THERE was a continental feel to Annan’s Seaforth Gardens on Sunday when the town’s recently-formed Pétanque Club staged their first open day.
A good turnout of members and visitors, one from the Isle of Man, enjoyed bright sunshine as the popular sport, founded in France, was officially launched with a triples competition.
The winning trio, comprising Elaine Muir, Walter Harkness and the Manx guest, were presented with a trophy at the end of an exciting day’s play and demonstrations.
There were also practice sessions, tuition and fun games.
A marquee was laid on and refreshments made available through the Annan Harbour Action Group mobile ‘snack shack’ and The Courtyard crafts hub based in the town centre.
There was praise for the quality of the specially constructed games courts — called terrains — on the site of what was previously a grass lawn with funding being raised locally and through a number of grant sources including regional organisations and charities.
The sport is noted for being very inclusive, being played in a relaxing environment by people of all ages and abilities and a good source for outdoor healthy exercise.
Players in opposing teams throw metal boules as close as possible to a coloured wooden ball called a cochonnet, smaller than the jack used in bowling.
Club founder George Shepherd expressed his thanks to everyone who had supported the four-year effort to introduce pétanque to the park.
He said: “It has been a great day and the weather was kind. The sport will be another strand to Annan’s recreational life and we will be encouraging new members, including younger people, to join the club and enjoy these excellent facilities.”
