Kent Petanque Association

Pétanque in Kent is a much bigger sport than most people would imagine, with several different leagues in operation in the County.

Kent Pétanque League is, by some way, the largest pétanque league in the country.

Pétanque is a game which can be readily played successfully by young and old, men and women. Juniors, under the age of 18, play in many of the teams in the League and in this regard pétanque is a recreation which enjoys an almost unique family element in a competitive environment.

Our league season lasts from April through to September and matches are played on Wednesday nights with most clubs having a practice night, usually Tuesdays. Turning up on a league night will at least allow you to find out about joining the clubs.

In addition many Clubs run open competitions which normally take place on Sundays and details of some of those will be included in this website.

The majority of clubs operate from pubs, though there are several in Sports and Social Clubs also in the league.

The pétanque terrain (piste) is usually open to the public, on non-club nights, free of charge and in many clubs boules can be hired very cheaply for you to try out the sport.

The vast majority of clubs welcome new players and most will take time to teach newcomers the basics of the game.

Up and Coming Events/Competitions

Please see competitions bottom left for current flyers.

Winter League 2021/22

Winter League will start on 10th November, Contacts, Division & Fixtures are now on the website, unfortunatly we only had 19 teams so there is a league of 7 and 2 leagues of 6. Any issues please let Alan know at kpl@kentpetanque.org

Sidcup Petanque Club

Sidcup Petanque Club lost dear Maggy (Jakes) last month, and we would imagine she would have spoken to most of you in the KPL during the past 5 years of her playing for both the Sidcup Reckers and Rollers in the Summer and Winter leagues. A lovely lady who could throw a boule while holding at least 2 conversations with her own partner, plus the opposition. She will be missed by everyone.

Our sincere condolences to Maggie's family and friends.

Final playing order for the Inter Regionals

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A message to all Kent Petanque Association members who are subscribing members of Petanque England.

You have probably seen the various notices and comments regarding the Petanque England AGM on Saturday 14th August.

It is important to remember that if you are considering voting, this must be done by 11.30am on Thursday 12th August either by email (forms available on the PE website via the Membership Portal under AGM) or via Love Admin.

The KPA Management Committee met last night, specifically to discuss and better understand the current situation. It is of the opinion that some of the remaining Board Members of PE are attempting to manipulate the AGM in a direction that is unhelpful to the membership and particularly the sport of Petanque in England as a whole.

In our opinion, there are two big issues which should be kept separate and distinct.

One is the actual AGM procedure with the proposal to adjourn after it has been opened and the other is the result of an independent hearing regarding events leading to and surrounding the resignation of several PE board members.

It is apparent the PE Board does not wish the AGM to go ahead, thus denying members the opportunity to vote for a new board.

The KPA MC would therefore urge you to use the proxy vote facility in favour of the AGM proceeding and NOT adjourned and would respectfully encourage you to nominate MARTIN HUGHES to cast your vote for you.

The proxy form will also allow you to democratically vote for the nominated new Board Members of your choice. You can rest assured that Martin Hughes will exercise your votes in accordance with your wishes.

Finally, we are being asked to vote on the annual accounts when none have been published. How can we possibly form an opinion and vote to accept or otherwise in these circumstances?

Bob Gaywood
KPA Chairman

Statement from Bob Gaywood - Chairman on behalf of the KPA

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Hugh Aldred

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Aldred. Many Kent players will remember Hugh, a top level player in his time, winning numerous competitions for Kent. A very intense player, and a one time high calibre shooter. More recently, he returned to his home County of Suffolk, and was enjoying playing in the Suffolk Coastal Petanque league for the Leiston Engineers until his health deteriorated. Previously, he had played for the Luddesdown Cocks, Duke of Wellington Fighting Cocks and the Railway Roosters.

David Simpson (Whitehouse)

David’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 14th July at 2.00pm at Holy Trinity Coxheath.

Because of the current restrictions, it will not be possible for all to be physically present, but the service will be broadcast online. Details are as follows:

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 864 5047 7011

Passcode: 316

If you would like to be outside the church when David arrives, please feel free to do so but please remember social distancing guidelines.

Please park with consideration

Richard

Michael Toulson

It was with a heavy heart that I have to inform you of the passing of Michael Toulson. He unfortunately lost his four year battle with cancer and passed away at home on 31st March 2021. He first starting playing in 1988 with Battle of Britain PC and in 1996 moved to the Bat & Ball PC. He played across all divisions in the Kent pétanque league and Kent regional qualifiers within that period and made many friends. He will be sadly missed by his wife Kay, daughter Katie, son James and players of the Bat & Ball PC.

Mark Toulson

KPL

Please be aware that 2 teams registered in the league for this year lost there venue, but they have managed to secure a new ones

Singleton Barn - Eastwell Manor Hotel. Eastwell Park. Boughton Lees. Ashford Kent TN25 4HR for this coming season.

Crown Jewels - The Warren (Met Police Hayes Sports Club), Croydon Road, Hayes, Bromley, Kent, BR2 7AL

Also Ightham PC have had to withdraw at last minuite so Lordswood Zephr have been promoted to Div 3 and a bye put in Div 4 please re check your fixtures.

KPA Message

Good evening, the KPA management committee just wanted to post a little update to let members know that work is going on behind the scenes in anticipation of a return to play next month. Processes and procedures are being put in place to enable us to get up and running safely and securely when the time comes.

With this in mind, and with other tournaments starting to be advertised, we also wanted to let members know that we are planning to hold the first KPA regional qualifier on Sunday 18th April.

We look forward to hopefully seeing you on a piste soon!

KPL Message

The KPL officers want to assure everyone who plays in the league programme that we will announce the arrangements for the 2021 season as soon as we can once the Government’s and Petanque England’s guidelines are published.
We are conscious that many of the clubs are based alongside premises that have been forced to be closed during the covid 19 problem, and are not likely to be re-opened until the middle of April, therefore we do not expect any league programme to commence before the end of the month.
It is possible that we can get a twenty-two weeks period which would enable a full league programme to take place for a ten-team league, with two spare weeks in each half of the season.
Unfortunately, there is a reluctance from clubs/teams to indicate their intention to take part, and if like last year we only get fourteen teams enter overall, we will have to restructure for the season.
Those teams that paid the entry fee for the league last year have that fee carried over, regardless of whether they took part in the 2020 cup/plate/consolage competition. Those that didn’t, need to pay for 2021 season and need to register.
Many players didn’t renew their PE membership last year, and all will need to ensure membership is up to date for the coming season if they are to play.We will keep you informed once we have details of the back to play situation.
Mike, Alan and Sue