Greetings!
This month we have a jam-packed newsletter. There are articles by Terry Basson and Mary Bradridge recounting their experiences of club events, we have for the first time a quiz to name a strap line (open to all) and our regular round up of an update on the Larkhall Piste, Melee competitions and the Thursday night league.
As winter approaches coaching finishes at Alexandra Park, the club dinner will be upon us and the Winter Doubles starts for those of you who may be interested.
We have also started a monthly skittles session and the next evening is planned for October 14th at LSC
We have also been advised that Queen Square will be closed for refurbishments which will affect the Wednesday morning sessions.
As we wind down for the year I would like to appeal to any you who may be more interested in taking on a role in helping run the club, We now have 55 full members and 7 associate members, we will soon be moving to our new home at LSC and we need help. Our AGM will be in March when we would welcome new committee members, or just those who would be happy to take on some of the club activities
A Bientot
Lesley
p.s. For the first time we have added a section showing possible overseas trips in 2015. |
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Queen Square Closure
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Wednesday Mornings
From the middle of October (actual date still to be determined), Queen Square will be closed for refurbishments which means that the boule terrains will not be available. It is anticipated that this work will be completed by the end of November.
It is proposed that from October 15th sessions played on Wednesday mornings will be moved up to Alexandra Park. If you plan to attend the sessions it may be a good idea to car share as sometimes the parking can be difficult in the park.
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Update on the Larkhall Terrain
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During the latest committee meeting it was agreed that we would press forward with the larger size piste of 33m * 15m. It has also been proposed that we have a single piste at the bottom end of the terrain (furthest from the club house) - an triangular area that will not be utilised which will ensure that we can string 16 pistes and be in the position to hold the Bath Open at the LSC from 2016.
It was also agreed that we would utilise banked surfaces for the sides rather than walls unless absolutely required which should reduce the cost.
The engineers are in the process of redrawing the plans and these will be put out to tender for responses by the end of October, appointing a contractor by the middle of November with an anticipated start date of April / May 2015. We have taken in to account the concerns expressed by LSC that any work over the winter could have damaging effects on the approach areas by the second football pitch.
While it would be preferable to use the piste in 2015 it is felt by the committee that it is important to let the area settle over the winter but there will be a limited number of exhibition games during the period.
There has been and still is a concern over the possible shortfall covering the cost of the construction and 3 of the committee members met with members of the Guernsey Petanque Club to learn more about how they had managed to raise and repay funds to purchase their land through a Bond issue. Details of a possible bond issue will be available at a later date.
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| Club Skittles |
Club Skittles
Pictures and content supplied by Terry Basson
Skittles - Fundraising at Larkhall Sports Club Friday 26th September 2014
 | | Di and Robin compete in the final. |
A skittles match was arranged up at Plain Ham. Twenty players arrived to play a melee knock out match on a late autumn evening.
We played in shirt sleeve order as our bookmaker Chris McGinn took control with spectacles on nose, head down holding a fine pen, drafted out the order of play.
The work of Sticking up was undertaken in a shared manner. The game got underway in a very orderly well managed way, until half time whistle was blown.
A nice selection of filled rolls was served up plus bowls of
 | | Chris organises the evening. |
 | | Dinner for everyone. |
fresh wonderful fried chips from the kitchen, laid out on a trestle table with Chocolate biscuits and Brownies.
The game re-commenced and finely the results were totalled and double checked to reveal that we had in fact two players sharing top place.
A play off became necessary between Di Greenaway and Robin Ralph.
This head to head produced a very exciting final with both
 | | Are we playing petanque / bowling or is he holding some dynamite? . |
 | | Clive, behind the bar. |
players scoring maximum nine pins. A second game did not provide a winner as both
players scored seven pins each. A third play off gave the match to Di scoring just one pin more than Robin.
Hoots of laughter - hugs and kisses exploded throughout the room, ending a very worthwhile enjoyable evening.
The next skittles match is planned for October 14. Because of time constraints, ie 7.30pm to 10pm, the number of players has to be limited to 24. Its basically first come, first served.
Please E/Mail(Chris McGinn) if you wish to play and I will confirm your attendance. Those who do not play can still come along and join in, as there are several jobs to be carried out.
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For a change this year we have the plate finalists first in our article, Why? They are both City of Bath Teams
 | | Plate winners, Larkhall Stags with L'Arc en Ciel. |
Queen Square resounded to the clacking of steel boules on Sunday as teams and their supporters turned out in force for the tenth annual Raven Bath Open Boules Tournament.
Organised by the City of Bath Petanque Club, the event saw 32 triples teams battle it out during the morning to be ranked for the knockout competitions for the Cup and the compensatory Plate.
