V4, issue 6 - Petanque NZ

PETANQUE
NEW ZEALAND
Vol 4 No 6 JANUARY 2014
E DITOR’S COM M ENTS
It is sometimes difficult to know what
our readers would like to see in the
magazine. I try to have a mix of
tournament results and articles of
human interest. This issue has some
“Social News” with an article on the
wedding of Bill Peachey and Lynn Mason.
There is also a follow on from the article
“Life Outside Petanque” in the previous
issue which featured petanque
enthusiast and TV 3 cameraman Michael
“Dutchie” Lacoste. This is one of his
letters home that he gave permission to
reproduce. This may or may not be the
sort of thing you want in the magazine.
If you would like to tell me what you, as
a subscriber to the Petanque New
Zealand Magazine, would like to see
published, please contact me by the mail
or email address below.
Graeme Morris
Editor
Editorial Address:
17 Hinau Place
MASTERTON 5810
Phone: 06 3787331 or 0272479370
Email: [email protected]
2 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Petanque New Zealand is published by the
New Zealand Petanque Association. The
contents of Petanque New Zealand are
copyright and may not be reproduced in any
form without the written permission of the
publisher. Opinions expressed are those of
the authors and may not necessarily be those
of the New Zealand Petanque Association.
Subscription rates: Four issues
New Zealand $24.00
Overseas rates on application
Advertising rates are very competitive and
available from the editor.
Cover photo:
Tournament organiser, Cam Calder,
plays a boule at the Devonport
Christmas Tournament.
CLUB NEWS
(Grass Roots Petanque)
Club Profile- Napier City
Petanque Club Inc.
lounge and dining room as long as we
did not interfere with their operations.
Our existing kitchen and toilet was built
in May 2003 with Napier Pipe Band
letting us share their electricity. Our
clubroom was built in March 2006.
In 2006 we became an incorporated
society and our name was changed to
Napier City Petanque Club Inc.
In 2011 we had a shade sail erected
down the centre of the pistes as the
umbrellas we had didn’t create enough
shade, plus in a strong wind they were
likely to take off!!!!
In 1995 Noel Hunt put a notice in the
paper to try and get a petanque club
going in the Bay. We first played on the
beach at East Pier and members
consisted of Noel Hunt, Derek and Olive
Wright, Mary Hamilton and Dawn
Gardiner.
We then played at McDonalds Winery,
which had two pistes, and eventually had
a meeting under the trees at the winery
with over 20 people attending where
Napier Petanque Club was formed. We
also played at Kennedy Park and our
membership grew very quickly to around
70 members.
In August 1996 Napier Bowling Club
extended an invitation to us to take over
one of their bowling greens and convert
it to a petanque terrain. We were also
invited to use their facilities. It was
agreed to relocate and the club was
officially opened there by the then
Mayor, Alan Dick, in October 1996.
For many years Bill Billing was a
constant on the committee holding
various positions including president.
Bill was a tower of strength and a great
organiser, with his wife Ngaire always
helping in the background.
Unfortunately, he passed away in 2010
and is sadly missed.
Our first Hawke’s Bay Classic Doubles
Champs was held Labour weekend in
1997. We have held it every year since,
in September or October, and it has
proved to be very popular.
Taken by permission from the Napier City
Petanque website.
Quote:
“If you’re still looking for that
one person who can change your
life – take a look in the mirror”
–
Unknown
In May 1999 the Bowling Club officially
closed so we no longer had the use of
their facilities and had to bring large
flasks of hot water for afternoon teas.
The Hawke’s Bay Cricket Club allowed us
to use their toilets, meeting room,
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
3
20132013
Hawkes
Hawkes
Bay Classic
Bay Classic
Trophy
Trophy
Championship
Championship
Winners
Winners
(Pictured)
(Pictured)
Sarah Sarah
Jane Wright
Jane Wright
and Dez
and
Grant
Dez Grant
Runners
Runners
up – up –
MurrayMurray
Porter Porter
and Maurice
and Maurice
Belz Belz
Plate Winners
Plate Winners
–
–
John Hudson
John Hudson
and Josie
and Parkin
Josie Parkin
Runners
Runners
up – up –
Graeme
Graeme
MorrisMorris
and Trevor
and Trevor
Neilson
Neilson
Bowl Winners
Bowl Winners
–
–
Ralph Ralph
PriddlePriddle
and Joan
andMiller
Joan Miller
Runners
Runners
up – Colin
up – and
Colin
Marilyn
and Marilyn
Bunce Bunce
4 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Southern
Southern
Correspondent
Correspondent
– Barrie
– Barrie
Kendall
Kendall
W hatWan
hatExciting
an Exciting
SouthSouth
Island!
Island!
(Singles
(Singles
that is).
that is).
EntriesEntries
were down
were at
down
the at
St the
Kilda
St Club
KildainClub in
Dunedin
Dunedin
but excitement
but excitement
was upwas
as several
up as several
of
of
the bigthe
guns
bigwere
guns silenced
were silenced
all tooall
soon.
too soon.
NevilleNeville
Frost (Dunedin
Frost (Dunedin
City), City),
a member
a member
of
of
the NZthe
Senior
NZ Senior
team with
team3with
wins3and
wins
3 and
losses
3 losses
on Dayon1 Day
didn’t
1 didn’t
qualifyqualify
for thefor
topthe
eight,
top eight,
finishing
finishing
in 9th in
place.
9th place.
Two players;
Two players;
Erik Ross
Erik(Taieri)
Ross (Taieri)
and Sharon
and Sharon
Olsen Olsen
(St Kilda)
(St Kilda)
causedcaused
a few upsets
a few upsets
that that
opened
opened
up theup
tournament.
the tournament.
This created
This created
a
a
great deal
greatofdeal
excitement!
of excitement!
Who would
Who would
have have
pickedpicked
these two
these
totwo
qualify
to qualify
for thefor
topthe
eight?
top eight?
In the In
championship
the championship
quarter
quarter
finals, finals,
Erik Erik
defeated
defeated
the topthe
qualifier
top qualifier
BrankoBranko
Cvjetan
Cvjetan
(Caversham),13-10
(Caversham),13-10
at the at
topthe
of top
the of
draw.
the draw.
In the In
second
the second
quarter,
quarter,
SharonSharon
Olsen Olsen
swept swept
aside Marilyn
aside Marilyn
Bunce Bunce
(Alexandra,
(Alexandra,
another
another
NZ
NZ
SeniorSenior
rep) 13-7
rep)to
13-7
alsotogain
alsoa gain
spotainspot
the in the
semis.semis.
John Targett
John Targett
(Chch),
(Chch),
in the in
middle
the middle
of
of
the draw,
the draw,
made made
it too as
it too
he edged
as he edged
out
out
NadineNadine
Simpson
Simpson
(Cav) (Cav)
13-10.13-10.
Due toDue
illness,
to illness,
current
current
title holder
title holder
Roy HarryRoy HarryYoungYoung
was forced
was forced
to withdraw
to withdraw
allowing
allowing
Phillip Phillip
Lyall aLyall
free awalk
freeinto
walk
the
into
last
the
four.
last four.
Sharon,
Sharon,
who on
who
dayon
1,day
defeated
1, defeated
Roy HarryRoy HarryYoungYoung
and accounted
and accounted
also for
also
Keith
for Dixon,
Keith Dixon,
a
a
debutant
debutant
for Mongolia
for Mongolia
at the at
Pan
the
Pacific
Pan Pacific
Tournament
Tournament
in Brunei,
in Brunei,
continued
continued
with her
with her
dreamdream
run. A run.
comfortable
A comfortable
13-5 win
13-5
over
winEric
over Eric
took her
took
unexpectedly
her unexpectedly
into the
into
final.
the final.
