The year started with a hardy bunch of pétanque players embarking on the ambitious task of constructing a new piste. After six weeks of digging 25 tons of soil and turf, and onlookers wondering whether the LCC was having a swimming pool constructed, we decided to fill it with 30 tons of various grades of gravel and we then had a second piste at the club! It's been a great addition, and just as well, as the LCC Pétanque Club membership has grown to 27 members. We celebrated the official opening with an event and our own Ady Pearson was the inaugural winner, much to his (...and others) surprise!

The Club entered teams in a number of leagues and competitions achieving a number of successes. We finished the Bath League as Division 3 Champions with an awards dinner being held shortly when we will receive a trophy. A team finished third in the Bath Open, out of a field of 40 teams from across the region and further afield. Anita then had individual success in the City of Bath Melee finishing third out of 48 players.

12 teams entered the LCC Summer League and after a great season, The Combe Grovers regained their crown remaining unbeaten. The quality of play and competitiveness has definitely improved, but all matches are always played in good spirits! We finished the season with a social evening including a Speedy Boules competition where games are timed at 15 minutes each. 24 teams entered and after 4 knockout rounds the Boules and Giggles team, comprising mother and daughter Liz May and Katie D'Arcy, were laughing their way to victory in a close contest against High Five, comprising Tom and Vicky Batlle. The format was enjoyed by all as it was quick, tense and no measuring allowed to keep the game moving. Afterwards the action moved into the club and we were rewarded by Andrew's delicious curries and Stewart kept us well hydrated.

We are supporting the 200 4 200 Appeal by doing a number of events with the next one on 27th September with a competition with about 60 players coming to LCC for the 200 4 200 Charity Melee competition. This will continue to help get the club on the regional radar and raise in excess of £1200 for the appeal. Raffle tickets for this event can be purchased at the bar.

For the future we are going to enter a second team in the Bath League, continue entering teams in local competitions and embark on a tour to Portugal to play against a local club established by our old mate Jeremy College who now lives out there. The Summer League will happen again in 2026 and more teams are welcome as with the new piste we have more capacity so spread the word.

The Grand Cru Club also use our piste to play some of their matches and one of their teams finished as Bath League Division One Champions and top of the Brunel League, so our aim is to be playing against them in a couple of years time!

We are a social club so if anyone is interested in playing petanque, whilst having a natter and a drink please contact Anita or Phil White lccpetanqueclub@hotmail.com, no experience is necessary and we have all the equipment required for people to have a go.