4 new pubs join the Thursday League
 
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Articles in this newsletter

Members Profile             
Thursday League (and the newest locations)
The Little Piglet                
   

agmSummary of the Club's AGM
The meeting was held on Wednesday 25th March 2015 at Larkhall Sports Club. There were reports from the Chair, Treasurer, Playing manager and the coaches.
The following decisions were also agreed at the meeting
  • The membership was in favour of building 2 pistes at the club, both measuring approx 25m by 16m which will allow for 12 international size pistes and up to 20 pistes for regional and local matches
  • The club will incorporate as a company limited by guarantee.
  • The club rules are revised to reflect the clubs status as a company limited by guarantee.

Lesley Hall and Don Grimes confirmed that they were stepping down as members of the committee and Don also confirmed that after the 10th year celebrations he would be stepping down as the club president.


 

A new committtee were then proposed and elected

Chair: Diana Lockwood

Vice Chair: Ron Hopkins

Treasurer: Cary Bush

Secretary: Dalene Robertson

Committee Members: Alex Robertson, Chris McGinn, Di Greenaway, Mark Gilbert, Mike Woodward.


 

The minutes of the AGM will be available in the next newsletter  



pm
Playing Matters

 

For the first time in the club's history the weather has allowed there to be almost uninterupted sessions through the winter with a high turnout rate. These include Wednesday mornings (as high as 28 participants in one session) and the newly introduced Sunday morning sessions at Alexandra Park. Additionally the club has a number of sides participating in the GWR Winter Doubles. 

 

With the clocks going forward on March 29th we enter the start of the new 2015 playing season. Starting from Monday March 30th coaching sessions will be held at Alexandra Park from 5.00 p.m. for beginners. At 6.00 p.m we will be moving on to game awareness and game tactics and from 7.00 p.m. there will be open games. These will continue on every Monday throughout the summer  until the end of September. At least one coach will be in attendance each week.

 

There are also a number of local, national and regional competitions that are happening through the season. For those who are interested the race to Hayling  (The Inter Regional Championships in September) has already started and there are 2 further dates if anyone is interested in joining. There are currently plans for 8 teams however if there is sufficient interest it is possible that an additional 4 teams will be entered. The next date will be April 19th at the Red Bull followed on May 30th at the Codrington Arms.

 

Local Competitions

The Local club melee starts on the first Saturday of May (2nd) at 1.45 on  Queen Square and every first Saturday through to September.

(June 6th / July 4th / August 1st / September 5th ). There is no need to book and feel free to bring along your friends. You will be allocated into teams so good fun.  �3 entry first prize �20. Any Questions, please call Don 07973342349.

 

Regional Competitions

Date
Competition
Location
Entry Forms
April 12th Mixed DoublesCodrington ArmsMixed Doubles
June 7thDoublesThe Ship InnDoubles
June 14thLadies DoublesFiltonLadies Doubles
June 14thShootingFiltonShooting
August 15thTriplesRed BullTriples


 

National Competitions

DateCompetitionLocationEntry Forms
May 23rdMens SinglesIsca Club , ExeterMens Singles
May 23rd Womens SinglesIsca Club, ExeterWomens Singles
May 24th DoublesIsca Club, ExeterDoubles
May 25th
Mixed Doubles
Isca Club, Exeter

 

If you would like to play in competitions but can't find a partner , if you have any queries on playing in a team or about tournaments your coaches are there to help . 

 

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tenth
Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow.


Ten years ago The City of Bath P�tanque Club was born and, like the article title, the little acorn has flourished, and within this tenth anniversary year, the club will have its new terrain in place and will be enjoying a new home and club house facilities in Larkall Sports Club. 

During July, celebrations will mark this astounding growth from a small number of players to a thriving club with growing numbers which will have facilities to match the continued enthusiasm of all involved. 

14th  to 21st  July will be a week of celebrations, now in the planning stage. The programme is not complete but it is hoped that included will be, informal p�tanque in Queen Square, an afternoon of p�tanque and an evening at a local pub, an official welcome by the Mayor for people from Bath's twin cities with guided visits of Bath, two tournaments at the weekend and some sightseeing too. 

The highlight of the week will no doubt be the tournament at Larkhall Sports Club on Saturday 18th  July. Mike Pegg who is President of the Conf�d�ration Europ�enne de P�tanque and other invited dignitaries will perform the opening ceremony.. 

The day will continue with a triples tournament when the terrain will be used for the first official time, followed by a time of celebration together to complete what should be a very exciting day. 

Our guest list will be International and special as so many of those coming will be people we have met whilst we have been on tour, They are from Bath's twin Cities and people we have met and made friendships through playing our sport. 

French, German, Hungarian and Austrian players are already signed up and we wait and hope that we will have representation from Holland, Guernsey and Jersey too, all places where we have p�tanque contacts. 