Phillip Phillip
Lyall who,
Lyallon
who,
theon
first
theday,
firsthad
day,
lost
had
tolost to
John 5-13
Johnreversed
5-13 reversed
the result
the result
13-9 in
13-9
poolin pool
play on
play
dayon
2,day
made
2, made
it 2 out
it of
2 out
3 and
of 3
was
and was
right on
right
Targett
on Targett
with a with
13-6awin.
13-6 win.
In the In
final,
the Phillip
final, Phillip
provedproved
too steady,
too steady,
defeating
defeating
SharonSharon
13-8, giving
13-8, giving
the newly
the newly
formedformed
Dunedin
Dunedin
City club
Cityitsclub
firstitsmajor
first major
tournament
tournament
winner.
winner.
Region
Region
Interclub
Interclub
Southern
Southern
Interclub
Interclub
in Dunedin
in Dunedin
had itshad
firstitsround
first round
for
for
the season
the season
beginning
beginning
on theon
6th
the
October.
6th October.
With an
With
addition
an addition
of 2 new
of 2clubs
new ;clubs
Taieri; Taieri
and and
Dunedin
Dunedin
City, bringing
City, bringing
the number
the number
of teams
of teams
competing
competing
to 14. to
Caversham
14. Caversham
who could
who cater
could cater
for only
for12
only
teams
12 teams
resulted
resulted
in he contest
in he contest
being diverted
being diverted
to Taieri.
to Taieri.
The clubs
The competing
clubs competing
are; Caversham
are; Caversham
(4 teams),
(4 teams),
St Kilda
St (3),
Kilda (3),
Taieri Taieri
3, Dunedin
3, Dunedin
City (2),
City
Waikouaiti
(2), Waikouaiti
(1), (1),
Milton Milton
(1). (1).
South Island Doubles
– Barrie Kendall
Results
It was an exciting final, going right down to
the last ball.
John Targett and Brian Westerbeek went out
to a good lead, 11-5 and then 12-7. Branko
Cvjetan and Roy Harry-Young fought back
steadily and levelled the game at 12 all.
Whoever threw their last boule for the
Christchurch pair, shot the cochonnet and
put it right back to almost sit on the back
string. Their shooting boule however was
the holding boule (about 500mm away).
Branko had 2 boules left and a clear line to
point through. His first boule finished about
100mm away from the cochonnet but John
kicked it away. It had gone over the string.
His second boule finished very close to the
back of the cochonnet and most of us
watching thought Branko and Roy had done
a "Dynamo". (A little bit of magic). However,
when the presentation was made to the
runners up, only then did it come to light
that Branko's last boule had gone over the
string and John and Brian were the winners. Championship Winners John Targett and Brian Westerbeek (Christchurch) Runners Up - Branko Cvjetan and
Roy Harry-Young (Caversham) Third equal - Rena Turley and Nadine Simpson
(Caversham)/ Tina Targett and
Mark Richardson (Christchurch) Plate: Winners Cathryn Thomas and Phillip Lyall (Dunedin City) Runners Up - Val Allen and Bert Derks
(Caversham)
Third EqualLiz Donaldson and Caryll Brake (Waikouaiti) /
Aileen Simpson and Bev Kendall (Caversham) Bowl: Winners Marilyn and Colin Bunce (Alexandra) Runners Up - Kaye George and Barrie Kendall (St
Kilda) Third Equal Pam and Graham Baird (Caversham) 2013 South Island Finalists
From left -Branko Cvjetan, John Targett,
Brian Westerbeek, Roy Harry-Young
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
5
National Singles Results
National Doubles Results
The 2013 PNZNational
National Singles
Championship
Singles
Results
was held at the Tauranga-BOP terrain in
The 2013
PNZ National
September.
The results
were:Singles Championship
Results National
from the PNZ
NationalResults
Doubles held
Doubles
at the Forbury Park Trotting Complex in
Results from the PNZ National Doubles held
Dunedin.
September. The results were:
Championship:
Winner: Georgio Vakauta (Vikings)
Championship:
Runner-Up:
Andre Noel (Kennedy Park)
Dunedin.
Championship:
Winners: Christian Fouquet/David Lippard
Championship:
(Herne
Bay)
Winners: Christian Fouquet/David Lippard
Runner-Up:
Pam Jenkins/Joanne Lippard
(Herne Bay)
(Herne
Bay) Pam Jenkins/Joanne Lippard
Runner-Up:
Third
Equal:
(Herne Bay)Bob Bridge (Masterton)/
LeeThird
Taffard
(Napier
City).(Masterton)/
Equal:
Bob Bridge
BillLee
Peachey
Coast)/Ray Pierce
Taffard(Hibiscus
(Napier City).
Bill Peachey (Hibiscus Coast)/Ray Pierce
(Vikings)
was held at the Tauranga-BOP terrain in
Winner: Georgio Vakauta (Vikings)
Runner-Up: Andre Noel (Kennedy Park)
Third Equal:
Bob Bridge
Third(Masterton)
Equal:
Jean-Pascal
Cuer (Herne
Bay)
Bob Bridge
(Masterton)
Jean-Pascal Cuer (Herne Bay)
Fifth Equal:
Equal:
Yvonne Fifth
Futcher
(Wanganui East)
Yvonne
Futcher (Wanganui
Pete Hamilton (Wanganui
East) East)
Pete Hamilton (Wanganui East)
Graeme Morris (Masterton)
Graeme Morris (Masterton)
Junior Purcell (Vikings)
at the Forbury Park Trotting Complex in
(Vikings)
Junior Purcell (Vikings)
Trophy Consolation:
Trophy Consolation:
(Horowhenua)
Winner:Winner:
ShirleyShirley
MacDonald
(Horowhenua)
MacDonald
Runner-Up:
Tony Simpson
(Wanganui
East)
Runner-Up:
Tony Simpson
(Wanganui
East)
Third Equal:
Third Equal:
John (Tauranga-BOP)
Hayes (Tauranga-BOP)
John Hayes
Arnold Lander
(Tauranga-BOP)
Arnold Lander
(Tauranga-BOP)
Fifth Equal:
Fifth Equal:
John Hudson (Tauranga-BOP)
John Hudson
Annick(Tauranga-BOP)
Le Guen (Kapiti)
Annick Le
Guen (Kapiti)
Margaret
Mordecai (Otaki)
Margaret
Mordecai
(Otaki)
Ray
Pierce (Vikings)
Ray Pierce (Vikings)
Consolante:
Winner: Christian Fouquet (Herne Bay)
Consolante:
Josie Parkin
(Tauranga-BOP)
Winner:Runner-Up:
Christian Fouquet
(Herne
Bay)
Third: Jim Forrest (Tauranga-BOP)
Runner-Up: Josie Parkin (Tauranga-BOP)
Fourth: Lorne Gordon-Watkins
Third: Jim
Forrest (Tauranga-BOP)
(Tauranga-BOP)
Fourth: Lorne Gordon-Watkins
(Tauranga-BOP)
Georgio Vakauta – 2013 Singles Champion
Georgio Vakauta – 2013 Singles Champion
6 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Christian Fouquet and David Lippard
2013
Doubles
Champions
Christian
Fouquet
and
David Lippard
2013 Doubles Champions
Correction
The article about the 2013
Correction
Trans-Tasman in the last issue
The
article
the 2013who
named
theabout
team members
Trans-Tasman
in match.
the lastAtissue
competed in the
a
named
the
team
members
who
very late hour Claire Bradburn
(Silverstream)
to withdraw
competed
in thehad
match.
