KENT PETANQUE ASSOCIATION

ISSUE No.63 SEPTEMBER 2011

All roads, and petanque players lead west for the an- PONTINSPONTINS————BREANBREAN SANDS nual Inter-regional Championships at Pontins Brean 2011, SOMEWHERE AT THE Sands Somerset, the weekend of 17/18th Septem- END OF THE RAINBOW ber. The ownership of Pontins Brean Sands has changed hands and is under new management, not that you would know, because the new owners have kept all the old atmosphere of Pontins including fun, posters and markings. So….nothing has changed. For those readers without knowledge of this annual petanque knees-up, an explanation. Throughout the sum- mer all Regions/Counties of England run qualifying tri- ples competitions to establish their top teams to repre- sent the Regions at the National Regionals Competition. The weekend of competition is grouped into the follow- ing six separate competitions, all triples matches…… - Championship Division 1—Championship Division 1 Jun- iors—Championship Division 2—Championship Division 2 Juniors—Challenge Cup Division 1—Challenge Cup Divi- sion 2. Kent Teams faired as follows for this year…. Kent 1 finished 4th in the Championship Div.1 Kent Juniors finished 7th in Champ. Div.1 Juniors Kent finished 1st in Challenge Cup Division 1 In a field near bye, gives some indication of the weather for the Brean weekend. Kent 2 were the top team of Challenge Cup Div 1 Nice sheep. Kent 5 were the best team of Championship Div. 1

Top team in Division 1 of the “CHALLENGE COMPETITION” with most wins and points Kent Team ALAN CREGEEN, BRIAN KING, MICHELLE CREGEEN And RICHARD KING KPA GAZETTE Page 1

The Kent Team coming top of Division 1 of the Challenge Competition - Back Row L to R—Alan Cregeen, Brian King, Mags Yates, Trevor Gordon, Mike Capelin, Peter Isles and Charlie Shrimpton—Middle Row L to R—Michelle Cregeen, Diane Bryant, Joyce Nash, Irene Gibbs, Debbie Capelin, and Diane Isles—Front Row L to R— Martin Edwards, Mark Cooter and Richard King There were around 600 players from around England and Wales taking part in the Na- tional Regional Triples Finals. Kent will normally have just over 30 teams from clubs around Kent playing in 5 Regional Triples Qualifiers to establish which teams will represent Kent at Brean Sands. This year the qualifying competitions were held at Tovil Workingmen’s Club, Star Meadow Sports and Social Club, Lordswood Sports Club and two competitions at Hartley Country Club. So the big weekend arrives with most of the Kent players driving down to Somerset in time the quench their thirst from the four hour drive with a jolly good drink on the Fri- day night. The Kent Teams were managed by CORINNE COOTER for the main Kent Team, MARK COOTER managed the Challenge Cup Team and JENNIFER COOTER managed the Juniors. On the Saturday the games started at 8:30 am with all the teams playing seven games, and the last game of one match finishing in the dark at around 8:30 in the evening by the light of mobile phones. Sunday was a bit more leisurely with five games starting at 9 am and finishing around 5:30. It is very impressive to witness 600 players all playing to- gether, all playing in team strip. The weekend is expertly managed by the E.P.A., Mike Pegg and his helpers, including a group from the Isle of Wight who helped layout the terrain. The umpires were Tim Black- moor, John Thatcher and Bob Parker. The overall winners of the Main Competition was the Chiltern Region.

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From the Lordswood Club—Peter and Diane Isles

Some of the Kent youngsters—Alex Spillet—Jake Mannering—Ben Thompson—Josh Littley and Sam Littley, now a lady

Looking worried—Fay Golding and Neil Phillips of the Tovil Club

From Hartley Country Club—Mags Yates, Irene Gibbs and Joyce Nash

Dave Hurren from Meadow P.C and Simon Mannering and Ben Thompson Tovil P.C. and Jake Mannering from Matt Horrigan from Lordswood P.C. Lordswood P.C.

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Kevin Spillet and Dave Lavelle from Alex Spillet from Meadow P.C. and Jake Colin Senneck and Peter Bryant from Meadow P.C.. Mannering from Lordswood P.C. Hartley Country Club P.C.

Was it him...or was it not him. Was it BRIAN STOTE appearing on the “BBC Antiques Road Show” on Sunday night 25th September at Charlecote Warwickshire…...wearing an old BPA black sweat shirt that was worth a lot more cash apparently than the antique Royale boxed tea cup that he proudly presented to the antique expert. The tea cup was an excellent antique with a picture in the bottom, and a very nice box with original wrappings, valued at the measly sum of £40…...must be worth more than that ?As well as being an antique cup holder…...Brian is the Chairman of the EPA Coaching Commission.