When the programme is complete another article in the newsletter will inform you of the final details but in the meantime we suggest you keep this week free to join in this very special time for our club.

 
homestay

Will you welcome a French bouliste or two into your home?

 

As you know, we are expecting visitors from Bath's four twin cities and Guernsey to help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Club on the weekend of 18th/19th July.

The French visitors will be arriving on 14th and staying a week, and in the spirit of Twinning, would like to stay with English people in their home to get to know more about our way of life and practice their English.  They come in twos, so you won't be responsible for keeping the conversation going all the time!  They will be going off on trips most days - the programme will be available nearer the time indicating when you would be expected to feed them, remembering that French people like to have their main meal at lunchtime, so mainly only light suppers will be needed.  It's often more fun if you team up with another host to have meals together, and less work! 

If you are able to host two singles or a couple, or want more information, please contact Lesley Hall:  01225 684088 / 07985915062 / [email protected]  I will try to match up compatible people, and allow for levels of language skills.

If you've already volunteered, I'll be in touch shortly to discuss details.
 


 

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Members
Member's Profile


Volunteer of the Year 
 

Terisha Burge, who we call Trish, has been awarded the accolade of Volunteer of the Year from The Charity Headway National. 


It was with amazement that her story became known to us.To the other members of The City of Bath P�tanque Club Trish was a member of the Larks, Thursday P�tanque team, a skittles player , a busy helper at Larkhall Sports Club, is married to Clive , a mother of two and a kind and caring person who everybody admired for her friendship and fun.

It was in 1991 when Trish was working as a dental hygienist she became seriously ill with a brain haemorrhage and her life changed dramatically. She was treated at Frenchay being in intensive care for two weeks and through support from her family and her wonderful husband, Clive, she started the long journey back to health.

Not just being content with her own recovery Trish soon turned her hands to helping others. An advert in the Bath Chronicle made her aware of the organization called Headway and she was inspired to help. It was through sharing her own experiences and having the wish to help that she started on her path to raising large sums of money . On this journey she helped create Bath and District Headway. She was involved in fundraising, recruiting all her family and Larkhall friends to help. If there was an opportunity to raise money Trish found it and in the last eight years she has rallied a team of volunteers from all over the UK to run in the Bath Half Marathon.

From being a support group for people with similar problems in 2002 Bath and District Headway were able to launch a support centre which now opens two days a week for many people to attend.

After twenty three years of fundraising on behalf of Headway, with a total raised being more than �65,000, Trish was nominated by Louise Russell, a Trustee, for the Volunteer of the Year Award and at the Dorchester Hotel she received that well earned acclamation.

We, the members of The city of Bath P�tanque Club are very proud to have Trish as one of our members.
 

 

 


 

THLThursday League

Four New Clubs are join the Thursday League
This year we are being joined by 4 pubs in the Thursday including the Catherine Wheel at Marshfield, The Biddestone Arms in Biddestone, the Tollgate in Holt and the Swan in Swineford. Each month we will introduce one of the new establishments.
 
Starting this month plan we are introducing the Swan at Swineford.

A few weeks ago some members of the 'City Of Bath P�tanque Club' randomly chose to have Sunday lunch  at 'The Swan' in Swineford.

Whilst empty dinner plates were being collected  a chance remark from one of us to the waiter was,

"Do you play P�tanque "?

He replied,

"Well no, but we do have a sort of fenced off area in our car park which  I think was a Boules Piste,  children just play about in the area"."Would you guys like to take a look?"

We jumped at the invitation forgetting to place  our pudding orders, the waiter guided us outside to a small fenced area which  clearly had once been a Piste now overgrown with grass and weeds.


 

The pub was very busy and the landlord was fully engaged with those waiting  patiently to be served. We asked the waiter what would be a good day for us to return  and speak with the publican and his wife. We were informed Thursdays were normally much quieter. Three of us agreed to return to The Swan to introduce ourselves to the landlady Amy and her husband Rupert who is also a fine chef.

Clearly they were engaged with the idea of refurbishing the Piste providing Bath Ales Brewery gave the go ahead. We are happy to report that the Brewery were very happy to fund the landlady's suggestion!


 

The Swan is a family-friendly country pub with a modern face and a traditional heart. The smart, fresh interior complements the building's original character, with a large car park and now adding a Boules Piste  to the attractions outdoors. The publicans Rupert and Amy intend to put up a team for our Thursday league.


For anyone still interested in joining the Thursday League please complete the attached forms and return them to either Don Girmes or Mark Gilbert.

