City of Bath Pétanque Club

Several of the our players represented Great Western Region over the weekend at Pétanque England’s Inter Regional Event at Sand Bay. GWR were victorious in winning Div 2 of the Championship which means promotion to Div 1 for next year. In addition to that a City of Bath Team, Cary Bush, Steve Charman, Adrian Williams and Bryan Huish were Top Team by winning all of their 11 games over the weekend.

My little Piggy recently went overseas by Terry

Across the sea; to meet Jacks of other nations.

Those target, tiddy piggy’s, control all the outcome’s during Pétanque games all over the world.

So, what’s new about which you write Terry?

What’s your angle before we turn the page?

Whilst treading on eggshells, I wish to dwell on more considered management during an end; when all players try to get nearest to La Cochonnet. Scoring one -- Hooray! .

With boules still in hand ; why not shoot the second nearest and the third opponents boules

If achievable, this can destroy you opponents’ confidence far more than just one scored.

I venture to suggest that game management is worth Goldust = demonstrating your dominance over perhaps simple reginal gamesmanships adding more to your skills.

Playing recently - overseas against clubs who teach this type of management was worth the trip !

Your Roving reporter .

Herzlich willkommen! By Terry.

Far away people with strange sounding names; that took the time to make friendships with us Brits across the La Manche.

Welcome - Its good to have you here. Austria added this bigger smile of satisfaction to our scheduled tour this year; of Bath’s annual pétanque club's travels abroad.

This is how we were greeted by Austria who hosted the splendid Friendship Games in 2026.

Arriving in Neusiedl - See, around midday; we ventured to see where the games will be held , meeting some of the ‘Big Family Pétanque’ members along the way.

A large Marquee was being erected to provide shade and drinks to the weary after each round of games

Fifteen members of the City of Bath Pétanque club attended this oversea opportunity, representing a mixture of Petanque styles.

Exploiting my memory of speaking german; still lingering, when I once spent two years 1954; in Hamburg flogging cheap NAFFI ci******es in short supply around the villages of Germany. Our friends thought I was selling cheap f**s in 2026.

However, many of our five nations chanced a few words in English and us visa versa in their language.

My roaming thoughts attributed to this years Friendship Games is one of heart-felt thanks, towards our hosts and those who travelled towards a growing understanding, of each other’s need for seeing perhaps better game management and skilful play.

Handshakes – hugs whilst singing a song; 'Well meet again next year In that land of gorgeous Peaches' ---- Saluzzo Italy .

Club members come and join in the celebrations..

A selection of photos and videos from today’s triples competition..

Here are the results from today’s Club triples. The day finished with two great finals..

Gold Cup.
Winners Jim Bartlett, Jeff Hutchinson & Aly Hoyland.
Runners up Barry Smith, Maxine Bartlett & Ann Charman

Silver Cup.
Winners Julie & Steve Hughes & Mary Humphries
Runners up Tony Humphries, Dominic Singleton & Wade Edwards.

This was the last of our Club Competitions for 2026.

Our Open Melee for September is 12th September where we also welcome non club members..

Reminder to all club members to get your entries in for the Shotgun competition being held on 13th September which will form part of our club anniversary celebrations..

The last of City of Bath Pétanque club competitions that’s available to all members as part of their club fees is well underway. So far rain is holding off.

Rain did not stop Play ! By Terry

We welcomed the return of rain today!
You would have thought that the piste was hungry just to quench it, thirst like in that classic movie ‘Ice Cold In Alex’ Thunder in the skies as my pen ship ducks like a frightened kitten.

I chose to arrive during coffee break to watch those who were playing on with floating little Jacks.

I shouted - 'Are you all completely mad hatters down a rabbit hole' ?

I did not recognise most of those playing in wet suits -all in covers.

Over coffee Three new faces were being introduced – they came to have a go at this great Social sport of ours.

Two from America who may go back in a years time- I responded “ Well if you join our club you will never go back”.

Flooded Piste’s must disappoint our Geoff after his back breaking efforts of drilling 98 holes five years ago .

Temptation by Terry

Recently, being the hottest day of Summer. I kept my head in my shell like Ocean Turtle.

I informed my Thursday League ‘Phoenix’ captain that the heat had got to me, so count me out for playing tonight.

But I would come and support our team. Not forgetting those splendid big chips and sausage that the Larks Bar provide after the game!

Quietly sitting; drinking a diet coke Temptation arrived like one in a desert dustbowl. Was it that white Tesla in the carpark or one of our gorgeous ladies in summer shorts?

Beside me, on the picnic table was a faded tabac tin, with a blue Rizla paper giving me the eye.

“In all the places in all the world this tin had walked into my mind”.

I used to roll my own 50 years ago – my fingers twitched, as the owner with a smile arrived.

Sir I called; can I roll you one - I will let you lick the glued edge?

Ok, roll me up one then – as if mesmerised my right hand left my body; when I realised NO SMOKING on the Piste!

Your roving Reporter Terry.