Alex Myles reports:
Apologies for a belated report of this match which Wasps played at Crondall..
If anything, the Tigers team was stronger than the team they fielded when we played them at Kirdford and the scoreline was identical, Tigers won 7 games to 2.
Paul and Melanie, whom I had co-opted because of regular player unavailability ( many thanks to them ) won 1 game, as did Jean Green and Glynn. Jill and I had the doubtful pleasure of being "The Weakest Link" by losing all our 3 games.
In total, Wasps have now won 1 match and lost 5, with 4 still to be played. We still hope to win some of these.
Art of Petanque Headline Animator
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Betty's Plate - 9th July 2011
The Winner - Paul Roberts
The RunnerUp - Sue Ross
Carolyn Tuthill reports:
A wonderful turnout (over 30) for this most coveted prize! Despite the rain over the last few days, we were lucky to play the three game melee in reasonable weather.
We were very pleased to have Kath Stebbing with us to award the Plate, which she had put up in memory of her friend and long time companion Betty Mader who many of us remember fondly.
It was nice to see our former Chairman, Joan Dyas and Dan again, along with Sue Ross who now also play for Cranleigh Petanque Club.
After the play was over we had only 4 people with 3 wins! Fourth was Mavis Rauch + 11, third was Bobby Newberry +13, runner up was Sue Ross +20 and the overall winner with a score of +24 was another former Chairman, Paul Roberts!
Well done to all those who took part in making this a most successful day.
Next Club competition is the Osborne Trophy on August 13th (note change of date from 6th). Details nearer the time.
Monday, 4 July 2011
Le Touquet TAC visit ABC Kirdford - 2nd July 2011
Ian Fox reports:
ABC entertained the President of Le Touquet TAC and four of his members on Saturday 2nd July.
This boules event completed the first cycle of meetings between our two clubs.
We played a number of mixed melees in the afternoon and then took our visitors on a short tour of Arundel returning with 20 of us having dinner at the Foresters.
The photographs say more than I need to, sufficient to say the day was declared a success in every way and I hope sets the scene for similar events in the future.
I will take this opportunity of thanking all who took part in the meeting and of course the dinner for their help, especially Marie Helene who since March and our initial visit to Le Touquet has been master minding communications and hotel bookings with me.
ABC entertained the President of Le Touquet TAC and four of his members on Saturday 2nd July.
This boules event completed the first cycle of meetings between our two clubs.
We played a number of mixed melees in the afternoon and then took our visitors on a short tour of Arundel returning with 20 of us having dinner at the Foresters.
The photographs say more than I need to, sufficient to say the day was declared a success in every way and I hope sets the scene for similar events in the future.
I will take this opportunity of thanking all who took part in the meeting and of course the dinner for their help, especially Marie Helene who since March and our initial visit to Le Touquet has been master minding communications and hotel bookings with me.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Les Girls in France - 14 to 24 June 2011
Carolyn Tuthill reports:
Just read the definition of a ‘Blog’ as a diary of events which may be of interest to the reader!! So here goes!
This is a report on the recent visit to Valras Plage by six of our members to take part in the BBC 14 – that is ABC – 6 take on British Boule Challenge 14! (All that means is that it is the 14th year that this competition has been held! Our Club has been represented by a varying number of members over the last four years.
This year Sue Ross, Ingrid Richards and myself, Carolyn Tuthill were once again ably driven to Gatwick by Tony Riches in his usual chauffeur’s cap where we met up with Bobby Newberry at check in before repairing to Café Rouge for a good breakfast as we knew that we would not eat again until much later that evening. We were joined by Sonia Lee and our virgin competitor, Bob Webster who admitted to being full of trepidation! Whether this was about the play or being accompanied by 5 women only he can tell!
On arrival at Montpellier we were met by our favourite driver’s dad who took us on to Valras via the local Hypermarket to buy essentials for our stay.
We were warmly greeted by John & Janet Price who run the event and our old friend Daniel who looks forward to our visit from one year to the next! John & Janet put on a sumptuous feast for us in the evening and outlined the events of the next ten days. We were very pleased to see lots of folks whom we had met on previous visits, some of them known to members of the Club as they play in Southern Region. The temperature was 29o which was a little warmer than the chilly 15o we had left at Gatwick!
