Welcome to Hartley Country Club Pétanque Section:
Pétanque, the French game of Boules, has been played at Hartley since 1992. The object of the game is simple; to get more of your boules closer to the "jack" than your opponent. It is a game that can be played by anyone, young or old, of both sexes. However, to play it well does require considerable skill and dexterity.
The Pétanque section membership at Hartley currently numbers about eighty players, split equally between men and women. The playing standard varies from casual club play to International standard, with the majority of players being of good average club standard.
When the section was formed, the founding members were determined to create an open welcoming atmosphere which would combine the sport with a full calendar of social activities, an ideal that continues to this day.
Playing Pétanque at Hartley
The playing area provides up to 18 lanes for competition. Most of these lanes are equipped with floodlights. There is also a covered shelter to protect spectators from inclement weather.
Club sessions are held once a week, on Tuesday evenings during the summer, and Sunday mornings in the winter. At these sessions members play with or against any other member on an informal basis.
Section competitions, which are restricted to section members for singles, doubles and triples, are organised in the summer and winter with trophies being presented at the annual dinner.
The playing area is available to be used at any time, day or night. Frequently, individual social or competitive games can be seen taking place at the most unlikely times.
Summer and Winter Leagues
Hartley regularly enters seven teams in the Kent Pétanque League when on most Wednesday evenings throughout the summer these teams will be playing against other Pétanque clubs at home or away. In the winter, Hartley enters four teams in Kent Pétanque League. Again, play is on Wednesday evenings.
The Wider World of Pétanque
On every Sunday throughout the year there is a pétanque competition being held not too far away. These Sunday competitions are organised by individual pétanque clubs with an open invitation for any pétanque player to take part.
The Social Side of Petanque at Hartley
A programme of social activities is prepared at the beginning of each year. Whilst this programme varies from year to year, popular favourites include:
A Quiz Walk - In the Spring an organised walk and quiz finishing with Sunday lunch at the club
The Summer Boule - Normally held in a member's garden with plenty of good food and drink
Safari Dinner - A three-course meal in Hartley, but with each course at a different member's house and with different guests
Annual Dinner ... and Trophy Presentation, in November, a dinner like no other with self entertainment from 6:30 pm to 1:00 am
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