Distillers’ Inter Livery Petanque Competition
3rd August 2023The London Petanque Club, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, 139 Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5HL
It is the taking part not the winning that counts. It is the taking part not the winning that counts. It is the taking part not the winning that counts. That statement was my mantra through school PE (physical education) classes. I was definitely not sporty and that was evident as I was consistently the last person selected to join a team. I was not blessed with grace, height or rhythm. We can add hand / eye coordination as well. My academic prowess was inconsequential on the sports field. I was relieved when both Courtney and William excelled at sports as well as academics. My curse did not follow them.
So, imagine years later when I discover that Masters play sports - or at least Petanque! The concept of taking a tiny little ball - the petit cochon or little pig, throw it down a dirt track and then accurately throw two bigger balls (boules) as close as possible to the little pig sounds easy and fun. However, competitiveness has no age limit and watching the matches organised by the Distillers, one could see the coaches and the players intensely strategising throughout the evening.
Our Company had two teams, dressed in Smoking hats and French attire: IPM Paul Taberer, Honorary Freeman Sharon Taberer and Court Assistant Colin Richie competed admirably winning one, losing one and drawing one. My salvation came in the form of our magnificent Court Assistants Martine Petetin and Terry Fenner-Leitao who were brilliant and fun!!! Sadly we almost drew one before playing one more game…
While we did nothing to contribute to the Pipe Makers’ road to victory, collectively we had a fantastic picnic and some amazing wine that Colin Richie and Paul Taberer both have a stake in. I am confident that if picnics were being judged, we surely would have won!!! Sharon’s dip was so moorish that Paul spent a good part of the evening passing the bowl, Martine’s quiches disappeared instantly. It was a fabulous evening and truly it is the taking part not the winning that counts. At least this year…..