At a
from
the
Senior
team
and
was
very late hour Claire Bradburn
replaced by Janet
(Silverstream)
hadGoodin
to withdraw
(Caversham).
I
apologise
from the Senior team andtowas
Janet for her omission from the
replaced by Janet Goodin
team list. -ED
(Caversham). I apologise to
Janet for her omission from the
team list. -ED
Following are two articles about petanque in Tasmania. The first article is by Terry Dando who is a stalwart of petanque in Tasmania and has been a frequent member of the Australian senior team in the annual Trans-­‐Tasman trophy match with New Zealand. The second article is by Rex Hayes who is a member of the Kapiti Petanque club and has represented New Zealand seniors on five occasions. Petanque in Tasmania –
by Terry Dando
Petanque has been played informally in Tasmania for some time (especially when those “silver”
balls were on special at a well-known, but now departed ‘bargain’ store).
The first official and affiliated club was started by a group of friends who played around different
locations in Hobart, eventually finding a home at Sandy Bay Reserve, in an area which had been
previously used for wood chopping events at the Sandy Bay Regatta. In September 1996 this
group became known as THE HOBART PETANQUE CLUB Incorporated.
With Hobart Petanque Club membership growing (to 56 in 2012), it seemed timely to establish a
new club. BAYSIDE BOULES PETANQUE CLUB Inc. was “born” in July 2012 with a founding
membership of 12, it now has 18. BAYSIDE BOULES is the second club in Tasmania to be
officially affiliated with the Petanque Federation of Australia.
BAYSIDE BOULES embraces petanque in its truest form. Friendly rivalry on the piste, respect,
comradeship, friendship and fun off the piste. All members run the club and organise activities
and games. Everybody’s opinions and ideas are valued and BAYSIDE BOULES is, and will always
be, a “Boully” free club.
BAYSIDE BOULES maintains close links with Bicheno Petanque Club, Richmond Petanque Club,
Margate Petanque Club, Bellerive, Sheffield and Burnie Petanque Club, running coaching sessions
and having interclub visits and games.
Members from BAYSIDE BOULES run coaching clinics within schools as part of the schools’ French
experience programmes.
BAYSIDE BOULES has adopted the traditional colours of the beloved Sandy Bay Football Club (at
least one member is an old supporter), and has a mascot “Sarge” seagull and a muse “Francoise”
from ze Lily Pad who “tells it as it is” via the BAYSIDE BOULES newsletter “The Bayside Boulletin”.
BAYSIDE BOULES welcomes everyone to join them for a game. Newcomers are instructed on the
basics of the game and the general rules. Boules are provided for anyone to use.
Social interaction is a big part of BAYSIDE’S agenda, with the evening sessions on Fridays
particularly popular, with a BBQ dinner and a drink or two. Many of the members love to sing
(much to the chagrin of their partners), with their dulcet tones often being heard wafting through
the twilight.
BAYSIDE is particularly grateful for the continued support of the Hobart City Council and the
works gang at the Reserve, who look after the piste so wonderfully.
The members of BAYSIDE BOULES PC are very excited about the future. Petanque is a fantastic,
low impact, cheap game for everyone, young and old. It is ideal for those with limited mobility.
It can be played as a leisure activity or as a high profile sport.
It is the SPORT FOR EVERYONE – Especially if you are playing with BAYSIDE BOULES PETANQUE
CLUB.
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
7
ad the privilege of playing petanque with the Bayside
I first
met
Terry
3 years
ago
at the We
Trans-Tasman
challenge in
nque Club
at the
Sandy
Bay
Reserve,
Hobart.
were
ted by Terry
Dando
his wife Robyn
spare boules
Herne
Bay,and
Auckland.
He haswith
represented
Australian in the
s to use.Senior’s four times and would dearly like to be in the ‘winning
team’..
Petanque in Tasmania
By – Rex Hayes
t met Terry 3 years ago at the Trans-Tasman challenge in
During April, whilst Shirley and I were holidaying in Tasmania,
e Bay, Auckland. He has represented Australian in the
we had the privilege of playing petanque with the Bayside Some years ago (in 2002) when Terry came
or’s four times
and Club
would
dearly
to be inHobart.
the ‘winning
Pétanque
at the
Sandylike
Bay Reserve,
We were
couldn’t play other sports, so was invited to
greeted by Terry Dando and his wife Robyn with spare boules
m’..
pétanque. He and Robyn joined the Hobart
hadwhen
at that
time,
about
12hospital,
members.
Some years ago which
(in 2002)
Terry
came
out of
he
I first met Terry 3 years ago at the Trans-Tasman challenge in
hooked!
couldn’t
playinother
Herne Bay, Auckland. He has represented
Australian
the sports, so was invited to try his hand at
for us to use.
Senior’s four times and would dearly pétanque.
like to be in theHe
‘winning
and Robyn joined the Hobart Pétanque Club,
team’..
Apart from in Australia, Terry has played
which had at that time, about 12 members. They both were in
and
New when
Zealand.
Heout
coaches
the
hooked!
Some years ago
(in 2002)
Terry came
of hospital,
he game at
couldn’t play other
sports,
so was
invited to from
try his Ethiopa,
hand at
some
recent
arrivals
who
enth
pétanque.
He
and
Robyn
joined
the
Hobart
Pétanque
Club,
Apart from in Australia,
Terry
has
played
in
the
USA;
France;
embraced
sport. They
He contributes
his skill
which had at that
time, aboutthe
12 members.
both were
and New
Zealand.
He
coaches
the
game
at
schools
and
hooked!
other clubs and is now known as the also
TASMA
some recent arrivals from Ethiopa, who enthusiastically
Apart from in Australia, Terry has played in the USA; France;
embraced
the sport. He contributes his skills and knowledge to
and New Zealand. He coaches the game at schools and also
other some
clubsrecent
and arrivals
is nowfrom
known
as who
theenthusiastically
TASMANIAN PĖTANQUE
Ethiopa,
MAESTRO.
was formed in 1997 with a dozen members, but by 2012 boas
The Hobart Pétanque Club
embraced the sport. He contributes his skills and knowledge to
members. On advice from the Pétanque
Federation
of Australia,
the club
split to form an
other clubs
and is now known
as the TASMANIAN
PĖTANQUE
MAESTRO.
Terry,
and
was
called
Bayside
Pétanque
Club,
and currently
18boasted
members.
The terrai
Hobart Pétanque
Club
was
formed
in 1997
with a dozen
members,
but byhas
2012
over 50
the
two
cubs
on
Sandy
BayinReserve
and
consists
of
threeanother
playing
surfaces.
mbers. On
advice
from
the the
Pétanque
Federation
of Australia,
the club
toboasted
form
led by S
The
Hobart
Pétanque
Club
was formed
1997 with
aterrain
dozen members,
but split
by 2012
over
50 club,
members.
On pine
advice
from the
Pétanque
Federation
Australia,
club split
to form
club,
led by the
side,
mature
trees
the
other,
and
atofthe
south
end,
a great
view
out
harbo
y, and was
called
Bayside
Pétanque
Club,
and
currently
has
18themembers.
Theanother
terrain
is onto
shared
between
Terry, and was called Bayside Pétanque Club, and currently has 18 members. The terrain is shared between
wo cubswatched
on the Sandy
Bay Reserve
and playing
consists on
of three
playing Also
surfaces.
on one a
a sailing
ship sailterrain
by whilst
the terrain.
whilstSandhills
we wereare
playing,
the two cubs on the Sandy Bay Reserve terrain and consists of three playing surfaces. Sandhills are on one
mature Afghanistan
pine
trees
thepine
other,
andother,
at the
south
end,end,
a great
view
outonto
onto
harbour
where
young
men
arrived
with
their
community
hosts
who we
askedwe
if they co
side,
mature
treesrefugee
the
and
at the
south
a great
view
out
thethe
harbour
where
watched
a
sailing
ship
sail
by
whilst
playing
on
the
terrain.
