About the Club
The Jersey Petanque Club
The history of the Jersey Petanque Club has its origins in friendly games of boules on St. Ouen’s beach, progressing to more challenging encounters on campsites in France and culminated in regular gatherings of enthusiasts at the Old Portelet Inn before the club was eventually established in April 1986.
Four local residents had first proposed the idea for a club in Jersey and through the columns of the local Jersey Evening Post, they encouraged others to join them. A feature item in September 1985 attracted more than 30 like-minded novices to the game and great progress was made in this first season.
A further invitation appeared in the Jersey Evening Post in April 1986 and this swelled the numbers of regular players to around 60 and effectively established the Jersey Petanque Club as a viable new sporting facility in the island. Indeed, as early as June of that year the club hosted its first international petanque competition as part of the new Festival France-Jersey.
The first annual general meeting of the Jersey Petanque Club was held in October 1986 when the late Gerald Durrell kindly accepted an invitation to become the first Honorary President of the club; Tony Allchurch was elected as the first Chairman with Derek Hart as Club Captain. The petanque weekends with Coutances had proved to be a great success and they would become an annual fixture. It was at this early stage that a Jersey Open Competition was given consideration.
In 1995, the club’s terrains and clubhouse were officially opened, which gave the JPC a purpose built facility which is the envy of many UK and overseas club. In 2003 the clubhouse was extended and is used regularly for club events, competitions and social events.
The Club has negotiated a very successful sponsorship deal with Professional Business Systems CI Ltd who is continuing their support of the club for a three year period. This support is invaluable, allowing the club to undertake regular competitions and build up a supply of boules and other equipment.
There are two other clubs on the Island; a club in Guernsey and of course numerous clubs throughout the world.
Competitions
The club run a number of competitions throughout the year, ranging from singles, doubles and triples. Both mixed and men’s and ladies’ competitions are held. An ‘Invitation Doubles’ competition is also held which is open to non-members interested in playing the game and possible joining the club. Regular sessions are held each Wednesday afternoon which are non-competitive and are open to non-members to try their hand at the game. Competitions are usually held on Sundays with additional playing nights once a month on a Tuesday. Summer ‘Invitation Days’ were held in 2004 on the first Saturday in the month, over five months where tuition has been given and boules are available for those trying the game. These will probably be repeated in future years.
The highlight of the Club’s year is the PBS Open Doubles Competition which has been held annually since 1988. This competition regularly attracts a large entry from the UK as well as France and Guernsey and is held over the first weekend in May. In 2004, a record number of 96 teams took part with over 200 competing in the ‘Melee’ on the Sunday.
Members of the club participate in summer and winter leagues, in which teams of up to eight compete in a league which includes players from the other Island clubs. This is a successful addition to the club calendar, ensuring that the “friendly rivalry” between the clubs is maintained all year round.
Members from the club regularly take part in the Guernsey Open competition and also form part of the team for the Annual Inter-Insular match.
The Club has very little in the way of rules other than “The Rules of Petanque” (see ABOUT THE GAME for an abridged list). Bad language is not tolerated and smoking is not permitted in the Clubhouse or on the terrains.
Social Events
The Club holds a number of social events such as BBQs and during the winter, a series of soup nights. These consist of games of Petanque followed by bread and soup or bean crock for which a small charge is made. (Yes, our terrains are floodlit!) In addition, there is an annual Dinner which is held each November.
Another important event in the club’s calendar is the annual hosting of players from Coutances and the return trip made by the Jersey club to their French compatriots. In both cases the occasion is one in which a full weekend of social events is interspersed with some games of Petanque!
Getting Started
The Club invites prospective members to play over three or four sessions before deciding if they really like the game (and the Club). During that time, there is no charge and the Club has boules of various sizes and weights that can be used.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Club and playing Petanque, you can talk to any one of the Council members who will be able to tell you more (see CONTACT US). Non-competitive games are held every Wednesday afternoon at the Club’s terrains from 2 pm and anyone is welcome to turn up and try their hand at the game.