Bits of a story coming together, not 100% sure of the facts. Recently there was a friendly Petanque match at the Walnut Tree Maid- stone, between a Maidstone Rotarians Team and a Walnut Tree Team. Playing was the Mayor of Maidstone, Brian Mortimer, ex-petanque player associated with Maidstone Clubs and the original Maidstone Winter League, and along with his father, were both one time active members of the S.E.Region, including being founding members of a number of Clubs. Also….It is proposed that the Summer League and the KP.A. combine for a common Annual General Meeting…..and the Mayor of Maidstone, Brian Mortimer might be asked to pre- sent the Trophies.

Don’t be disappointed...enrol to play in the Kent Classic at Lordswood Sports & Social Club Sunday 23 October. An excellent International competition for all standards of play...should not be missed. See the KPA web-site for pre-registration details.

Heard that the recent competition at Nord Maritime was a success. If you attended and would care to provide a few notes, and maybe a couple of snaps...the Gazette would take pleasure in publication. KPA GAZETTE Page 4

According to eagle eyes Jack Milner, and his trawling round the net…..a Kent success story of April this year has gone unreported in the UK, namely the “Jersey Open” of April this year. The winners of the main event were PAUL COLLINS and JACKIE SELLING of Tovil P.C. and JOHN HINES also of Tovil P.C. was one of the winners of the “Men’s Melee”. A belated well done to the Tovil trio.

A select band of players, making just seven triples teams, turned out in the sunshine for the annual Courage Cup Triples competition at Seal’s Under River club at The White Rock on Sunday 11 th September. Fears about the tail end of Hurricane Katya came to nothing and all had a great day and a good competition. Even the White Rock’s land- lord, Frank Scott, played in his first open competition and showed promise making it into the semi-final with Seal’s Howard Sandom and Michael Webster. Eventual finalists Bob Gaywood, Martin Eggleton and Jean-Louis Guiot from Hartley won a close fought match to beat Chris Watkins, Gary Atkinson and Dave Chalkly from Lords- wood. Dave Martin, Chairman of Seal PC , said “ We were rather disappointed with the low turn- out but those who came all said they had a great day and enjoy coming The White Rock. Next year we’ll see whether we can hold the Courage Cup earlier in the season to encour- age more entries to this long standing event which dates back to 1977.” REPORT BY HOWARD SANDOM

Mike Pegg convened a meeting at Brean Sands for all the Regional Presidents who were on site. Second and third hand info suggests…...that the meeting was held to inform of a proposal from a reputable holiday tour company (with Petanque experience) to organ- ise next years Regional Triples at another site other than Pontins Brean Sands. The pro- posed new venue will be at Mill-Rythe Hayling Island ( see http://www. mill-rythe.com). The event would be over a weekend “inclusive” of breakfasts and evening meals and eve- ning entertainment. Accommodation would be an option of 4 and 6 birth chalets with a nearby overflow caravan site also available. The location and size of the petanque playing area is not yet known. The “base” cost for the weekend will be around £130 per person, however “actual” costs will be different for the Regions dependent on the amount of subsidies. As a comparison, for Kent players at Brean Sands….. they are subsidised to the value of around £35 per player which covers accommodation only, players then buy all food and drink. Other Re- gions are not subsidised. The proposal is for the event to take place at a similar time of the year. In time….opinions of the Kent players will be sought by the KPA, at which time the exact details of the proposal will be clarified. At this stage…...there would appear to be advantages and disadvantages for both options.

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At Lordswood Sports & Social Club on a nice early autumn day, play- ing under the trees with Lordswood’s own micro-climate. Mick Weston and Eric Hat- field and their helpers had put in some early morning work to pro- vide the very good petanque venue that we have now come to expect. Ryan Rudden manned the bar-b-que with some “buttie” supervision from Mick. This annual competition is intended for those players who entered the Regional Triples Qualifiers but who failed to qualify to play at the National Championships at Brean Sands. This year an invi- tation was also given to players who represented Kent at Nord Maritime. Even so there were only eleven teams in the competition, a competition that has free entry with a top prize of £150, apart from which…...always a good friendly day of petanque. There were also prizes of wine and wine gums for most of those tak- ing part. The Winners were….. Ken Potter, Barbara Potter (Both Hartley P.C.) and Mark Denis (Lordswood P.C.) who beat the team of Jes Paine, Mark Poulson and Nick East ( all Bat & Ball P.C.) ...score 13—4.