Also
whilst
we
were
playing,
a
group
of
15
hed a sailing
ship sail by
on the
terrain.
we were
playing,
of 15for the
the guidance
of whilst
Terry.playing
We were
amazed
atAlso
howwhilst
accurately
they
were aatgroup
pointing
STRO.
Afghanistan young refugee men arrived with their community hosts who asked if they could have a go under
anistan young
refugee men arrived with their community hosts who asked if they could have a go under
the guidance of Terry. We were amazed at how accurately they were at pointing for the first time.
guidanceAll
of Terry.
We werewho
amazed
at how
they were
at pointing
the firstby
time.
the members
turned
out, accurately
made us very
welcome
and weforfinished
all sharing s
All the members who turned out, made us very welcome and we finished by all sharing some bubbly and
pétanque
experiences. Their speciality is playing all over the terrain.
pétanque experiences. Their speciality is playing all over the terrain.
he members who turned out, made us very welcome and we finished by all sharing some bubbly and
nque experiences.
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Other pétanque
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Tasmania
are terrain.
at Margate, Richmond, Burnie, Bellerive and
Other pétanque clubs that have sprung up in Tasmania are at Margate, Richmond, Burni
Bicheno. We visited the terrain at Bicheno to view the layout which we had heard cost $20,000 to build.
Bicheno.
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visited
the terrain
at Pétanque.
Bicheno
to Margate,
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Tasmanian
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RSL and Bowls complex and has a great view out over the Tasman sea. See pics below –
8 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Friendship Trip to Wellington – by Margaret Penny
Friendship Trip to Wellington – by Margaret Penny
Towards the middle of November seven Auckland Pétanque players made their way, by various means of transport, the apiti Cooast. Their aim was to play pétanque with ap nlayers umber moade f Wellington clubs the spirit Towards tto he mKiddle f November seven Auckland Pétanque their way, by in various means of of f
riendship a
nd s
ociability. I
t w
as t
he f
irst, b
ut h
opefully n
ot t
he l
ast, F
riendship T
rip f
rom o
ne r
egion t
o transport, to the Kapiti Coast. Their aim was to play pétanque with a number of Wellington clubs in the spirit another. of friendship and sociability. It was the first, but hopefully not the last, Friendship Trip from one region to another. From the beginning, the Wellington clubs were most receptive. All the clubs, Horowhenua, Otaki, Kapiti and Park Avenue agreed a schedule for play and they gave the Auckland players a most enjoyable time. It all began From the beginning, the Wellington clubs were most receptive. All the clubs, Horowhenua, Otaki, Kapiti and on Monday 18 November at Horowhenua, Tuesday was at Otaki, Thursday at Kapiti, and Friday at Park Ave. It Park Aon venue agreed schedule for lay and gave Auckland a m ost enjoyable time. It all bega
ended Saturday 24 Naovember back at pO
taki for tahey melee. Wthe ednesday was palayers free day. on Monday 18 November at Horowhenua, Tuesday was at Otaki, Thursday at Kapiti, and Friday at Park Ave. It
Auckland were 2m4 ixed with Wellington n teams so that it did not become n Auckland ended opn layers Saturday November back at pOlayers taki fior a melee. Wednesday was a faree day. versus Wellington tournament. The trip was arranged so that everyone could spend time exploring the Wellington region if they so desired. Pm
étanque as W
played in the morning, onderful provided by atn he Auckland players were ixed ww
ith ellington players in w
teams so tlunches hat it dwid ere not become Auckland versus Wellington clubs at a modest Tche harge nd players were free to eeveryone xplore or cmould aybe scpend arry otn ime playing in the the Wellington Wellington tournament. trip aw
as arranged so that exploring afternoon. region if they so desired. Pétanque was played in the morning, wonderful lunches were provided by the Wellington clubs at a m
odest charge and players were ree to explore or mreturn, aybe ctarry on playing in the PNZ backed the proposal and provided Friendship badges for tfhe players. On their he Auckland afternoon. players were very enthusiastic and said that they had had a wonderful time. By all accounts the Wellington players also enjoyed the visitors. PNZ backed the proposal and provided Friendship badges for the players. On their return, the Auckland players were very enthusiastic and said that they had had a wonderful time. By all accounts the Wellington players also enjoyed the visitors. Photos courtesy of Claire and John McNaull
Photos courtesy of Claire and John McNaull
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
9
At Last--- Phew--- Southern Region gets its hands on the Tri Star Trophy
Wellington and Canterbury have dominated this event since its inception, 5 years ago. Wellington
has won three times and Canterbury twice. Southern Region had come close but, up to this year,
had not won the trophy. Played on the heavier shingled terrain of St Kilda, it presented a
challenge to both visitors and the local contingent.
Canterbury sent two teams allowing Southern Region the luxury of three teams which eliminated
byes. This was good for Southern as it could “blood” more players. Wellington relished the idea of
having all of the South Island to compete against.
With 2 points for a doubles win, 3 for a triples, it was the last round of triples that decided the
winner. Canterbury Black won all three first round doubles to lead the competition. Southern Gold
captured the lead in the 2nd round, winning 3 games while Black dropped two to Wellington. By
round four, Gold and Black were ahead, even on 18 points. They clashed in round 5, Southern
winning 2 Canterbury 1. This concluded doubles play with Southern Gold on 22, Canterbury Black
20, Wellington 18, Canterbury Red 12, Southern Blue 10 and Southern White 8.
Into the triples, last round of day one, all teams won one and lost one. The points differential was
maintained.
Day two started with the 2nd round of triples. All teams again won one and lost one. Gold won
both of its round 3 and round 4 events to continue its lead over Canterbury Black by 40 points to
35. As they met in round 5, the final round, if Canterbury won both games they would take out
the tournament. Black defeated Gold’s top trio 13-9 despite dropping 6 on one end, thereby
closing the gap to two points. The province who would win the Tri Star now rested on the players
in the bottom triples. The Gold team had been ahead by a few points throughout the game,
eventually leading 12-8. Canterbury Black fought back to level at 12 all and so the contest
worked its way right down to the final boule. Canterbury had shot the coch back, almost to the
end string. Southern had two shots at killing the cosh, both missed. Gold’s last boule stopped
about 1 foot (pardon the old measurement) in front of the coch. With boules in hand Canterbury
tried to shoot the coch, and again missed. It was left up to their pointer to draw inside the
holding ball. Thick shingle and the coch almost over the dead ball line, two desperate attempts,
both failed. A jubilant Southern team had lifted the trophy.
Meanwhile, Canterbury Red put in a late run with 7 triples wins to finish third.
Final Results in the following order: Doubles, Triples, Points Placing
Southern Gold, 11, 7, 43, 1st
Canterbury Black, 10, 6, 38, 2nd
Canterbury Red, 6, 7, 33, 3rd
Wellington, 9, 4, 30, 4th
Southern Blue, 5, 3, 19, 5th
Southern White 4, 3, 17, 6th
The winning Southern Gold team (shown below) was from left;
Phillip Lyall, Nadine Simpson, Neville Frost, Marilyn Bunce, Branko Cvjetan, Roy Harry-Young.
10 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Nev Frost holds the Tri-Star trophy
for the first time
Social News
Well known Social
petanque identities,
News Bill Peachey
and Lynn Mason, met through petanque at
Well
petanque
identities,
Billabout
Peachey
the known
Hibiscus
Coast Petanque
Club
13
and
Lynn
Mason,
petanque
at to
years
ago.