The Cup final was a tense but high-quality affair between PYO SCABS and Ship 1, who fought back from 12-4 down to win 13-12, while Larkhall Stags beat local rivals L'Arc en Ciel to the Plate.
Joining the competition this year was a team from Germany, who met City of Bath members during their Aix-en-Provence tour in May.
A group of former University of Bath students also made their annual reunion visit to play in the tournament, bringing a group of dads from Yorkshire with them this year.
Trophies and medals were presented by Tim Perry of The Raven of Bath pub and a raffle raised more than £200 towards City of Bath's aim of building a new terrain at Larkhall Sports Club.
As well as The Raven, the club would like to thank BCH Camping for supplying a much-needed event shelter, sponsors Fidelis Residential Sales & Lettings and prize donors Bathwick Boatman, Great Western Wine and Casanis French Bistro.
 | | The Ship, winners of the 2014 Open followed closely by the PYO Scabs in an enthralling match 13-12. |
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Thursday League
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End of season Dinner and Doubles Competiton.
 | | Plate final discussions |
As in previous years the end of season dinner was held at the Northey Arms. Prior to the dinner the championship and plate doubles final were held.
The main final was held between Mark Gilbert & Mike Woodward ( last years finalists as well) versus Adrian Britton and Martin Williams. After a long hard fought game Adrian and Martin emerged as the winners.
 | | Andy throws while Theresa and Tracey discuss tactics (or admire the shot) |
In the Plate Final Nigel Manley & Andy Gutteridge took on Theresa Cogswell and Tracey Grigsby, and the final went to the wire with Theresa and Tracey winning 13-12. A popular win by the girls and a great boost for the Northey Club who have been strong supporters of the league.
 | | Final Presentations |
The main league was run throughout the summer months and for the first time there were 3 divisions. The Main Results were as follows
Division
| Champions
| Runners Up
| One
| Compton
| Reside
| Two
| Bears
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Alexandra Park
| Three
| Queens Head 2
| Harrington
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It was the first year that we ran a third division and the top 5 teams were only split by 2 points.
For more detailed results go to the Results |
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Visit to Guernsey Pétanque Club
A new member's perspective
by Mary Bradbridge
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Guernsey
 | | Mary joined the club in June 2014. |
As a very new member to Bath Petanque Club (only 3 weeks) I was delighted to be invited to join the group travelling to Guernsey for the Guernsey Open. Having previously visited, and enjoyed, St Peters Port and buoyed by the enthusiasm and friendliness of my new group of like minded friends, I decided to jump in with both feet and tag along! I was reassured that I would be well looked after, which eased my slight reticence of travelling alone. Besides, how much could be expected of a novice such as myself? I thought that I would watch a few games and perhaps learn a bit! How wrong I was! I laughed a lot, learned a bit and even played in some real competitive matches! We even won a few!
 | | Pistes inside which were a complete revelation to me. |
But I've jumped ahead... On Friday evening, after our arrival and an afternoon of settling in, we went to the Guernsey Petanque Club and my eyes were opened to a whole new world. There were pistes as far as my eyes could see, both indoor and outdoor! What had I let myself in for? I was a little bit daunted, putting it mildly! However, all the players from Bath and Cricklade could not have been more supportive, nor more encouraging.
 | | Taking a rest between matches and such lovely weather. |
The format was thus- on Saturday we played doubles and on Sunday we played triples. I saw Petanque players of many nationalities, all levels of ability and varying levels of competitiveness but the over riding impression I got was of complete friendliness and fun.
The level of hospitality was fabulous everywhere we went from the hotel and restaurant staff to taxi drivers and local players. We were made to feel so welcome and that nothing was too much trouble.
 | | What a gorgeous view across the pistes to the sea in the background. |
All in all, I had the most wonderful time. The laughter started in the car on the way to Bristol Airport (when someone had forgotten his passport) and didn't stop for a full four days of fantastic fun. I must say 'Thank you' to all the players from Bath and Cricklade who made my trip so memorable, especially Diane Greenaway for her tremendous hard work in organising every detail so efficiently and Tony Milner who organised all the taxi's.
Finally, to every member new and old, I would thoroughly recommend any tour as a great way to meet people, learn some Petanque skills and have fun on and off the piste.
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Club Melees
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Monthly Melees
The remaining club melees will be held at Queen Square on Oct 4th. Anyone interested in entering should come to the Square at 1.45 p.m. to register. Entry fee will be £3 per
 | | Chris with his winnings |
person with the best player over 4 rounds winning £20. Competition is open to anyone. The September Melee was played in good spirit with 16 players joining and was eventually won by Chris McGinn which now means we have had 4 individual winners this year. Will it be your turn next.
