A much cooler day today and the weather not promising but we still had two teams of four on the pitch to play.    Ladies kicked off the first end and lost to the Gents by 2 points but equalised on the next before conceding a further 2 points on the third.    Over the following five ends Ladies regained a further five points whilst the Gents only managed one.    There was a moment when 7 or 8 boules were huddled around the jack making it quite difficult to discern whose boule was the closer. 

The Gents then galloped ahead with a 2 and a 2 and then a 3 which meant they only needed 1 more to win but were thwarted by Ladies scoring a further 2 bring their total to 9.    But it was the next end that made the Gents the overall winners.    Good game, good game!

We play again at 10.15am on Monday 28th September on the pitch behind the library.      Come along and join in.  It makes for a very lighthearted hour or so.          Ken

 Eight couples appeared on the petanque pitch this morning so that made it easy to divide into our usual teams of Ladies and Gents.   

Ladies pitched first but it was the Gents who took the first three ends but only by a single point on each.    The Ladies then retaliated with a point but the gents ploughed on scoring a one, a one and a three before their opponents gained a further point.

Gents then excelled themselves with a four bringing their score to twelve and needing one more point to win the game which they managed to score on the next end.     

Hard luck Ladies though there were moments when I thought they would break through.    Our next game was due on Bank Holiday Monday but most of us are otherwise engaged and so rescheduled for 14th September.    I can’t believe that September is only a fortnight away.

Not many weeks to go now until the end of our season so if you’re tempted to give it a go this year come and muck in then.    It’s a lighthearted morning.   

Ken

 We met this morning for our regular fortnightly game of boules  and the six of us divided into two teams.  The Ladies began  and were totally on form and took 9 points over the first seven ends against the Gents measly 3. 

However, the game was turned on its head completely as over the following 7 ends the Gents took their score to 14 whilst the Ladies gained no more.    Well done, Gents, we didn’t expect that.    Another enjoyable morning had by all.  There will be NO GAME in a fortnight as most of us who play will be on a coach travelling to Weymouth.    I will put out some reminders before the next one is due. 

Ken

 Monday 22nd June. 

Scorching weather but 8 members turned up this morning willing to play though one did remark that we may need oven gloves to handle the boules.

Anyway we started on time and the Gents took a point on the first end but the Ladies were on form with a score of 4 on the next one.  Points were scored fairly evenly over the following eight ends when scores stood at 9 points to 8 in Gents’ favour - so all to play for. 

Ladies then whipped in with a 2 but the Gents managed a 3 and then a 2 taking them over the winning score of 13.   

Well done Gents.

We are scheduled to play next on the 6th July at 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.    Christine and I will be on holiday but do come along then and you’ll be made welcome.      Ken.

 The sun shone and shone and I really wasn’t expecting anyone to turn up but I was pleasantly surprised when 7 of us appeared this morning to play.    One decided it was too hot to venture out of the shade and acted as scorer. 

So 3 couples, 2 teams and we were off with Ladies taking the first point.      Gents came back with 3 and then 1 point.  Ladies were certainly the stronger team over the next 4 ends adding 8 to their score but Gents then retaliated with 2 and a 1.  But it was their rivals who then managed a fantastic 4 to reach the winning score of 13.

Once again, fun, a lot of chatter and laughter and we all vowed to return in a fortnight (8th June) at 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.      See you there.  You’re all welcome. 

That’s all folks,    Ken. 

 Monday 11th May:    6 players today, three of each gender and the Ladies kicked off scoring 1 point in each of the first 3 ends.    The Gents retaliated with 2 points but the Ladies were back on form with a 1 and then a magnificent 5 points.  Over the last 6 ends the Ladies managed a further 5 point to the Gents 7.   

So, many congratulations to the Ladies who won by 14 points to 9. 

We next play on the Bank Holiday Monday at 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.    If you’re free for a morning’s fun why not join us.    We’d love to see you there.    If not, enjoy the Bank Holiday however you choose to spend it.   