 

Club Dinner Menu Choices
Thursday League Entry From
Thursday League Rules
Proposed Doubles Rules
Proposed Doubles Rules


      
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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OCTOverseas Club Trips
Jersey

After a year's absence a number of club members will be attending this event which includes a doubles competition on Saturday, a melee on Sunday and a triples competition on Monday. If anyone is interested in entering the competition could they please let either Cary Bush or Di Greenaway know.

For details of the club visit their website and the entry forms can be found on their site
 
If you are attending and also interested in playing details of the competition are also attached
Aix En Provence

There are still places on the trip to Aix!  We are waiting for confirmation of the programme, but have agreed the following dates: Playing: Fri 15th to Mon 18th May. Travel : Thurs 14th & Tues 19th, but you can go early & stay later if you likepossible trip to Marseille on Tues 19th.  Some of our usual Club hosts are playing in other tournaments, but we have confirmed matches with Saint Cannat and Boule de la Petite Vitesse in Parc Journdan, so this year's trip will be more relaxed than before, with time for sight-seeing.

 

If you haven't been to Aix before, this would be the perfect introduction.  We are given a warm welcome from the Aix Twinning Association, and lots of help with travelling to and from the venues.  Travel from the airport or TGV station to Aix is very easy, a shuttle bus brings you into the Gare Routiere near the city centre.  The French club members are a friendly bunch, and welcome the opportunity to play alongside 'les Anglais' with a chance to win a Euro or two. 
 

 

Travel options 

  • Early flights from Gatwick by EasyJet 
  • Early flights from Heathrow by BA 
  • Rail by Eurostar 
  • (there's also Stansted - nightmare to get to)

Accommodation suggestions 

1.  Adagio Aparthotel - good for couples/sharers

2.  Large shared apartment for singles (own room) - Lesley will arrange, please email if you want to join in - works out cheaper than hotels.   

3.  Own arrangements - try Airbnb or HolidayLettings.co.uk for private apartments, Booking.com for hotels. 

4.  Hosting in a French home may be possible

 

Book your travel  or for further information email Lesley [email protected] with your dates and accommodation preference.  

 

Alkmaar

The Club is planning a tour to Alkmaar in the Netherlands from 2nd to 6th October.  Alkmaar is one of the 4 cities that are twinned with Bath, and is a beautiful city well known for its cheese market, canal-side walks, and windmills, with plenty plenty of cafes  and bars to sit and enjoy the scenery.  The trip is timed to coincide with the liberation celebrations (music, parades, fun and games in the market square)  that take place over that weekend and on the Monday. The open doubles competition that attracts players from far and wide is on the Sunday and we have been invited to take part in a friendly melee at a local club on Saturday. There are regular KLM flights between Bristol and Amsterdam, and a good train service between there and Alkmaar.  We plan to stay in a hotel the city centre.  If you are interested in joining the tour, or would like more information, please contact [email protected] 

 

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Future
Regular Events

Every Wednesday morning 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Queen Square.

The regular Wednesday morning boules has now returned to Queen Sqaure. New members welcome

Every Monday evening commencing at 5.00 p.m at  Alexandra Park

Starting on Monday 30th the regular Monday sessions will commence. One or more coach will be available from 5.00 p.m. to provide coaching for all members who would be interested. The initial session will focus on beginners and from 6.00 p.m. we will start to focus on game awareness. 

These sessions will continue throughout the summer and also include any bank holidays that may fall due. 


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Piglet

Our Piglet (Cochonnet) corner

 

It's an age thing!
  • Wouldn't it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller!
  • Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet!
  • The day the world runs out of wine is just too terrible to think about!
  • I don't trip over things, I do random gravity checks!
  • I don't need anger management. I need people to stop annoying me!
  • Old age is coming at a really bad time!
  • When I was a child I thought Nap Time was a punishment ... now, as a grown up, it just feels like a small vacation!
  • The biggest lie I tell myself is ... "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it."
  • I don't have grey hair. I have "wisdom highlights". I'm just very wise.
  • My people skills are just fine. It's my tolerance to idiots that needs work.
  • The kids text me "plz" which is shorter than please. I text back "no" which is shorter than "yes".
  • I've lost my mind and I'm pretty sure my kids took it!
  • Even duct tape can't fix stupid ... but it can muffle the sound!
  • Lord, Give me patience and give it to me NOW.
  • Of course I talk to myself, sometimes I need expert advice.
  • At my age "Getting lucky" means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for.

 

 

 

 

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Photos
Photos of the month
Yes, It was St Patricks day and for those of you who you were not told, it was our presidents birthday
Do you have any photos that would bring some amusement to your fellow club members? If so send them to the editorial team.
The party continued late into the night

 

 

Winners of the Skittles evening and yes it's St Patrick again
 

 

Guess whose birthday it was on March 17th?
 

 


Sincerely,
 
The Editorial Team ( Cary Bush, Terry Basson, Mary Bradridge)
City of Bath Petanque Club