Wed. 15th June: Bob joined Sonia & me for breakfast after which we walked to a nearby campsite with a larger shop to buy all the things we had forgotten in the Supermarket sweep the previous day. Bobby accompanied us and Sonia insisted she, Bobby, buy a sunhat as we were off to Portiragnes that afternoon where we were told there would be no shade. Back to the ranch for lunch before departing by coach for our many games in the sun, this time driven by Renaud who is our all time favourite driver! As always, we were warmly welcomed by the French with whom we played in triples for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. We then all congregated in the village hall where the Mayor was waiting to greet us! After the formalities and the obligatory singing of our National Anthems we enjoyed a very nice meal prepared for us by the locals. As the evening progressed things became a bit more riotous! A line of 10 or 12 men sat on the floor as if rowing a boat and invited anyone to be passed over their heads – it may come as no surprise to many of you when I tell you that one of the first volunteers was Sonia – what a scream – photo’s are available for all to see and can be purchased from the hon. Sec! The caption reads – “I’m Sonia – fly me”! She said she did it for the good of the Club!! (Ask Bobby to see the video footage on her camera!)
Thursday 16th June – Actually managed to drag ourselves off for a swim in the pool early this morning and whilst still attired in swim suits, walked to the beach and had another dip in the Med which was freezing! Stayed at the campsite for a Melee with the whole group plus a few other campers who joined in. Fed ourselves this evening with pizza from the restaurant and played rummy cub until 11.30pm
Friday 17th June – off to Valras Market this morning where we bought loads of fruit, salad, cheese etc. before having a drink in a local bar. This afternoon off to Serignan where we always have a good time. I was partnered with Bob and a Frenchman called H’ero! We played well together and actually managed to reach the semi finals of the Main Competition. As always, visits to the loo in this place are interesting. Two ladies with us for the first time, only just made it out of the nearest public loo before the Municipal Police came to lock it up! From then on it was a longer walk to the nearby park and a hole in the ground with footprints!
Dinner was finally served on tables on the piste – paella and lots of wine. This time Sonia posed for photos in a reclining position for Daniel who she is now convinced will have thousands of them on his walls. He called her a “peen-up” – as before copies can be obtained from the hon Sec!
Saturday 18th June – As was the case last year, over 100 people (including all of us) turned up to play in our melee. I was delighted to finish at least with a plus score, but none of us made it into the final. Ingrid was fannied but so far has not been awarded the dreaded “fanny” medal! Sonia had it the other day, but fortunately she was able to pass it on P.D.Q. Later we were joined by many of the locals who had taken part for a presentation dinner in the camp restaurant.
Sunday 19th June – Off this morning on a super double decker bus to Carcassonne. First calling a Bezier to marvel at the nine locks on the Canal du Midi. Ingrid & I were of the top deck in the front seat and thought that Renaud was going to have us in the Midi! But we need not have worried, his driving skills were as sharp as ever. Pity about his reading the fuel gauge skill! After a most interesting visit to this famous old city we were to meet up with Renaud at 3.30 to be taken to the village of Millais. However at the appointed hour Renaud came along most flustered and said he would have to go for fuel, his gauge appeared to be faulty. Trying to find a garage open that would accommodate his high vehicle proved quite difficult and it was almost 5pm when we left Carcassonne! However we still made it to the little village of Millais where we parked up and Renaud gave us an excellent potted history and guided us through the little town which is set high up in the hills between Carcassonne and Bezier. This resulted in us not returning to the campsite until 8.20pm where a BBQ had been arranged by our old friends Mike and Mary Shepherd From The Limes. We quickly got our meat out of the fridge and rushed down to get it on the BBQ before all the others! Our Turkey kebabs and sausages were expertly cooked for us by Rick, one of four men who came together from Shedfield for the first time, he just happened to be a chef – how good is that – and they were delicious! We had to leave Mary & Mike at 10pm in consideration of children asleep nearby – we can’t be trusted to be quiet! So retired to our Chalet and played rummy cub till almost midnight!
Monday 20th June – Up early again, we are usually on our “balaconny” by 7.30am taking a leisurely cup of tea before getting the coffee on for Bob! We had a date with Daniel at the bar at 11am when he was to show us a selection of photos which he has taken so far – he has promised to give me the memory stick so they can be seen on the blog - here we will have to trust Peter’s discretion! Daniel is a Frenchman who we first met when we went to BBC 11 – 4 years ago. He has been a good friend to us and it was he who presented us with the wooden boule plaque in the pub. He specially asked to be remembered to all who know him especially Benny & Margaretha.
