The Arena Petanque Club started playing petanque at North Notts Arena in Worksop in June 2015. But the Club itself started playing petanque more than 30 years ago at the Bluebell Inn in Lound. Members play competitions against other clubs in the locality and amongst themselves.
As petanque originated in France they contacted several clubs in Normandy and eventually set up a twinning relationship with the petanque club at Isigny sur Mer. They have had a competition between the two clubs every year since, alternately in Britain and in France.
This year is the 30th year since the twinning began and so the clubs are planning a small celebration alongside the annual competition – naturally! This will be taking place in May when the French visit Worksop.
The Club play at North Notts Arena every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon at 1.00pm and also have their own club competitions – which started with the ‘George and Dragon’ on 23rd April. They are keen to encourage new members so if anyone locally is interested please don’t hesitate to come along and see one of their club members. No experience is required.
Nowadays there are a lot more petanque clubs in the area. They are part of the Mercia region and play many competitions against other clubs locally and nationally.