Pétanque or French boules is associated with crusty old men playing under the shade of plane trees down in Provence. But it is gaining in popularity here in Yorkshire. According to a Times article there are 30,000 active players here in Great Britain – and that number is growing.
It is now known that half a dozen Yorkshire u3as have active groups, regularly playing. Ripon, Harrogate, York, Beverley, Howden and Bridlington are all represented. Surprisingly there are no u3a players in Barnsley or Sheffield. However a delegation from Sheffield council made its way to Doncaster back in April to take a look at the 'boulodrome' that opened here in our City in June 2023, with the view of constructing their own.
As you know, Doncaster u3a pétanque group assembled three 'Ballons Tricolores' and our Ballon Bleu has been contested in a tournament staged at the u3a Festival in York on July 19th. Doncaster had put together a team of four players dedicated to retaining the prized trophy. This article is being written in late May and by the time it appears in our Newsletter we shall know if we have been successful.
Du3a Pétanque Group is very small and welcomes new players at any time. Our designated play-day is Wednesday and we meet at Hexthorpe Park at 11am for about 90-minutes, retiring for a coffee and scone after.