Ken

 Bright sunshine shone on eight members this morning and with one male adopted by the Ladies as an honorary lady they kicked off the first end but it was the first boule pitched by the Gents that largely remained closer to the jack throughout that helped them win by 3 points.    The second end was, again, taken by them with 2 points.   

 End No. 3 was a comeback for the Ladies who won with a single point.  The following end began under a few light spots of rain and the Gents grabbed a further 3 points.  The precipitation increased during end 5  so much so that it seemed prudent to abandon the game after the ladies gained another point and we all made a run for shelter.

This was only the second time that we’ve had to abandon due to weather conditions though last year it was because of heat.    Despite feeling a bit damp we had enjoyed ourselves and look forward to the next meet on Monday 27th April at 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.    Why not come along and have a go?

 Ken

 A sunny but breezy morning (30th) but the six of us who showed eagerness to play boules were reasonably sheltered between the library and the hedges that surround the pitch.  Two teams - Ladies and Gents - and the Ladies commenced the first end but lost it with 4 points to the Gents.  The next 4 ends were also won by the Gents improving their score with a further total of 7 points.      There were some pretty close calls on the way with only fractions of inches between opposing boules at time.   

On the 7th end the Ladies succeeded gaining their first point but the Gents then scored a further 2 giving them the winning score of 13.

Time for another game when the Ladies found their scoring method but over 11 ends couldn’t prevent the Gent’s  overall win and we finished with a score of Ladies 7 to the Gents 15.    But it’s a game, only a game and a game of fun and laughs so why not join us in two weeks time (13th) at 10.15am  when again we play on the pitch behind the library.  All welcome including walking sticks and any other aids.  If you can throw a boule, you’re in!

In the meantime enjoy your Easter, whether on your own or with family and friends and I’ll see some of you at next week’s luncheon gathering.

Ken

 A dry but chilly morning saw six member couples  arrive at the boules pitch today so an easy division of teams.

Ladies kicked off the first end conceding 3 points to the gents but they must have eaten two Weetabix each for breakfast as they romped  through the next four ends to gain the required thirteen points to win (including a magnificent 6) much to the exasperation of their opponents.  Scores Gents 3, Ladies 13. 

The game having only lasted about 20 minutes another game was on the cards and the ladies - being the current champions - started end one but lost it and the next by 2 points each but won the third with a single. 

Gents then reached their stride and retaliated with a 4, two 1s and a 2.    The ladies came back with a 3 and a 1 but then lost the last end by a single point.  Scores 13 to  5 in favour of the Gents.    A satisfactory ending. 

There’s another opportunity to play  this month at 10.15am on the 30th on the pitch behind the library.      Do join us for a laugh or two.      Ken. 

 What a remarkably sunny morning I woke to today after yesterday’s bit of a washout.     It was ideal weather in which to play our first game of 2026.    Five members came together at the boules pitch to start off our new season.     The playing area was in pretty good shape considering that I doubt anyone had touched it since last November

However we were two gents and three ladies and that’s how we divided into teams with the ladies kicking of the first end  which they lost to the gents by two points.    Repeated in the second end and by 1point in the third but, undaunted, they grabbed a point on the next.    End five scored 2 for the gents but their opponents took a 1 in the following end.   

Ends 7& 8 scored 1 and 2 points to gents and ladies respectively before the ladies equalised the scores with a magnificent 4 points.      But that was their high spot as the gents finished the final three ends with 1, 3 and another 1  to reach the winning score of 13.  

Thanks to those who joined in today and I’m sure we’ll see more of you as the weather improves further    So mark your diaries for 16th March at 10.15am  and be on the pitch behind the library then.   

 It may have been bitterly cold last week but Monday (24th) dawned with a lot of welcome sunshine so although only two pairs of members arrived at the boules pitch it was enough to make a game worthwhile.   

