs into paying, rather than running. So what happens to the Petanque Clubs in Kent who are twinned with Clubs in France. The cordial bit was never cheap, good fun maybe, but can it continue? Also is it known, or recorded just how many Clubs are twinned Villagers? Seal? Hartley? Tovil? And a few that used to be, and of course there is the twinning of the KPA with Nord Maritime? Where will it end? Page 8

9 Can only remember the sun shinning at all the major Kent competitions, and most of the rest. The general opinion says that the standard of venues and organisation of the competitions suddenly got a lot better in The players that represented Kent at Brean Sands did very well relying in the old adage strength in depth, and the team strip was good, and the overall team spirit was excellent. The Kent Summer and Winter leagues are still popular with most Clubs. And there will be a few changes to positions for next year. All in all a good year for Kent and Petanque, maybe next year a few more teams and players can be encouraged to take an active advantage of the competitions and events that are available. Page 9

10 10 Ex-copper uses his contacts with the old bill and Interpol to provide the Gazette with a photo-fit picture of the mysterious lovely long leggy lady of the Languedoc, seen here measuring boule outside her local pub the Jack & Danny, near Beziers. The mysterious lady has spent the past few summers winning several competitions and collecting the prize money in the South of France, aided and abetted by her get-away driver believed to be called... Stewey, or to give him his full title, that s a crap point Stewey. Any readers that can put a name to this fair maiden ex of Kent keep it to yourself OFFICIAL GLUTEUS MAXIMUS ARE ON TOP IN FRANCE A very good Petanque web-site ( has an extensive library of Petanque related postcards, and a significant minority of these postcards depict French Petanquers gawping at ladies backsides from all sorts of angles. A minor pleasure for English Petanquers, but an obsession for French Petanquers,and French men in general. according to a new documentary film just released, La Face Cachee des Fesses (Men like dames Arras s). Apparently Bridget Bardot played in the film Le Mepris, and her bottom line when standing naked, was Et mes fesses? Tu les aimes, mes fesses. You can just imagine how that translates! According to Claudine Cohen (no relation to Lenny) this part of the body was developed to enable bipedal locomotion. That s nice and handy, to sit on as well! PAUL RETURNS TO GEORGE This winter season has seen the tentative return to petanque of PAUL CLEAR, one time top Kent shooter, and probably still is, has made a few surprise guest appearances for the George for some Winter League matches, no doubt encouraged by his old mate Keith Atkinson. Paul s style of shooting became a role model for young aspiring shooters. In his time he has played for Fleet P.C., Colyers P.C., Gravesend Rugby Club P.C. and now part time at the Gorge P.C. at Meopham. One of his new team members commented, I remember Paul when he was younger, a nice bloke and a really good shooter, and he would scoff down any amount of grub put before him, can t remember if he played petanque for England, he certainly ate for England. Page 10

11 There s no doubt, we do get around the County into some interesting venues for these meetings, this meeting was held in a cupboard in Vigo village hall smelling of plimsoles. Luckily a few missing participants gave a greater feeling of space. Accounts remain unchanged from the A.G.M. KPA/Lordswood are investigating the purchase of a container at budget cost of 1000, to be located at Lordswood for the storage of KPA equipment. John Middleton will be added as a signatory to the KPA bank account along with the existing signatories, Martin and Annette Eggleton and Ken Buchan. KPA OFFICERS. Addition to those appointed at the AGM, the further officers of the KPA are. ANDY MILLS Chairman the Playing Committee RICHARD KING KPA Umpire ERIC HATFIELD KPA Coach There remain vacancies for.sports Development Youth Development and Press Officer. The end of January was set as the target for the issue of the KPA playing calendar for General discussion as to the best way to communicate information to members, including the KPA web-site and the KPA Gazette. Members to be informed with membership renewal forms. Accepted that most KPA members put main interest into League play, KPA to investigate ways to encourage greater involvement of the KPA from smaller Clubs. FIRST...a reminder that all KPA registered players are more than welcome to attend the KPA Management Meetings. The KPA Management Meetings will be held on the following dates throughout st JAN. 4th MARCH 15th APRIL. 27th MAY 15th JULY 9th SEPT. 4th NOV. - 18th NOV. A,G.M. 2nd DEC.. The first meeting will be held at Hartley Country Club at 8pm Thursday 21st Jan. Venues for the remaining meetings will be listed in the new year. BY FAR.Most of the members of the K.P.A. belong to what could be best described as small Clubs, small in the number of members, and small in the number of playing pistes, however best described as the largest combined majority of membership of the K.P.A. It would be desirable and advantageous to Petanque in Kent, if a member/s from one of these so called smaller Clubs were to join the Management Committee, there is an open invitation and there is a ready made welcome. Please give it some thought. Page 11