This afternoon we are off to Lespignan – very exciting boule, triples - 2 of us plus 1 frenchman. Sonia, Derek (the Limes, I think!) and Roger, our Frenchman against Sue Ross, Jed, again from the Limes and un autre. Sue’s team were 9-0 up in the final when at last Sonia’s team gained a point and control of the coche – fortunes reversed and Sonia’s team won 13-9! We then all departed for our evening repast, again in the grounds of a derelict Manor House which we all covet! Unfortunately we were not the only ones having a feast and many folks were sporting insect bites next day, including yours truly! The presentation took place and Sonia came away with a large cup, which on closer inspection we found to be a rugby trophy! Oh, Bob was fannied and is now wearing the medal to prove it!!
Tuesday 21st June – Visited a local market this morning – not as big as Valras, so we couldn’t get lost. After lunch, Sonia & I teamed up for the doubles competition held at the campsite. Unfortunately, we were pooled with some good players and apart from a victory over Bob & Bobby (known as the Florins – 2Bob!) We didn’t do very well – not fannied though!! Ingrid & Sue, however, were top of their pool, but unfortunately they came up against the French couple who were the eventual winners. The presentation took place at the bar at 7.30pm where we were all given a free drink. Sonia & I entertained the others from ABC to our Camp speciality that evening – namely pizza from the bar followed by pairs rummy cub! A good time was had by all! I went to bed but Sonia & Sue went off to have a bop at the disco in the bar & came back just before a massive thunder storm broke – so they tell me, I heard nothing!
Wednesday 22nd June – Breakfasted inside today as it is raining with a few rumbles of thunder. We are hoping it will clear before we go off to play Valras – the local Club. Valras club now play at a campsite not too far from us, much better venue than last year. We played 4 games in mixed triples, most of us won 2 and lost 2 but Sonia, aka The Champion – won 3 and was then fannied! She is now sporting the fanny medal which she hopes to had on to someone playing in tomorrow’s singles competition. The weather has turned very stormy, we were lucky to play with no rain this afternoon and managed to eat outdoors later – a very nice meal with wine flowing as usual followed by dancing under the stars.
Thursday 23rd June – our last full day – another terrific storm overnight – fortunately the afternoon turned out beautiful. Bobby & I decided not to compete and instead went for a walk along the beach. Came back to find Sonia battling against a Frenchman in thje semi final which she was very unlucky to lost 11 – 13. The same Frenchman went on to beat his opponent in the final 13 – 2 ! So, well done Sonia! (She still has the fanny medal!)
Our last evening – a small reception held in the bar where John Price gave out lots of joke prizes to people who were singled out for special awards!! Including a giant dummy to Jim who had thrown a wobbly on one occasion! The reception was brought to an end by Jackie, who along with her husband, Danny, had written a brilliant ode picking out all the main events of our 10days and how the group had gelled together – she had everyone off to a tee. I hope to have a copy of this for future publication – so watch this space!
We ended our holiday with a meal together in the camp restaurant before retiring to bed and the packing!
Left Valras Plage at 1pm for our journey back to the airport. So sad to say goodbye to so many friends – we do not yet know if John Price will do it again next year. He always says this is the last one! Hopefully we will know later in July if he has decided. By the way, Sonia still has the fanny medal – she never did manage to pass it on!
Our flight was slightly late arriving at Gatwick and there was our trusty chauffeur waiting for us – we had expected a big banner with welcome home trusty boulists or something similar, but no and he wasn’t even wearing his cap!! Sue Ingrid & I went to ASK for a pasta meal to bring our holiday to an end.
ONCE AGAIN – WE HAD A BRILLIANT TIME!!!
Just read the definition of a ‘Blog’ as a diary of events which may be of interest to the reader!! So here goes!
This is a report on the recent visit to Valras Plage by six of our members to take part in the BBC 14 – that is ABC – 6 take on British Boule Challenge 14! (All that means is that it is the 14th year that this competition has been held! Our Club has been represented by a varying number of members over the last four years.
This year Sue Ross, Ingrid Richards and myself, Carolyn Tuthill were once again ably driven to Gatwick by Tony Riches in his usual chauffeur’s cap where we met up with Bobby Newberry at check in before repairing to Café Rouge for a good breakfast as we knew that we would not eat again until much later that evening. We were joined by Sonia Lee and our virgin competitor, Bob Webster who admitted to being full of trepidation! Whether this was about the play or being accompanied by 5 women only he can tell!