So, itmet
wasthrough
appropriate
for them
the
Hibiscustheir
Coast
Petanque
about 13
celebrate
marriage
on Club
the Hibiscus
years
So, in
it was
appropriate
for them to
Coastago.
terrain
October
last year.
celebrate their marriage on the Hibiscus
The maid-of-honour
was
Sue
Neilson of
Coast
terrain in October
last
year.
Rotorua. Sue’s husband Trevor has been the
The
maid-of-honour
Sue Neilson
of tours
organiser
of severalwas
overseas
good-will
Rotorua.
husband
Trevor
has been
the
for New Sue’s
Zealand
petanque
players
and Bill
organiser
several
overseas
good-will
tours
and Lynnofhave
travelled
on most
of these
for
New The
Zealand
petanque
players
and
Bill
tours.
ring bearer
in the
photo
is Bill’s
and
Lynn have travelled
most of these
granddaughter
Danielleon
Peachey-Stables.
tours. The ring bearer in the photo is Bill’s
granddaughter Danielle Peachey-Stables.
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
11
National Senior Doubles – 2013
The 2013 National Senior Doubles were held
at Herne Bay on December 7th and 8th.
As always, the competition was very strong
and the event had the usual friendship and
camaraderie associated with the “Senior”
players.
Results:
Championship
Winners:
Clive Bartleet (Vikings)/Bob Bridge
(Masterton)
Runners –Up:
Pete Hamilton (Wanganui East)/Richard
Lawson (Hataitai)
Clive Bartleet and Bob Bridge
2013 National Senior Doubles
Champions
Third Equal:
Joan Miller/Ralph Priddle (Masterton)
Graeme Morris (Masterton)/Trevor Neilson
(BOP Tauranga)
Trophy Consolation:
Winners:
John Greig (Kennedy Park)/Bill Peachey
(Hibiscus Coast)
Runners-Up:
Charles and Jean Parley (Stanley Bay)
Third Equal:
Chris Beams (Herne Bay)/Miles Maxted
(Kennedy Park)
Neville Frost (Caversham)/Shirley Selwyn
Wanganui East)
Consolante:
Winners:
Charles Brock (Kennedy Park)/John Targett
(Christchurch)
Runners-Up:
Brian and Claire Bradburn (Silverstream)
Third:
Bob McCarthy/Margaret Mordecai (Otaki)
12 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Scenes from the 2013 National Senior
Doubles
Runners-Up
Pete Hamilton and Richard Lawson
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
13
The
The
Thefollowing
following
followingarticles
articles
articlesare
are
areexcerpts
excerpts
excerptsfrom
from
fromthe
the
thebook
book
bookPPPtanque
tanqueBoules
Boules
BoulesDown
Down
DownUnder
Under
Underand
and
andthey
they
theyare
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are
étanque
reproduced
by
permission
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the
author
Egon
Pozniac.
reproduced
by
permission
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the
author
Egon
Pozniac.
reproduced by permission of the author Egon Pozniac.
All
Allabout
about
aboutBoules
Boules
Boules
All
The history of boule making has always been linked to the technical abilities of the The history of boule making has always been linked to the technical abilities of the Over the centuries boules
The history of boule making has always been linked to the technical abilities of the day. The modern metal boule is a product of a complex manufacturing process and day. The modern metal boule is a product of a complex manufacturing process and have been made of the
day. The modern metal boule is a product of a complex manufacturing process and
a world apart from the roughly hewn rocks thrown by the ancient Greeks. The most a world apart from the roughly hewn rocks thrown by the ancient Greeks. The most following materials:
a world apart from the roughly hewn rocks thrown by the ancient Greeks. The mo
significant changes in boule production have occurred over the past 150 years. significant changes in boule production have occurred over the past 150 years. significant changes in boule production have occurred over the past 150 years. • round stone ‘spheristics’
When the supply of cannon balls, commonly used to play boules, began to dry up When the supply of cannon balls, commonly used to play boules, began to dry up • leather bags filled with bran
When the supply of cannon balls, commonly used to play boules, began to dry up • wooden spheres with metal
in the mid-­‐19th century, wooden replacement boules were made. The French town in the mid-­‐19th century, wooden replacement boules were made. The French town in the mid-­‐19th century, wooden replacement boules were made. The French town strips
of Aiguines was the capital of nailed wooden boule making. The boules were made of Aiguines was the capital of nailed wooden boule making. The boules were made of Aiguines was the capital of nailed wooden boule making. The boules were made • cannon balls
st from the rootstock of local boxwood, beech or elm and sometimes blacksmith nails from the rootstock of local boxwood, beech or elm and sometimes blacksmith nails • nailed wooden spheres
from the rootstock of local boxwood, beech or elm and sometimes blacksmith nails • metal, steel alloy and bronze.
were added to protect them from chipping, especially if the game was played on a were added to protect them from chipping, especially if the game was played on a were added to protect them from chipping, especially if the game was played on a hard and rocky surface. Traditionally, wood turners shaped the boules and the hard and rocky surface. Traditionally, wood turners shaped the boules and the hard and rocky surface. Traditionally, wood turners shaped the boules and the nailing or ‘ferrage’ was done by women. nailing or ‘ferrage’ was done by women. nailing or ‘ferrage’ was done by women. With the introduction of mass-­‐produced factory nails from 1872, the appearance of boules began to With the introduction of mass-­‐produced factory nails from 1872, the appearance of boules began to With the introduction of mass-­‐produced factory nails from 1872, the appearance of boules began to change. The random, irregular nail patterns made from hand-­‐made nails and the early large nailheads change. The random, irregular nail patterns made from hand-­‐made nails and the early large nailheads change. The random, irregular nail patterns made from hand-­‐made nails and the early large nailheads were soon replaced with new techniques and designs. This abundance of nails allowed the boules to be were soon replaced with new techniques and designs. This abundance of nails allowed the boules to be were soon replaced with new techniques and designs. This abundance of nails allowed the boules to be covered completely with nails, making them heavier, durable and distinctive. As the design and shape of covered completely with nails, making them heavier, durable and distinctive. As the design and shape of covered completely with nails, making them heavier, durable and distinctive. As the design and shape of nails were developed, so too did the patterns and presentation of boules change. The first boules were nails were developed, so too did the patterns and presentation of boules change. The first boules were nails were developed, so too did the patterns and presentation of boules change. The first boules were covered with iron nails with large round heads. These boules were larger and heavier than today’s covered with iron nails with large round heads. These boules were larger and heavier than today’s covered with iron nails with large round heads. These boules were larger and heavier than today’s equivalent, ranging from 100–150mm diameter and weighing up to 1500gms.
equivalent, ranging from 100–150mm diameter and weighing up to 1500gms.With the advent of flathead With the advent of flathead With the advent of flathead equivalent, ranging from 100–150mm diameter and weighing up to 1500gms.
nails made from steel, brass and copper, boule makers could make individual creations displaying nails made from steel, brass and copper, boule makers could make individual creations displaying nails made from steel, brass and copper, boule makers could make individual creations displaying symbols, numbers or letters to match players’ personal preferences. A variety of new nailing techniques symbols, numbers or letters to match players’ personal preferences. A variety of new nailing techniques symbols, numbers or letters to match players’ personal preferences. A variety of new nailing techniques were made possible with the manufacture of different types of nails. Flat-­‐topped nails allowed for fish were made possible with the manufacture of different types of nails. Flat-­‐topped nails allowed for fish were made possible with the manufacture of different types of nails. Flat-­‐topped nails allowed for fish scale nailing. The early large and rustic round hemispheric nails were replaced by smaller round scale nailing. The early large and rustic round hemispheric nails were replaced by smaller round scale nailing. The early large and rustic round hemispheric nails were replaced by smaller round (cylindrical) head nails, which allowed for tight and decorative work. The smaller nails made possible (cylindrical) head nails, which allowed for tight and decorative work. The smaller nails made possible (cylindrical) head nails, which allowed for tight and decorative work. The smaller nails made possible complex design work, including stars, hearts and names and could be worked tight enough so that none of complex design work, including stars, hearts and names and could be worked tight enough so that none of complex design work, including stars, hearts and names and could be worked tight enough so that none of the wooden surface was exposed. the wooden surface was exposed. the wooden surface was exposed. The 1920s however, brought about the death knell for wooden boule artisans.M Courtier, a French M Courtier, a French The 1920s however, brought about the death knell for wooden boule artisans.