The Plate Winners were…. Mike Sharratt, Barbara Sharratt and Tony Bouch who beat Mick Weston, Eric Hatfield and Toby Robinson…...score 13—3. Pictures by JACK MILNER

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The Meadows Doubles competition took place on Sunday 28th August. The turn-out of 24 teams was good given that it was a bank holiday weekend with a changeable weather forecast. In addition to teams from across the South of England, the hosts also welcomed some of their friends from the Boule Hedebo Club from Denmark who were hoping to retain the title they won last year. After the morning leagues, 16 teams were taken through to the main knockout competition with the remaining 8 teams go- ing into a separate plate competition. At the semi-final stage the “Rejects” team of Dave Hurren and Matt Horrigan ( clubs Meadow and Lordswood) beat the favourites Morten and Christian (Denmark 1). The other semi was an all Meadow PC affair with Max Boyce and Rowland Jones recording their third “fanny” of the afternoon over Kevin Spillet and Greg Davenport. The final was an anti-climax for Max and Rowland as they ALEX TURNER an up and coming failed to get into the game which Dave and Matt won to take young player of MEADOW P.C.. the top cash prize and the title. In the plate final Meadow’s, Corinne Cooter and Trevor Gordon beat the local Star Meadow team of Peter O’Sullivan and Paul Reilly. R E S U L T S. Main Comp. Winners —Dave Hurren & Matt Horrigan Meadow/Lordswood Runners-Up - Max Boyce & Rowland Jones both Meadow PC Losing Semifinalists —Christian and Morten both Denmark Kevin Spillet and Greg Davenport—both Meadow Losing Quarter Finalists —Alex Bruce and Chris Watkins Northwood/Lordswood Barry Wing & Lee Jamieson - both Lordswood John Suguato & Dave Turner both Meadow Jennifer Cooter and Mike Tull Meadow/Bordon Plate Winners—Corinne Cooter and Trevor Gordon Both Meadow Plate Runners-Up —Peter O.Sullivan and Paul Reilly Both Star Meadow

Report by MARK COOTER photos by JACK MILNER JENNIFER COOTER of Meadow P.C .

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More photos by JACK MILNER of players at the STAR MEADOWS SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB.

LEE JAMIESON— The boys from Denmark—Sune, Morten, Christian and MATT HORRIGAN Lordswood another Morten Lordswood

A disappointing turnout of 8 teams – there was a big money competition in Croydon – didn’t dampen the fun at Tovil. There were teams from Hartley, Tovil, Har- riers and Meadow. Because of holidays the barbecue brigade weren’t there but Fay Golder ensured we were all well fed by taking a quick trip to the nearby Tesco for sandwich material! There was some excel- lent pétanque but the overwhelming attribute was the great friendly spirit throughout the competition and the sheer sense of fun.The competition was organised into 2 leagues of 4 then into a Cup league and a Plate league ensuring everyone involved played 6 games. The initial leagues were closely fought with several losers gaining double figure scores but eventually the “BELIEVE-IT-OR-NOT” Nikki Smith Cup League comprised Believe it or not (Hartley), Ca- Mick Jennings & Ann Jennings Hartley PC naries (Tovil), Old Gits (Tovil) and What you Like (Meadow) leaving Rainbow (Hartley), Angel’s Delight (Hartley), Young Ones (Tovil) and Harriers (Tovil) in the Plate. Harriers won all 3 games to win the plate and Rainbow took runners-up with 2 wins. The competition was won by Believe it or Not after winning all their games and the runners-up were Canaries with 2 wins. Many thanks to all who took part. Report by JOHN MIDDLETON KPA GAZETTE Page 8

Held at Tovil Workingmen’s Club. Despite almost clashing with the Nord Maritine event, which was held the day before in Dunkerque, 15 teams turned up to play in the Harriers competition. The weather was warm and sunny which made the day’s play even more enjoy- able. The main competition final was contested between Chris Watkins (Lordswood PC) and Gary Atkinson (George PC) playing as “George Wood”, and Phil Killick and Michael Gear (Harriers PC) playing with the team name “On The Piste”. Although not quite a whitewash, Michael and Phil managed to win two ends, but eventually Chris and Gary won the match 13-2. The plate competition was played be- tween Martin Gordon (Crowborough PC) and Nigel Sibbring (Hand Cross PC) playing with team name of “Hand Crow” and Peter West and Bob Philpot (Share & Coulter PC).Martin and Nigel won the match 13-3. Clubs represented were, Tovil PC— Crown PC—White House PC—Croydon PC—Lordswood PC—George PC—Hartley Country Club PC—Hand Cross PC— Crowborough PC—Brighton PC and Harriers PC. WINNERS OF THE RICARD CUP—GARY ATKINSON The prizes were presented by Michael and CHRIS WATKINS…..presentation by Maureen Milner