On arrival at Montpellier we were met by our favourite driver’s dad who took us on to Valras via the local Hypermarket to buy essentials for our stay.
We were warmly greeted by John & Janet Price who run the event and our old friend Daniel who looks forward to our visit from one year to the next! John & Janet put on a sumptuous feast for us in the evening and outlined the events of the next ten days. We were very pleased to see lots of folks whom we had met on previous visits, some of them known to members of the Club as they play in Southern Region. The temperature was 29o which was a little warmer than the chilly 15o we had left at Gatwick!
Wed. 15th June: Bob joined Sonia & me for breakfast after which we walked to a nearby campsite with a larger shop to buy all the things we had forgotten in the Supermarket sweep the previous day. Bobby accompanied us and Sonia insisted she, Bobby, buy a sunhat as we were off to Portiragnes that afternoon where we were told there would be no shade. Back to the ranch for lunch before departing by coach for our many games in the sun, this time driven by Renaud who is our all time favourite driver! As always, we were warmly welcomed by the French with whom we played in triples for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. We then all congregated in the village hall where the Mayor was waiting to greet us! After the formalities and the obligatory singing of our National Anthems we enjoyed a very nice meal prepared for us by the locals. As the evening progressed things became a bit more riotous! A line of 10 or 12 men sat on the floor as if rowing a boat and invited anyone to be passed over their heads – it may come as no surprise to many of you when I tell you that one of the first volunteers was Sonia – what a scream – photo’s are available for all to see and can be purchased from the hon. Sec! The caption reads – “I’m Sonia – fly me”! She said she did it for the good of the Club!! (Ask Bobby to see the video footage on her camera!)
Thursday 16th June – Actually managed to drag ourselves off for a swim in the pool early this morning and whilst still attired in swim suits, walked to the beach and had another dip in the Med which was freezing! Stayed at the campsite for a Melee with the whole group plus a few other campers who joined in. Fed ourselves this evening with pizza from the restaurant and played rummy cub until 11.30pm
Friday 17th June – off to Valras Market this morning where we bought loads of fruit, salad, cheese etc. before having a drink in a local bar. This afternoon off to Serignan where we always have a good time. I was partnered with Bob and a Frenchman called H’ero! We played well together and actually managed to reach the semi finals of the Main Competition. As always, visits to the loo in this place are interesting. Two ladies with us for the first time, only just made it out of the nearest public loo before the Municipal Police came to lock it up! From then on it was a longer walk to the nearby park and a hole in the ground with footprints!
Dinner was finally served on tables on the piste – paella and lots of wine. This time Sonia posed for photos in a reclining position for Daniel who she is now convinced will have thousands of them on his walls. He called her a “peen-up” – as before copies can be obtained from the hon Sec!
Saturday 18th June – As was the case last year, over 100 people (including all of us) turned up to play in our melee. I was delighted to finish at least with a plus score, but none of us made it into the final. Ingrid was fannied but so far has not been awarded the dreaded “fanny” medal! Sonia had it the other day, but fortunately she was able to pass it on P.D.Q. Later we were joined by many of the locals who had taken part for a presentation dinner in the camp restaurant.
Sunday 19th June – Off this morning on a super double decker bus to Carcassonne. First calling a Bezier to marvel at the nine locks on the Canal du Midi. Ingrid & I were of the top deck in the front seat and thought that Renaud was going to have us in the Midi! But we need not have worried, his driving skills were as sharp as ever. Pity about his reading the fuel gauge skill! After a most interesting visit to this famous old city we were to meet up with Renaud at 3.30 to be taken to the village of Millais. However at the appointed hour Renaud came along most flustered and said he would have to go for fuel, his gauge appeared to be faulty. Trying to find a garage open that would accommodate his high vehicle proved quite difficult and it was almost 5pm when we left Carcassonne! However we still made it to the little village of Millais where we parked up and Renaud gave us an excellent potted history and guided us through the little town which is set high up in the hills between Carcassonne and Bezier. This resulted in us not returning to the campsite until 8.20pm where a BBQ had been arranged by our old friends Mike and Mary Shepherd From The Limes. We quickly got our meat out of the fridge and rushed down to get it on the BBQ before all the others! Our Turkey kebabs and sausages were expertly cooked for us by Rick, one of four men who came together from Shedfield for the first time, he just happened to be a chef – how good is that – and they were delicious! We had to leave Mary & Mike at 10pm in consideration of children asleep nearby – we can’t be trusted to be quiet! So retired to our Chalet and played rummy cub till almost midnight!