12 The final fixture in the Kent Petanque Calendar took place at Star Meadow Sports ground on Sunday 6th December when the Meadow Petanque Club hosted the Christmas Hamper Doubles competition. Unfortunately for the hosts a torrential downpour first thing in the morning probably put off a number of competitors from travelling to the event but the 26 teams that did brave the elements were rewarded with a dry but chilly day as the rain stopped right on cue for commencement of the competition. After a full days petanque the main competition was won by Matt Horrigan and Dave Chalkly from Lordswood P.C. They beat home club player Bruno Bove and his partner Rachid Hannache from London in the final. The losing semi-finalists of Giovani Saguato & Phil Jarrett and Tracy Turner & Greg Davenport were all from the home club. In the secondary plate competition another Meadow player Rowland Jones and his partner Max Boyce from East Kent beat the Hartley pairing of Joyce and Mick Nash in the final. The consolage competition was won by Dean Ashby and Neil Phillips (Tovil/ George PC) who beat the local Star Meadow team of Paul Reilly and Peter O Sullivan in the final. Prizes valuing over 430 in hampers and wine were taken away by the competitors with Paul Riley, playing for Star Meadow, commenting that it was a great day, well organised, good sport with the usual competitive humour. Players were present from the following Kent clubs: Cocks, George, GRFC, Harriers, Hartley, Lordswood, Meadow, Sherwood Oak, Star Meadow, Tovil & Wheatsheaf Newington as well as teams from Hampshire and London. Also attending the event along with some of the London contingent as a spectator was one of the British games great players - Richard Elvin. From the late 70 s to early 90 s Richard was a member of the all conquering Norfolk Square petanque club from London. Along with his 9 British National titles he also represented Great Britain at 6 World Championships. Since moving to Ireland in the early 90 s Richard has been almost an ever present in their international squad. Mark Cooter An argument put forward at the K.P.A. AGM, regarding non-residents of Kent playing for and representing Kent was, that if the imported players are of sufficiently high standard, they will help to raise the overall standard of play of the Kent players. Apparently..the standard of Kent play was raised initially 25 or so years ago by the regular playing of teams from the NORFOLK SQUARE P.C. in Kent Competitions. The Club was located just off Praed Street, Paddington and the Club members comprised in the main of French nationals working in London, who could play the game. If any reader can shed some light on this Norfolk Square Group, with names, details, and photo s kindly inform the GAZETTE...aim to enlarge on this story in the new year. Page 12

13 MEMBERS?, a question raised at the last KPA Management Meeting. How to keep the paying members informed, and by which method. A problem not confined to petanque and the KPA. At the extreme, it seems that even the distribution of newspapers will change or disappear in there present form. So, maybe readers can offer suggestions of ways of communicating information regarding Petanque in Kent. At present we have the K.P.A, website.. good web-site, user friendly with the capacity to provide all the information that players in Kent should require, including comprehensive Summer and Winter League details, forthcoming competitions and events, and reports on past competitions, and a directory of all the Clubs in Kent, and useful links. The GAZETTE is posted on the web-site under a dedicated file. However the style and layout of the Gazette, with the many coloured photo's is designed for reading from the screen, although it can be printed if ink usage is not a problem. So far so good. Then to this we add the mix and preferences of a wide range of people, and how they want to receive information. At one end of the spectrum there are people who like to sit by the fire in an armchair with a nice- cup- of- tea, reading a hard copy of info similar to a magazine that has just dropped through the letter box. At the other end of the spectrum are the young guns with their saba-tooth strawberries throbbing in their hands. Wonderful up-to date modern technology ready to receive all the info that you can throw at them, but not quite!...not yet...they cannot open large files like the Gazette and other similar large files, so they probably tend not bother. It is more than likely that this form of technology will obviously improve and will be the common means of information in the not so distant future. How many of the 724 members of the KPA readily access the web-site or the Gazette to acquaint themselves with the current information..50% may be an over-estimate, how many members are aware of what the Regional Triples Qualifiers are about? or the European Cup Competition, or maybe some players are not interested in any information other than that which concerns their local Club, and possibly the Summer League. At the end of the day, communication is a two way process of those wishing to impart information and those with an interest to receive the information, and neither is compulsory. At this present time the K.P.A. is in healthy condition, both financially and with a committee who are willing do-ers, and Clubs and players should at least be informed and aware of what is available for an improvement in their enjoyment of Petanque in Kent. Any suggestions - please contact the Gazette. Page 13