M Courtier, a French The 1920s however, brought about the death knell for wooden boule artisans.
manufacturer of handcuffs, developed boules of cast bronze (called Intégrales), while in 1928, Jean Blanc, manufacturer of handcuffs, developed boules of cast bronze (called Intégrales), while in 1928, Jean Blanc, manufacturer of handcuffs, developed boules of cast bronze (called Intégrales), while in 1928, Jean Blanc, a locksmith from St. Bonnet Le Château invented a way of making steel boules from two hemispheres a locksmith from St. Bonnet Le Château invented a way of making steel boules from two hemispheres a locksmith from St. Bonnet Le Château invented a way of making steel boules from two hemispheres joined together. These early boules were first sold in the ironmonger’s shop in the villages and soon joined together. These early boules were first sold in the ironmonger’s shop in the villages and soon joined together. These early boules were first sold in the ironmonger’s shop in the villages and soon became popular. Despite the development of metal boules, it wasn’t until 1933 that wooden boule became popular. Despite the development of metal boules, it wasn’t until 1933 that wooden boule became popular. Despite the development of metal boules, it wasn’t until 1933 that wooden boule production stopped in Aiguines and the 1940s that the wooden boule was finally relegated to the garage production stopped in Aiguines and the 1940s that the wooden boule was finally relegated to the garage production stopped in Aiguines and the 1940s that the wooden boule was finally relegated to the garage shelf. In recent years the wooden boule has been rediscovered and can be found in private collections of shelf. In recent years the wooden boule has been rediscovered and can be found in private collections of shelf. In recent years the wooden boule has been rediscovered and can be found in private collections of enthusiasts or displayed in museums. Some of the better known museums are the Museum of Boules in enthusiasts or displayed in museums. Some of the better known museums are the Museum of Boules in enthusiasts or displayed in museums. Some of the better known museums are the Museum of Boules in St. Bonnet-­‐Le-­‐Château, in the Massif-­‐Central region near Lyon; and the Wood Turners Museum at Aiguines and the Eco-­‐Museum at Vallauris in the south of France. The modern boule originates from the manufacturing process developed in the 1920s when two steel hemispheres were welded together and processed to produce a smooth, polished boule. There are two 14
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
categories of boules; the cheap leisure or disparagingly named ‘dog’ boule, and the competition boule. The leisure boule is made of carbon steel with a protective cover of zinc, nickel or chromium and is not produced to the same exacting standards of the competition boule. Leisure boules are now abundantly St. Bonnet-­‐Le-­‐Château, in the Massif-­‐Central region near Lyon; and the Wood Turners Museum at Aiguines and the Eco-­‐Museum at Vallauris in the south of France. The modern boule originates from the manufacturing process developed in the 1920s when two steel hemispheres were welded together and processed to produce a smooth, polished boule. There are two categories of boules; the cheap leisure or disparagingly named ‘dog’ boule, and the competition boule. The leisure boule is made of carbon steel with a protective cover of zinc, nickel or chromium and is not produced to the same exacting standards of the competition boule. Leisure boules are now abundantly available through discount and sports stores costing only a few dollars. For some odd reason, sets of six are sold as three pairs of boules, making it awkward for two people to play while sets of eight are sold as four pairs, meaning four people can play but with only two boules each. Interestingly, when Pétanque was in its infancy in Australia in the late 1980s these boules were packaged in boxed sets, sold for over $100 and were highly prized by their owners. Leisure boules are designed for casual play and practise. They are not permitted during competitive play. Though the boules look and feel the same as the competition boule, they are of inferior quality and don’t meet regulation standards. The finely crafted competition boule on the other hand has undergone a number of stages in manufacture and meets stringent specifications. Competition boules follow specifications with regard to size, weight and hardness. Permitted sizes are between 70.5–80mm in diameter, weigh between 650–800gms and are broadly divided into hard and soft, usually ranging from 140kg/mm-­‐120kg/mm to 115kg/mm-­‐
110kg/mm. They can be smooth or with a striated pattern. Each boule has the manufacturer’s specification clearly visible. This includes the manufacturer’s identification number, the weight and the quality of the steel. Engravings of the player’s name or team initials are permissible but only at the time of manufacture. All competition boules are made of quality steel alloy or bronze and are hollow. This explains the delightful and distinctive sound that is made when they are rolled and juggled in your hands. Keep in mind that a solid boule of an average 73mm would weigh 1.6kgs, too heavy to play and twice the legal weight of a regulation boule. This has not stopped some unscrupulous players gaining an advantage over the competition by drilling into the boule and filling it with mercury or oil. The idea is to increase the boule weight and reduce its roll. It is a practice which is frowned upon and contravenes the official rules of the game. The production of competition boules is a complex process requiring up to 19 different steps in the factory. They are usually made of steel alloy with up to 13% chromium to add lustre to the final polished product or bronze and are made to the highest production control standards. The process of production starts with two discs of steel alloy about 120mm in diameter and eight to 10mm thick, cut out by a powerful press. The discs are then pressed hot into hemispheres, chamfered and electrically welded. Scraping, primary polishing, balancing, engraving and stamping follow, with tests conducted to ensure perfect roll and balance. For example, one test to gauge the trueness of a boule involves a blob of magnetized steel weighing five gms placed on the surface of the new boule while it is floated in a bath of mercury. If there is no bias, the boule will float; if not it is rejected. Finally, the boules receive heat treatment, which tempers them to the requisite hardness. After cooling this is followed by further heating to restore a certain toughness. The final step is to remove the discolouration of the heating with polishing. The boules are matched by weight and diameter to produce a set of three identical boules. This explains why you will pay up to ten times more for competition boules. Every two to three years, boules manufacturers will produce a different pattern. Considering the number of players and the limited designs, confusion with identifying boules rarely occurs.
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
15
Boule Production
1 A billet is cut from a bar of steel alloy or bronze.
2 The billet is then flattened by a press to form a plate.
3 The plate is then shaped into a half sphere or shell.
4 Two shells are assembled and welded together to form a rough boule.
5 The rough boule is scraped, primary polished and balanced.
6 The boule is then case hardened.
7 The boule is polished.
8 The polished boule is then grooved and engraved ready for sale.
16 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Devonport Christmas Tournament
– by Graeme Morris
The day dawned overcast with morning rain forecast turning into a fine afternoon. It was Sunday
22nd December 2013 and for the first time I was in Auckland at the right time to play in the
annual Devonport Christmas Tournament.
I had contacted the organiser, Cam Calder, a few weeks earlier to make sure I was able to get an
entry and I had asked Margaret Penny if she would team up with me.
