If we were to give out medals for perseverance and determination I would
nominate Lloyd Lewis from Weymouth.
A few years ago, Lloyd relocated from Norfolk to Weymouth and was
horrified to find there were no facilities to play petanque in the town,
horror of horrors. He contacted the Council and was told they were
looking to refurbish a tired old park and were looking for community
facilities that might enhance it. “Aha!” said Lloyd, I know just the thing
and suggested a petanque terrain. That was a journey that lasted two
years and today Radipole Park Gardens officially reopened, and there in
pride of place was a splendid new terrain, 17m x 12m.
What did Lloyd and his growing group of petanquers do in the meantime?
The group found a rough gravel car park at the rear of a local sports
centre. Humps, Bumps, Slopes, tyre tracks, rocks of all sizes, this was
a surface to challenge top experienced players let alone beginners but
with Lloyd’s guidance they thrived, and a while back they decided to
form a Club once their smart new terrain was ready.
With the opening of the park, the Weymouth group gathered to show off
their sport and spent most of the day introducing folk of all ages to
the game. They already had a good number of followers, if 10% of those
trying out today follow up their interest the Club will have a big
influx of new players.
The intention is to launch the Club formally on 1.9.24. They will
affiliate to Petanque England and some of their officials will join as
Club Members to start. The Club will meet on Monday and Tuesday
mornings. On Saturday mornings they are holding open house for new
players to come along and have a go. Radipole Park Gardens DT3 5EC.
Our prediction is that this Club will be a big success bringing our
sport to a new community who will clearly welcome it’s arrival. All
down to the perseverance and determination of one man – Well Done Lloyd!
Report from Chris Chubb.