City of Bath Pétanque Club

The Zone of Totality by Terry

Today, August 12; our world will experience a total eclipse should you be interested.

Yet somewhat unusual to read your roaming reporter waxing on a page concerning Boules.

WORDS WORDS WORDS grab my interest.

Turning them into Pétanque interest is my bread and butter.

Imagine the scene, your team are out of Ammo leaving an open end for your team to say “ fill your boots” (personally I hate those three words)

Why may I enquire, do those same average players in opposition suddenly become Masters of the game placing 4 – 5 boules nearest to the little jack?

I suggest that they enter into a Zone of Totality of concentration.

They do what you have asked them to do – “Fill Yer Boots”.


Your roaming reporter

Once upon a Time by Terry

A four-line whip of most bedside stories.

Mine is meant to encourage those who might need some help, to become a little more socially connected.

I played golf before I saw Pétanque beinging played in Queen Square where History records The family Woods lived at one end .

In original days past, the square had no trees; when years latter mighty trees did grow.
Which coined the phrase, – “You cannot see the Woods because of the Trees”
Sorry if I have roamed too far from my duties.

Coming back up to s***f .

My golfing days ended when my back Sang Stop!

On walking sticks I held onto the park railings watching with some sympathy for sad 'Little Jack’.

When a voice in my ear from Helga said “Come and join our merry Band”. Mee Back – mee Back hurts.
She came even closer and whispered -

“ Mister there’s something wrong with all of us”
French Boules actually cured my pain, trying to cheer up Little Jack.

Your roaming Reporter

COBPC Shotgun Tournament 13th September 2026

We hope to see as many COBPC members as possible at our inaugural “Shotgun” tournament on 13th September.

Registration will be from 9.15 to 9.45 with play getting underway at 10.

When participants enter, they will state whether, in a triple, they see themselves as a pointer, a middle player or a shooter. Teams will then be drawn at random from this information.

This will hopefully be a special day in commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the club. To make things particularly special we will have a bring and share lunch in the middle of the day so start giving some thought as to what dish you will bring!

The day will end with the presentation of trophies and awards from the 2025 season which, for various reasons, did not take place at this year’s AGM.

We hope to see you all there..

I'll be riding shotgun by Terry

Underneath the hot sun, playing something new.

While "shotgun" isn't an official term in the rulebook.

I understand you will be asked politely, “ Can you shoot or can you point Billy boy or Sweet madam”?

That’s about how little I know of this games potential.

But I'll be riding shotgun, getting to know someone
Special.

Adding a little tip that I overheard, when a player asked Steve – ‘I want to learn to shoot’- he replied “No you don’t; you want to learn to point accurately first.
A shoot is an accurate point played faster. “


Your Roaming Reporter

Still Waiting to Join? By Terry

Golf clubs sometimes shut down their Membership to avoid over crowding .

I have never heard of a Boules club shutting Its membership down with a waiting list to join, as spaces appear.

I am informed, that the City of Bath Pétanque Club is the largest club in the West.

Judging by our roll up numbers today with three new faces In roll call.

I would advise those who are still sitting on the fence holding our club joining form waiting to be signed.

Wet your nib soon, just in case a message of -- (No More Thank You) is flown over Lark’s ground after the Red Arrows have zoomed high !

We are still Open so fill your joining form and get them in. Avoid possible disappointment

Your Roaming Reporter

Lazy days of Summer by Terry

Whilst French Boules looks for all the world a casual village game, accompted by a whiff of air smelling like Pastis – think on.

All looks calm and casual, whilst underground emotions are paddling along, searching for the chance to make your three the best in the day; or a cool evening as light begins to fade.

Don’t be fooled my laddie, Pétanque has depths yet to be discovered whilst dwelling
In the Lazy Day’s of summer.

Please see below the link to the official Bath Open photos taken by Liz Bugg on Sunday.

Bath Open - 02-08-2026 · Sunday, Aug 2 📸 Shared album · Tap to view!

Bath Open 2026 Results.

Gold
Winners CJS
Runners Up Ian’s Team

Gold Consolage
Winners JCB
Runners Up Lesley’s Team

Silver
Winners Piste Artist
Runners Up The Optimists

Silver Consolage
Winners Boomerangs
Runners Up Bath Extras

Bronze
Winners Getting Closer
Runners Up LCC Great Whyte Sharks

Bronze Consolage
Winners The Remarkaboules
Runners Up MGB

Pewter
Winners Howard’s End
Runners Up Sunset.

Pewter Consolage
Winners La Famille
Runners Up Avago

The Bath Open was open Today by Terry

Sunshine early in the morning, greeting our mixed bag of visitors numbering around 150. I say a mixed bag as some very experienced players to total beginners I recall some of those team names – Howards End -Boomerangs – Piste Again -The Donkeys – The Navigators.

A warm welcome to all with many guests first request for directions towards The Larks bacon sarnie bar.

I would like to mention Keith and Shane came all the way from Guernsey – those back kicking donkeys. Along with teams from Plymouth, Wales, Hereford, Heart of England, Southampton and Southern Region as well as more local GWR teams..

Then a whistle was blown calling the crowds to order.

Forty boules lifted in the air with a dusty Jack smiling back; with a notion - try and get near me.

Recording all the scores we had Ground Control to Major Tom who today was Emma. I watched her output brilliance. Recording scores with players crowding her with results she also sold ice creams, with no hands free; her multi-tasking brain deserves my mention.

My camera then went on a random shoot capturing the activity of people who play Boule.

A great Bath Open in my opinion if absent people should ask.

Cary was up early, just before sunrise pulling all the strings of good planning together.

Like our chairman mentioned at the end, without Cary all that happened today would not have fallen so neatly into place.

Results to follow.