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Monday Night Coaching
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September 29th will be the last official coaching night at Alexandra Park for the 2014 season. A couple of members have suggested that they would like to start playing from 5.30 onwards before the clock fall back to make full use of the available light. If you would like to continue playing please ensure you liase with your fellow members or just turn up.
During our recent visit to Guernsey we had the opportunity to talk to a few members from other clubs who play 3 to 4 times a week. It made me think, should we look at the possibility of adding an afternoon during the week to compliment the Wednesday morning? If you would be interested in say a 2.30 start on Monday (Fridays) afternoons or another time please let me know : cary@carybush.co.uk
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Homewood Park
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Homewood Park Opening
CoBPC members support the opening of a new piste at Homewood Park.
Sunday 31st August saw Di and Terry setting up their new event tent at the newly laid piste at Homewood Park.
According to Di Greenaway
We feel that what we saw on Sunday was a perfect example of our club's aim, which is to involve young people and specially young families in our sport and demonstrate that is something that can involve the whole family together.
 Earlier during the year a decision was made by the Homewood Management to build a piste for use by their guests and local residents and by the beginning of August this started to come to fruition. Built in 3 days, ( a far easier proposition than that faced at LSC) CoBPC were asked if they could support the Hotels open day.
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Jack & Thomas Winfield
CoBPC future?
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With her keen eye for detail, Di took to the task like a duck in water. The event tent proved to be a great success as the displays were looked at with interest, the video provided pictures of good play and the entire area looked very smart and tidy.
Mark Gilbert and Lesley Hall also lent their support to help coach all newcomers the day proved to be a success with a number of new contacts and some potential junior players also joining for the day.
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Club Dinner
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November 28th 2014
 This years club dinner is planned for November 28th 2014 at The Huntsman - in the upstairs room. Chris is still in the process of putting together the details which will be sent out early October - make a note in your diary. However should you be interested in attending you should contact Chris McGinn and place your name on the list.
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Inter Regional Championships
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Hayling Island
This year there were 12 teams entered into the Inter regional Finals with 8 teams competing in Division 2 competition and 4 teams in Division 2 Challenge. While the results could have been better everyone enjoyed their time at Hayling Island and many expressed an interest to return.
In all CoBPC had 7 playing members while Terry and Di did a  splendid job marshalling the troops to ensure we were all on time for our games and making sure the results were in on time. In addition to this 6 further players are also associate members of the club. Finally, I am sure we all extend a hand and our appreciation to Robin who took on the thankless task of umpiring (and I should know) and actually enjoyed it! Back to the Top |
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?? Provide a title ?? or spot the boule
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These pictures were sent into the editor without a title and for the next edition of the newsletter - as a competition you are requested to send in a strap line to compliment the pictures. As a hint - Did they or did they not win the competition.
A decision on the best line will be made at the next CoBPC committee meeting (Those in the picture cannot vote but free to send in suggestions) and a mounted picture will be presented to the triplets at the Annual Dinner
Ist prize £10 runner up £5
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GWR Winter Doubles
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8 Sundays during the winter
Many of you will have already received a separate newsletter advising you of the Winter Doubles. It is limited to 24 teams.
Starting on October 26th it runs over the winter over 8 separate Sundays. There are 6 different venues in the region and open to anyone holding an EPA Card. If you are interested in playing, give it a go. The experience gained playing against other players in the region can only be beneficial and it also gives you the opportunity to meet up with a few of your colleagues for Sunday lunch.
Entry Fee is £32 and the surplus funds will be used to limit the Regional EPA fee increase
Entry Forms must be received by October 19th.
A couple of CoBPC teams have already entered and you are all welcome
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Oct 4 Club Melee at Queen Square
Oct 5 Brunel Match - opposition to be confirmed.
Oct 8 Brunel v's Compton away
Oct 12 Brunel v's Old Barn home
Oct 14 Skittles LSC
Oct 24 - 30 Club Trip to Hungary
Oct 26 Start of the GWR Winter Doubles
Nov 28 Club Dinner - Huntsmen
Every Wednesday Morning - 11.00 a.m. at Queen Square. New members welcome.
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Events of Interest in 2015
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Potential Trips
May: (Generally bank Holiday weekend). The Jersey open followed by a triples tournament at Carrefour
May: visit to Aix-en-Provence. This is very provisional and dates are based on historical visits
August: Bath Open
September (2nd Week): Inter-Regional Finals. This is organised through GWR and all EPA players are eligible to put in a team to qualify for the finals.
September (3rd Week): The Guernsey Open played over the weekend
October: Provisionally a tour to one of our Twin Cities.
As the dates are firmed up information will be provided in this newsletter and on the clubs website.
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