So it was Farleighs -v- Benfields and Farleighs kicked off but it was the Benfields who dominated the early ends and by the 5th one they lead by 1point to 6 though several close calls had to be carefully measured.   

Continuing the game the Farleighs gradually recovered to reach 5 points to 6 before the Benfields bounced ahead with another point but it proved to be their last as their opponents steadily gained the necessary points to reach the magic 13. 

Handshakes all round and we look forward  to the 2026 season probably starting on the first Monday in March.      Thanks to all who joined in this year and hope that they and more will appear then. 

In the meantime you’re wished a Happy Christmas, Happy New Year and Valentine’s Day.

Ken

who dominated

 Bright sunshine greeted us this morning (27th) when 8 members came together for the last boules game of the season.    Easily dividing into teams of Ladies and Gents we were soon into play.   

Gents won the first two ends with a 2 and a 1 and feeling a bit smug but the Ladies came back extremely strongly by scoring 10 more points over the next four.

The Gents then managed 2 more points but then their luck ran out as the Ladies finished the last 3 ends by adding a further 4.      Final score Ladies 14, Gents 5.      Many congratulations Ladies - a fitting final. 

The weather being so unpredictable we may try to play again in two weeks (10th Nov).    If it seems feasible I’ll remind members during the week before.

Thanks to everyone who has joined in this year: it’s been a lot of fun.    Ken

 A not too promising start to the weather this morning but it didn’t stop 12 members appearing on the pitch eager to play,  An equal number by gender which made the teams easy to sort out 

Gents won the “toss” and started play and it seemed that the sun miraculously appeared and put fire into the ladies’ team which won the end with the first point.

Alas, it was not to continue as, despite some very close calls at times, it was the Gents’ team that managed to come out on top over the next nine ends finishing 1 point to 16.

Not disheartened, the Ladies have a further chance to wipe the floor with their opponents when we next play at 10.15am on 27th  October on the pitch behind the library.    Come on,  ladies you know you can do it.    Depending on the weather conditions it could be the final game of the season so what a great ending that would be.  There is an interest in continuing play into November, if possible.   

Ken. 

 sunny morning today which brought out all the fair weather players but that was good.

9 eager members divided into two teams, 4 for the Gents (including one honorary male) and 5 Ladies with the latter kicking off with one point on each of the first ends and the Gents retaliating with 6 points over the next four.    The Ladies then walloped the Gents by scoring 9 over the final 5 ends thus achieving the magical 13 points to win though theiro final point was an own goal by the Gents.    Several very close calls at times which increased the tension.    Plenty of camaraderie and laughter throughout which made the morning even more enjoyable.

Congratulations, Ladies.   

It’s boules at the ready again in a fortnight (29th) at the usual time of 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.    Can’t be there myself as on vacation so there will be no reminder.      Put the date in your diary NOW!    Make sure that a rake is available and also some means of keeping score.   

Enjoy yourselves.    Ken. 

 Just four of us on the boules pitch this morning.    Just getting ready to start when the heavens opened but we sheltered beneath some trees and a couple of large umbrellas for about three minutes when the rain ceased as quickly as it started.

We divided into two teams- the Benfields -v- the Farleighs, and spent the next 3/4 hour in the sunshine enjoying an almost nail-biting game with each team leading the score almost alternately.    The Benfields were the masters over the first few ends and by the 10th end were leading 9-7.    The Farleighs then gained 5 points in the following 3 ends but their opponents then scored two separate ones.

So we went into the final end with scores standing at 11-12 and it was the Farleighs who scored that magic 1 point giving them the match.    It was a strong game and we were glad that we had waited that 3 minutes for the black cloud to pass over.

We’re back again in a fortnight being the 15th at 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.    We look forward to seeing everyone there.  Ken

 An equal number of ladies and gents arrived for boules this morning so we were 5 a side with the Ladies pitching the Jack and the first boule.  But it was the Gents that carried the score of 5 points on that end. 