14 The Club s Christmas Doubles Melee, was from noon until almost too dark to play any longer, or being rained off which was likely to occur at their BEAUTY of BATH P.H. playing venue. It was played in periods of light rain, mainly heavy rain and occasionally but briefly none at all. All the ladies and gents wearing various forms of waterproof tops and trousers even poncho s too in nice bright colours, pretty umbrellas were also in use ( shades of Mary Poppins ) - both sexes. Even a Small Duck coloured yellow ( of the plastic variety or breed), took part in the proceedings too enjoying the puddles (even playing)!! This was being recorded for the Club archives! The level of play was surprisingly good, despite the atrocious wet weather (almost continuous heavy rain) and the restrictions of movement due to the wet gear being worn by all ; but being very much fun orientated, a sociable and friendly afternoon of Club boule play. The prize presentation occurred in the pub, of course, in the dry at last (with the soaking wet waterproofs removed ). The necessary warmth now available and the much needed refreshments from the bar too! The Winners of the 2009 Annual Christmas Doubles Melee were ALAN JOHNSON (of Newington) and TERRY BOYNS (of Rainham) with the Runners Up being JULIE BRIDGER & MICK JOYCE. REPORT & PICTURES by JACK MILNER Page 14

15 Probably the only permanent indoor Boulodrome in England at just under a two hour drive from the Dartford crossing. WHITTLESEY INDOOR BOWLS & PETANQUE COMPLEX STATION ROAD WHITTLESEY CAMBRIDGESHIRE PE7 2HA If you arrive at Whittlesey with time to spare, try a hot meal in the Sunshine Café, in the very centre of the town. Excellent value meals including a good all day breakfast and fry-up. The CONIFERS GUEST HOUSE 44 HIGH CAUSWAY WHITTLESEY CAMBS. PE7 1AN ALBANY GUEST HOUSE 7 WEST END WHITTLESEY CAMBS. PE7 1HR COBWEBS GUEST HOUSE 21 DELPH WHITTLESEY CAMBS. PE7 1QH THE FALCON INN 1 LONDON STREET WHITTLESEY CAMBS. PE7 1BH WHITMORE HOUSE 31 WHITMORE STREET WHITTLESEY CAMBS. PE7 1HE Page 15

16 EMBROIDERY DEPOT are able to supply and machine embroider a wide range of polo shirts, T shirts, sweatshirts, rugby shirts, fleeces, jackets, caps, bags, towels, flags and other garments, sew-on or iron-on badges. EMBROIDERY DEPOT can offer up to 15% price reduction for PETANQUE CLUB orders. ALAN CREGEEN proprietor. EMBROIDERY DEPOT 28 ELVINGTON ROAD DOVER KENT CT15 4EQ Tel or tel : Walderslade Road Walderslade ME59LW Florists with over 40 years experience traditional modern and bespoke designs and arrangements. Sample of bouquets and competitive prices on our web page. Flowers plus a variety of supplies for all occasions balloons mothers day funerals hampers Laura Ashley Flowers flowers sent abroad corporate anniversary colours weddings. All major credit cards accepted. All you need for petanque supplies from the on line brochure. Boule accessories trophies bags and clothing. Tel Shop and Sales Office at Pen-y-Coed Petanque Up Street Bradwell Bury St. Edmonds Suffolk IP31 1AA The KENT PETANQUE GAZETTE is edited by RON YATES. Any item of news for inclusion in future editions should be sent to Yatesron705@aol.com. The views expressed in the KENT PETANQUE GAZETTE are those of the editor and contributors only, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the KENT PETANQUE ASSOCIATON or the ENGLISH PETANQUE ASSOCIATION E & OE Page 16