Gear ( Chairman of Harriers PC ) and Maureen Milner. Cash prizes were given to the winners, runners-up and losing semi-finalists in the Main com- petition and wine prizes were pre- sented to the winners of the Plate competi- tion. A good time was had by all. Report and pictures by Denise Williams RICARD CUP PLATE WINNERS—MARTIN GORDON and NIGEL SIBBRING RICARD CUP RUNNERS-UP—PHIL KILLICK MICHAEL GEAR is in orange. and MAUREEN MILNER KPA GAZETTE Page 9

An excellent turnout of 19 teams from across Kent and farther afield participated in the Share & Coulter Open Doubles on August 21st, in excellent weather and good playing conditions. Lee and Angie Jamieson were the eventual winners, beating the home pairing of Les Taylor and Alan Martin having previously dis- posed of Rowland Jones and Max Boyce (Meadow PC ) in an earlier round. Losing semi- finalists were Mo Milner (Beauty of Bath PC) and Mike Hoyle (Tovil PC) and Chris Watkins (Lordswood PC) and Gary Atkinson (George PC). This was a good day for Mo Milner who has not played in an open competition for 15 years. Mo’s early playing career in open competitions was marked by being eliminated in the af- ternoon plate knock-out competition and an early drive home, so a very successful Share & Coulter competition in not only reaching the Main competition stage, but also to reach the semi-finals. Mo and her partner Mike Hoyle played well all day.

Peter West presenting the prize for the Main Alan Martin the event organiser presents the Main Winners prize money Event Runners-up, Les Taylor and Alan Martin to Angie and Lee Jamieson of Lordswood P.C. both from the Share & Coulter P.C.

Alan Martin presents the prize money to the Plate Winners, Mike and Debbie Capelin from the Lordswood P.C. Losing semi-finalists of the Main event, Mick Hoyle and Mo Milner both of the REPORT BY ROB SHERIDAN & JACK MILNER Beauty of Bath P.C. PICTURES BY JACK MILNER KPA GAZETTE Page 10

AS A GENERAL RULE….FOR ALL OPEN COMPETITIONS… DO NOT BRING, AND CONSUME YOUR OWN FOOD AND DRINK…. PLEASE PURCHASE AT THE VENUE.

THE CHAIRMAN’S CUP - SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER LORDSWOOD SPORTS CLUB—NORTH DANE WAY—ME15 6QS A Triples Competition for all teams that played in one or more Regional Triples Qualifying Rounds but did not qualify to represent the KPA at Brean Sands this year. Free entry into the competition—with generous cash prizes—starts at 10am

SUNDAY 25th SEPTEMBER EPA OVER 50’S DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP K.P.A. DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY 2nd October at Brighton & Hove P.C. Tovil Workingmen’s Club Peace Statue Terrain—Kingsway—Brighton ME15 6QS BN1 2PX - opposite Embassy Court Starts at 10 am Registration 8:45 to 9:15

SUNDAY 2nd OCTOBER SUNDAY 9th OCTOBER The COMPAID DOUBLES HARTLEY COUNTRY CLUB Crowborough Petanque Club OPEN DOUBLES Goldsmiths Leisure Centre H.C.C. Culvey Close—Hartley—DA3 8BS Eridge Road—Crowborough TN6 2TN Starts at 10am Starts at 10am

KENT OPEN CLASSIC SUNDAY 30th OCTOBER SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER ICICLE DOUBLES LORDSWOOD SPORTS CLUB Lordswood Sports Club DANE WAY—CHATHAM ME5 8YE Dane Way—Chatham ME5 8YE Starts at 10 am See the KPA web-site for registration

ANDY PUCKNELL and NOBBY HURREN both long time members of the Harriers P.C. Andy has been in and out of hospital since last March with lung problems which have now been resolved but followed on to some heart problems resulting in an operation a couple of weeks ago to install a stent. Nobby has not been in the best of health for quite a while now, but has his good days. All the best from Kent petanque players.

Mike Pegg announced at Brean Sands that there will be International Representation of “Oldies” next year. A series of qualifying rounds by the EPA followed by English representation in International Competitions. Details will follow.

Mark Cooter—Denise Williams—John Middleton— Jack Milner—Howard Sandom—Rob Sheridan for providing information and reports for this months Gazette

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The KENT PETANQUE GAZETTE is edited by RON YATES. Any item of news for inclusion in future editions should be sent to e-mail [email protected] 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 & O E

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