The Ladies came back strongly on the 2nd end winning with 3 points.    The next end caused a few problems as the boules were so clustered around the Jack that some very careful measuring had to be done which resulted in the Gents only scoring a single point.

The following three ends gave the Ladies 2 points and the Gents 3.

The final end was won by the gents with a very positive 4 points which gave them the game winning by a total of 5 - 13.

Another pleasant morning to start our week.    We meet again in two weeks (1st September) at 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.    We normally finish our season of play at the end of October with the weather permitting so that only gives you 5 more opportunities to join us and have go.    See you there??

Ken. 

 A cool start to our boules game today with 9 of us involved and we divided into two teams as best we could with one lady becoming an honorary male.   

Gents kicked off and won the first end with one point but were overtaken by their opponents with a point in each of the following two.     These scores were duplicated over the next three ends before  the gents managed a 2 point win.    

But all the time the sun was making its presence very well known as we continued to play the ensuing 4 ends but by then one player had had to drop out due to the heat and another had to leave for other reasons so it was agreed to abandon the match even though we had played well over an hour to reach this far.     We are all gaining expertise so not so easy to reach high scores.  

Still it was worth it to enjoy another fun morning and we look forward to our next game on the pitch behind the library at 10.15am on Monday 4th August.      (Good grief,  August already?).     Join us then if you can.      

 On the boules pitch this morning 6 members turned up to play and we naturally divided into two teams of three being Ladies and Gents.   

It was the latter which kicked of the first end but it was the Ladies who were on their mettle and won it with 4 points.    The. gents retaliated on the 2nd end but still lost another 2 points to their opponents    

End 3 and the Gents tried their best but again the Ladies scored another 3 and staying on a roll they scored 5 (yes,5) points on the final end and so exceeding the necessary 13 to win.   Well done again Ladies.   Jubilations and delight for them.    There were several occasions during play when a Gent’s boule was all but nudging the Jack but as is often the case it’s the final boule that scatters the others and changes the end score.

There was time for a further quick game which had to be abandoned as a player had an appointment elsewhere and this time the Gents took solace with a paltry win of 4 - 2.  

It’s back to battle in a fortnight (8th) on the pitch behind the library.    Join us for an hour’s laid-back fun.   

Ken

 

I would suggest that this morning’s game was one of the longest in the past year or so.    Starting at 10.15am as usual we didn’t complete it until almost noon.    I’m sure that it’s because we are becoming more experienced and are all of similar skill.   

Dividing into two obvious teams - Ladies and Gentlemen - the Gents kicked off and won first end with a single point but their opponents soon put them in their place with a score of 2 in each of the next two ends. 

Over the next 8 ends each team scored single points almost alternately until the Ladies landed 2 points followed by a 1 and a 3 from the Gents.

By the penultimate end the Ladies needed a single point to win which they achieved, though not without a struggle as there were some very close close calls and changes of advantage throughout. 

Well done, Ladies 😁😁😁

We play again in a fortnight (23rd) at 10.15am on the pitch behind the library.    See you all there.    Ken

 

Overcast skies and a few spots of rain did not daunt 11 members from turning up on the pitch this am (12th).    I was very pleasantly surprised to see so many. 

We split into w mixed teams - A and B - with B team having two extra boules to make up for having one team member short.   

A team kicked(?) off but it was B which scored the first 2 points on the first end plus a further point on the second.    A then collected an excellent 3 points on the 3rd end to make us 3 all. 

Team B then came into its own scoring a 4, a 3 and a 1 respectively on the next 3 ends but Team B bounced back with two singles but A finished with a 2 to give them the winning total of 13. 

Good game, good game - in the words of Bruce Forsyth - with a lot of measuring needed at times to determine the closer boule to the jack.    Join us next time if you can on Bank Holiday Monday.

Ken.