Lockswood - The Indoor Petanque Academy in Locks Heath

Meet the New Kids on the Block... As a title, this may seem to stretch the boundaries of poetic licencing to their limits, but the point is, after playing indoor petanque in Lockswood Community Centre, that is exactly how you feel!

A fledgling organisation, now in its eight month, the Indoor Petanque Academy was formed with strict guidelines:

• to introduce the sport of petanque

• to escape from loneliness and depression by meeting new friends

• to integrate new technology

• to endeavour to make a small contribution to the local community and local charities

• to spread the sport to all ages and abilities

To that end, Showcase Petanque, held on Saturday 9th February 2013, did just that. Members and non-members were able to enjoy learning new skills, playing in competitive matches, watching how the sport is played in other countries and above all - having fun!

The Academy was pleased to welcome members from the Genesis Centre, the Dover Cubs, 1st Warsash Sea Scouts, and Botley Bowling Club.

Nicholas Hall, together with colleagues from Portchester Petanque Club, and Mary Shepherd and Marion Turley from Limesdowne Petanque Club, have given staunch support thoughout the year. Further support has also come from the Southern Counties Petanque Association in the form of their President and Junior Coach.

Fragile links are being made at international level with links to both France and Sweden. As this is a case of work in progress we will have to await developments to see if dreams turn into reality.

None of this would have been possible without financing. Sound financial backing has been forthcoming from the Western Wards CAT - Fareham Borough Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation. Their support is gratefully acknowledged.

Finally the initiative to kick-start the project originated from Paul O'Beirne, Chief Executive Officer of Fareham Community Action - to whom the Academy will always be indebted.

For more information on The Indoor Petanque Academy in Locks Heath, please contact: Hon.Sec. Nora Farrow (greenview144@virginmedia.com)or Chairperson Anthony Hewitt (anthonyhewitt@talktalk.net).