Monday 20th June – Up early again, we are usually on our “balaconny” by 7.30am taking a leisurely cup of tea before getting the coffee on for Bob! We had a date with Daniel at the bar at 11am when he was to show us a selection of photos which he has taken so far – he has promised to give me the memory stick so they can be seen on the blog - here we will have to trust Peter’s discretion! Daniel is a Frenchman who we first met when we went to BBC 11 – 4 years ago. He has been a good friend to us and it was he who presented us with the wooden boule plaque in the pub. He specially asked to be remembered to all who know him especially Benny & Margaretha.
This afternoon we are off to Lespignan – very exciting boule, triples - 2 of us plus 1 frenchman. Sonia, Derek (the Limes, I think!) and Roger, our Frenchman against Sue Ross, Jed, again from the Limes and un autre. Sue’s team were 9-0 up in the final when at last Sonia’s team gained a point and control of the coche – fortunes reversed and Sonia’s team won 13-9! We then all departed for our evening repast, again in the grounds of a derelict Manor House which we all covet! Unfortunately we were not the only ones having a feast and many folks were sporting insect bites next day, including yours truly! The presentation took place and Sonia came away with a large cup, which on closer inspection we found to be a rugby trophy! Oh, Bob was fannied and is now wearing the medal to prove it!!
Tuesday 21st June – Visited a local market this morning – not as big as Valras, so we couldn’t get lost. After lunch, Sonia & I teamed up for the doubles competition held at the campsite. Unfortunately, we were pooled with some good players and apart from a victory over Bob & Bobby (known as the Florins – 2Bob!) We didn’t do very well – not fannied though!! Ingrid & Sue, however, were top of their pool, but unfortunately they came up against the French couple who were the eventual winners. The presentation took place at the bar at 7.30pm where we were all given a free drink. Sonia & I entertained the others from ABC to our Camp speciality that evening – namely pizza from the bar followed by pairs rummy cub! A good time was had by all! I went to bed but Sonia & Sue went off to have a bop at the disco in the bar & came back just before a massive thunder storm broke – so they tell me, I heard nothing!
Wednesday 22nd June – Breakfasted inside today as it is raining with a few rumbles of thunder. We are hoping it will clear before we go off to play Valras – the local Club. Valras club now play at a campsite not too far from us, much better venue than last year. We played 4 games in mixed triples, most of us won 2 and lost 2 but Sonia, aka The Champion – won 3 and was then fannied! She is now sporting the fanny medal which she hopes to had on to someone playing in tomorrow’s singles competition. The weather has turned very stormy, we were lucky to play with no rain this afternoon and managed to eat outdoors later – a very nice meal with wine flowing as usual followed by dancing under the stars.
Thursday 23rd June – our last full day – another terrific storm overnight – fortunately the afternoon turned out beautiful. Bobby & I decided not to compete and instead went for a walk along the beach. Came back to find Sonia battling against a Frenchman in thje semi final which she was very unlucky to lost 11 – 13. The same Frenchman went on to beat his opponent in the final 13 – 2 ! So, well done Sonia! (She still has the fanny medal!)
Our last evening – a small reception held in the bar where John Price gave out lots of joke prizes to people who were singled out for special awards!! Including a giant dummy to Jim who had thrown a wobbly on one occasion! The reception was brought to an end by Jackie, who along with her husband, Danny, had written a brilliant ode picking out all the main events of our 10days and how the group had gelled together – she had everyone off to a tee. I hope to have a copy of this for future publication – so watch this space!
We ended our holiday with a meal together in the camp restaurant before retiring to bed and the packing!
Left Valras Plage at 1pm for our journey back to the airport. So sad to say goodbye to so many friends – we do not yet know if John Price will do it again next year. He always says this is the last one! Hopefully we will know later in July if he has decided. By the way, Sonia still has the fanny medal – she never did manage to pass it on!
Our flight was slightly late arriving at Gatwick and there was our trusty chauffeur waiting for us – we had expected a big banner with welcome home trusty boulists or something similar, but no and he wasn’t even wearing his cap!! Sue Ingrid & I went to ASK for a pasta meal to bring our holiday to an end.
ONCE AGAIN – WE HAD A BRILLIANT TIME!!!
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