The Devonport tournament has been an icon of petanque in Auckland having been played every
year since 1994 (probably the longest running tournament in the country which has been played
on the same terrain every year). It is a tournament I have always wanted to play in. The
tournament has always been sponsored by Cam Calder under his petanque equipment business,
Boules-to-You. The prize for the winners at the end of the day would be a new set of boule each.
In more recent years the tournament winners also received the “John Petit” Memorial Trophy.
This trophy was donated by Michael Emerson and was first played for in 2007 as the first place
trophy for the John Petit Memorial Tournament. It was later transferred to this tournament.
I arrived at the Devonport waterfront in plenty of time to get familiarised with the terrain and the
surroundings. Only a few players were there when I arrived but Cam had obviously wandered
down earlier from his nearby home to set up the score table.
Just before the leisurely start time of 9.30a.m., Cam called all the players together for the
briefing. A good field of 14 teams had entered and these were divided into 3 pools. The winners
of each pool plus the next “best” second placed team would qualify for the semi-finals. Cam,s
introductory spiel included points such as – boule or cochonnet touching the seawall on the one
side and grass berm on the other were (obviously) out of bounds, a warning that it has been
known for a seagull to fly away with the coch and a further warning of the odd hole in the seawall
through which a boule may easily fit and end up in the sea. The pistes were placed end on end
along the path beside the seawall. The division between pistes was marked by a line in the lime
pathway drawn roughly with a foot. Players were asked to ensure someone would stand at the
end of the piste when a player was shooting to prevent the thrown boule disrupting the match in
the next piste.
Play began and all games were to 11 points. Margaret and I had never played in a tournament
together before and our first game was against Christian and Tom. We managed to win this 11-6,
so was a very good start for our first time combination. Next up was the young French pair, Mark
and Romain. This was a close call but we made it 11-9. Two from two – a great start. Third game
was against Ann and Sandy. At this stage, the south-westerly wind had picked up and the tide
was on its way in. One had to be wary when bending down to measure or pick up a boule close to
the seawall as waves had started to splash over the wall. Ann and Sandy had put rain coats on,
not for any rain (it was now a fine day), but as protection from the quite heavy sea spray.
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
17
We managed a win for the third game in a row 11-1. Things were looking good for this first time
team. Game 4, our last pool game was against Jean-Claude and Carol. A win here would see us
through to the semi-finals. It was an 11-5 victory. The day was going well and the atmosphere
nice and relaxed with players sitting under the Pohutukawa trees whilst waiting for other games
to finish and every now and then a team of 2 Clydesdale horses, pulling a wagon around the
streets of Devonport, could be seen just along the road. Another feature of the day was the way
in which people, walking along the promenade, just walked (or biked) right through the middle of
our games! I guess we were the intruders on “their” walkway, but for just once a year you would
think that they could walk around on the grass.
And so to the semi-final. We were drawn to play Richard and Pam (the best of the second place
getters). This game was also to 11. We started slowly with Richard and Pam taking an early lead
but we managed to come back at them and stretch out for the win. Wow, our first tournament
together and we’re in the final. But!!! Who are the other finalists? Georgio and Niau. A difficult
combination to beat at the best of times but trust me to have my worst game of the day. Up until
now Margaret had been pointing fantastically and I had been shooting really well even though it
was raspaille and not boule to boule (horses for courses!!). Margaret continued to point well but I
missed too many shots and we could not apply enough pressure on the opposition. So Georgio
and Niau came out comfortable 11-2 winners and went away with the John Petit Memorial trophy
and a new set of boule each for their day’s work. As for Margaret and I?? Well we came away
with a bottle of wine each for being runners-up and the experience of a relaxing day of petanque
under the Pohutukawa trees alongside the beautiful Auckland harbour.
That was that for 2013. I put my boule away not to be touched until 2014. Two and a half weeks
later when I got my boule out for Wednesday club night I was surprised (although I shouldn’t
have been) to find they were covered in a powdery rust. Note to self for next time I play by the
sea – clean your boule before you pack them away!!!!!!!!!
I look forward to playing in this very enjoyable tournament again one day.
See back cover for photos.
18 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Life Outside Petanque
Letter from Dutchie
Letter from Haiti January 2010
On Thursday morning (14/1/2010) I got a call from our Auckland office - could I go to
Haiti? Well, how can I say no to that!
I went home, packed my bags and off to work I went. There is always a lot to organise
in a very short time and the question I always have to ask myself is…have I got
everything I need for this trip, is there anything I have forgotten to take with me
because once I am on the plane it is too late.
I flew to Auckland from Wellington and met up with Mike McRoberts. He and I have been
going overseas now for about 9 years so we have a good partnership going.
Getting to Haiti was quite a mission for us. It’s such a long way from New Zealand and
takes a long time to get there. In Los Angeles we met up with a New Zealand family, the
dad and sister of Emily, who lost her husband and two daughters in the earthquake.
Only her two year old daughter survived the quake.
We flew to Miami and got there very late at night. Emily was flying from Santo Domingo
(Dominican Republic) the next day to Miami. She had escaped Port-au- Prince (Haiti)
and was lucky to get out of there so quickly. She was very concerned about the bodies
of her husband and daughters who were still lying in the rubble over there, how was she
going to retrieve them?
I filmed Emily arriving at Miami airport. She was met there by her family. You can
imagine how sad that moment was for all and for me to film this discretely. We put the
story together about her and sent it back through the internet to New Zealand. It had a
great response back home as you can imagine.
The next day we flew from Miami to Santa Domingo. There we met up with other people
who were also looking to get to Haiti. We found out the car rental companies did not
want to rent their cars out if you were going into Haiti. They were afraid that their cars
would not come back in one piece. So the other way was by bus. It was a 5 hour journey
to the border and we were told they shut the border at 6pm. So, as it was 3pm, it was
too late to catch the bus and drive to the border. So we stayed the night not far from the
bus depot.
The next morning we were outside the bus depot office and had to wait almost 3 hours
before we got our tickets. Things don’t happen at a fast speed. There was a long queue
of people all wanting to get on the bus. A lot of people wanted to go to Port au Prince,
Haiti’s capital, to see how their families were or to retrieve their bodies.
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
19
We arrived there about 9.30pm and got a taxi driver who became our driver for the next
few days we were there. He took us to the border where our live cross position was.
The U.S.A had taken control of the airport, which was undamaged and only aid planes
were allowed to come and go from here. All other commercial flights were cancelled. I
did some filming there and sent the pictures back to New Zealand and Mike stood in
front of the cameras to tell the people back home what the situation in Haiti was at that
moment.
It was said that we should not be driving around at night time because it was not
considered to be safe. Our driver did not want to drive at night because of that. But we
had no choice of course. Midnight over in Haiti is 6pm News time back in New Zealand.
During our bus ride to Haiti we got talking to people and one person told us that his
sister lived up on the hill above Port au Prince. We might be able to stay with them. As it
turned out we could. People who lived high up on the hill are considered to be well off
and the house we stayed in was a very nice house. Mike and I slept in a bedroom
together, while the husband and wife slept in the car outside their house. She was a very
good cook and every day she made us breakfast and even a delicious lunch. So, we
thought we would have to sleep outside in the open and not have much to eat, but it
turned out to be okay. Of course we gave them money to have us stay with them.
There was no running water, no electricity etc. in Port au Prince. People who do have
power have got the use of generators. But then, they do need petrol to keep them
running. And that was our first story…….petrol. People needed to get to work or to
wherever they had to go. Most of the petrol stations were closed. Not because they
didn’t have any petrol, but because they would have a lot of money on them and they
were afraid that they would be robbed. The banks were all closed, so the petrol station
owners could not deposit the money into their bank.
