Pétanque, pronounced ‘Pay-tonk', is also known as boules. It is one of the most inclusive sports and can be played by practically everybody, of all ages and including people with reduced agility.
As with many sports clubs, some members will be competition minded and others will mostly play for social enjoyment. Pétanque Wallingford has a good balance of both, fielding teams in regional and national leagues while also catering for more relaxed play at regular club sessions and events.
Club sessions are held several times a week throughout the year. Members also organise games at times to suit themselves.
Club sessions take place all year round. Non-members are welcome: play & pay £4 a session. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the throw-in.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
Pétanque is a great way to socialise. We can organise special events for up to 48 players, supplying all the boules and other equipment required and necessary supervision. A minimum of 12 people is recommended. Drinks are available and food can be arranged from the Sports Park pavilion bar. Contact the Club Secretary for costs.
President - Adrian Aldred
Secretary - Sarah Massey
Treasurer - Pete Jones
Fixtures - Paul Hammond
Membership - Val Smith
Social - Debbie Hammond
Pétanque Wallingford (PW) was established in 2010 by a group of enthusiastic players, Thérèse, Gerry and Loren. The Club initially played on the Wallingford Sports Park car park together with sessions at Aston Tirrold recreation ground and The Bear at North Morton. Early activities included informal games and small competitions, which quickly gathered interest and participation.
In 2013 PW became a constituent member of the Wallingford Sports Trust, joining at the time the six other sports clubs at the Sports Park. Wallingford Sports Trust is a charitable organisation which manages the Sports Park. PW is affiliated to Pétanque England, the sports national governing body and is in the Thames Valley Pétanque Association along with six other pétanque clubs.
The eight piste terrain was constructed in 2014, quickly followed by the floodlights and perimeter fencing. This work was wholly financed by members with fundraising, donations and members taking out longterm subscriptions. In 2017 a further three piste terrain was added together with a shelter and storage facilities. These additions were funded with grants from Sport England, Wallingford Town Council, Tesco and Waitrose.
PW enter two teams, the Red Herrings and the Red Kites in the Thames Valley Weekend League and one team, the Wombats in the Thames Valley Midweek League. For a period a second team, the Wildcats was entered in the Thames Valley Midweek League. PW also enters the annual Pétanque England Eurocup competition, reaching the semi finals in 2022. The Eurocup is a national club competition with the winners representing England in Europe and this year PW hosted the semi final competition. Recently the Wombats won the 2023 Midweek League with the Red Herrings and Red Kites coming second and third in the 2023 Weekend League. Several members have played at Regional and National level.
Whilst PW does well in competitions the core membership is social. Members play two or three games during the various weekly club sessions with some entering club competitions. There is a full programme of club mêlées, singles, doubles and triple competitions together with social events. Along with the social aspect for members PW promotes the sport of pétanque with community involvement with local organisations and groups including Newbury Phoenix Rotary Club, U3A, Henley Falaise Town Twining, Full Circle Kids Camp and French Beanies after school club.
One of our members, Mike Marshall was instrumental in organising a GB & NI pétanque team for the World Transplant Games in 2013 and captained the team on several occasions at both the World and the European games. The games are held every two years and PW has provided coaching / training sessions before the events.
Pétanque is one of the most inclusive sports and PW strives to provide a welcoming environment where players of all ages and skill levels can come together to enjoy this unique and strategic sport.
August 2024
Membership
The annual subscription is £60.00 payable 1st January
Categories
Adult: £60
Junior (up to 18 years old): £5
Adult plus Family Junior: £60
Payment
Cash or cheque
BACS payment
pay to: Pétanque Wallingford
sort code: 30-99-03
account number: 21348260
reference: membership
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
