Sacré Bleu! New pétanque facility comes to Ripponden

Stones cricket club and the Tuesday Two o’clock Club have installed a new pétanque terrain at the bottom end of the picturesque ground high above Ripponden and have already seen lots of interest, even in these uncertain times of social distancing.

The project started following an afternoon of summer fun and games at the Tuesday club when boules proved to be the most popular activity by far.

The group set about getting funding and have been supported by Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, One Family Foundation and Localgiving, which has allowed a three piste terrain to be built.

Pétanque is known worldwide as French boules and involves trying to throw boules closer to the jack than the other team does.

Kate Turner, who helps run the Tuesday Club said: “The local boulodrome is a social focal point in southern France so we thought why not bring the sport to Ripponden?”It is growing in popularity with courts popping up all over the place and we wanted our community to be involved.

“We have installed a rule board beside the terrain so that people who haven’t played before can get to grips with the basics but ultimately we just want people to use the facility and enjoy it. It is an addictive game and great fun.

“The sport is really accessible, people of all ages and abilities can play it and it offers gentle exercise in the fresh air and is a great way to meet people and make friends.

“Being outside, keeping mobile and healthy is hugely beneficial to everyone in the community, and as the boules are thrown from a standing height, it is ideal for those with mobility issues.

“We even have magnetic ball lifters to assist anyone who struggles to bend.

“The terrain is a member’s only facility but membership isn’t expensive and includes social membership of the cricket club.”

Current restrictions mean that the club cannot fully open but when things return to normal, members will meet on Tuesday evenings between 4.30pm and 6.30pm and on Saturday mornings between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

The club also plans to run free taster sessions for new players and to hire out the facility for corporate team building events.

All enquiries should be directed to [email protected] or via Kate  on 07577 755437.