Bourne Abbots Petanque Club

In the far corner of the Abbey Lawn, near to the eastern entrance, is a relatively new sport for this part of South Lincolnshire. An enclosed court has been established for petanque, a French game that has gained popularity since the town became twinned with Doudeville in Normandy in October 1989.

Petanque is a form of boules and involves standing inside a starting circle with both feet on the ground then throwing hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet or jack. The game is normally played on hard dirt or gravel, but can also be played on grass, sand or other surfaces.

The current form of the game originated in 1907 at Provence in southern France and the name petanque comes from a local dialect word meaning "feet anchored" and is now played by 17 million people in France, mostly during their summer vacations although it has also spread around the world.

The Bourne club was formed June 1986 and by 2005 there were 44 members, playing winter and summer at the Abbey Lawn. New members are always welcome and the club invites anyone to "Come and try it for free. No obligation to join."

It also advises that the game is suitable for everyone of all ages because there is no need to be fully fit, coaching is provided, the whole family can join in, it is a fun and social sport and a very cheap outdoor activity.

The club holds sessions at 2 pm on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons although special private sessions can be arranged.

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