But we found a petrol station that was open and of course people got to hear about that
and that generated big queues. They would have jerry cans, water bottles etc., anything
they could get petrol in. They were not allowed to fill up their cars. Even our driver
needed to get some petrol or we could not get around to film our stories for much
longer. He got a flat tyre and was very lucky that it happened just by a “tyre repair
place”. Here was another example of how primitive these people still are. A guy had his
“business” outside on the footpath and changed a car tyre by hand, no machines
involved. To pump up a car tyre, he used a bicycle pump. To fix a hole he used a flame
and melted something over the hole. I found this very interesting to watch.
People were concerned about what the smell would be like. Well, it was not too bad.
Most of the dead bodies had been taken away and buried by the time we got there.
There are still lots of bodies lying under the rubble of buildings, but the only thing I could
smell was a combination of the rubbish laying along the streets and the poo and urine,
as toilets could not be used because there was no water. I did see a body and a few
limbs, but that was all.
It was interesting to see people who were living out on the streets and in camps, rubbish
everywhere, how they were still washing themselves with soap, with water coming out of
a pipe. I, on the other hand, did not have a shower for 6 days. The house we were
staying at only had enough water for the use of the toilet and to splash your face in the
morning.
We went to a camp where people were getting vaccinations. It was there that we found
Chedna, a 5 year old girl, who has no father and who lost her mother in the quake and
was now looked after by her aunt. Chedna had a broken arm and a gaping hole in her
leg. You can imagine that infection was at a very high risk with rubbish lying around
everywhere.
20 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
Chedna and her aunt have no money, so getting her to a hospital was impossible. She
had not seen a doctor since the earthquake happened. But we had a car and we were
asked by a medic at the camp if we could take her and her aunt to a hospital.
Patients were lying outside everywhere. There is no room to keep them all inside. After
an hour’s wait, Chedna got looked at by a few doctors who were very concerned about
her broken arm. If she was not operated on immediately she could lose her arm. So,
with a note from the doctors on her chest, we took her to the operating theatres. There
the surgeons took her in immediately and Chedna got operated on. I think that our
presence had a lot to do with her getting treated so quickly. She even gave both Mike
and I a kiss on the cheek.
Then the next day we went to the harbour where there were hundreds of people with
their suitcases all wanting to get out of Port au Prince and go to the provinces where it
was supposed to be safer. The desperation was there to see. Some had been waiting
here for 4 days. People were climbing onto ferries or so desperate to get into one of the
many little boats that it caused a lot of friction. The boats were only about 2 metres wide
and 4 metres long. People were so desperate to get into one of the boats that we
witnessed a mother who forgot to take her children on the boat she was in. But when
she did, the boat returned and her children were reunited with her.
The boats were so overcrowded that they were only about 20cm above the water.
Apparently we heard that one of the boats sank the next day. The journey was supposed
to take them about 24hours to get to the provinces.
Our last story was about one of the many orphanages in Port au Prince. The one we
visited was the first time any foreigner or aid person had come to check them out. It is
hard to believe how an orphanage could be overlooked. This place had about 50 orphans
with no food or water. There were a few adults who looked after the children. Some of
the orphans were still in a cot. It is heart breaking to see the distraught people who have
lost their families. Children who have lost their parents, where do they go? Where do
they live? How do they get food or something to drink? How will they survive? Most of
the people had nothing. Now they have even less.
The world is donating a lot of money to help these people and to rebuild the country. Aid
is arriving but not quick enough. It’s going to take a long time and a lot of money to get
Haiti and its people back to normal. But they also have to get rid of the corrupt
government who have not spent the money to where it is supposed to go.
Then it was a very long haul back to New Zealand. It was indeed a great trip to be able
to experience all that has happened in Haiti and to see all the people who have suffered
so much.
I am very lucky to be in such a great job and to be given the opportunity to experience
going on these kinds of trips.
Michael
Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
21
Auckland Cockle Bay Shelly Beach Parade Cockle Bay, Auckland Judith Lyon 09 535 5846 [email protected] Epsom 77 The Drive, Epsom Raewyn King 09 625 5823 [email protected] Herne Bay Salisbury Reserve, Salisbury St Herne Bay, Auckland Jean Pascal Cuer 027 987 8175 [email protected] Hibiscus Coast Hibiscus Coast Leisure Centre Brightside Road Stanmore Bay Bill Peachey 09 4205130 [email protected] Kennedy Park J.F. Kennedy Park Castor Bay North Shore City Angela and Miles Maxted 094783138 [email protected] Mt. Albert Vikings Gribblehurst Park 203 Sandringham Road Auckland Georgio Vakauta 021 1579782 [email protected] Northcote Maritime Terrace Little Shoal Bay Barry or Sina Anderson 09 8451966 [email protected] Panmure Pioneer Gribblehurst Park 203 Sandringham Road Auckland Andrew Mailei 09 5253745 [email protected] St. George Shelley Beach Parade Cockle Bay Howick Auckland Jayne Heron 09 5339521 [email protected] St Heliers St Heliers Bowling Club Vellenoweth Green Goldie Street, St Heliers Adrienne Grogan 09 5756617 [email protected] Stanley Bay 20 Stanley Point Road Devonport Charles Parley 09 4452517 [email protected] 22 Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
West End West End Bowling Club 9 Hamilton Road Herne Bay Grant Hackett 09 8279973 [email protected] Central Bay View Murray Porter 06 8367023 [email protected] Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis/ Squash Higgins Street Marewa, Napier Robin Johnson 06 8243330 [email protected] Napier City Nelson Park Kennedy Road (City End), Napier Angela Cottingham 06 8442103 [email protected] Rotorua Government Gardens Rotorua Trevor Neilson 07 3463370 [email protected] Tauranga Bay of Plenty Robins Reserve Cliff Road, Tauranga Jo Ann Ingram 07 578 3606 [email protected] Thames Beach Road, Thames David Legge 07 8685322 [email protected] Whakatane Whakatane Rose Gardens McGarvey Road Johan Groeneveld 07 3087121 [email protected] Wellington Hataitai Hataitai Bowling Club 159 Hataitai Rd Hataitai Margret Fleck 04 2358474 Fleck-­‐[email protected] Horowhenua Western Park Tiro Tiro Road, Levin Thelma Massey [email protected] Kapiti Paraparaumu Domain Aorangi Road, Paraparaumu Kath Alison 04 2990609 [email protected] Khandallah Khandallah Bowling Club Woodmancote Road, Khandallah Michael Rocks 04 9730011 [email protected] Manawatu 74 North Street Palmerston North Claudia Thompson 063584919 [email protected] Masterton Queen Elizabeth Park Masterton Ralph Priddle 06 3773404 [email protected] Otaki 15 Waerenga Road Otaki Val Clarke 06 3645213 val-­‐[email protected] Pacific Paradise Liz Rocks 04 9730011 [email protected] Park Avenue Park Avenue Bowling Club Treadwell Street Lower Hutt Barbara Nicholls 04 5654451 [email protected] Silverstream 28A Penrose St. Lower Hutt Owen Davie 04 5695387 [email protected] Upper Hutt Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt Colleen Horton 04 5284991 [email protected] Wanganui East 101 Wakefield Street, Wanganui Christine Strichen 06 3477304 [email protected] Windy Hills Waitangi Park Wakefield Street, Wellington Susan Norman 04 4782029 [email protected] Canterbury/Tasman Christchurch North Hagley Park beside Victoria Lake, Christchurch Pat O’Shea 03 3882693 [email protected] www.christchurchpetanque.org.nz Nelson Paruparu Road, Nelson Adrienne Lorimer 021 2125874 [email protected] Papanui 310 Sawyers Arms Road Christchurch Maureen Morgan 03 3147442 [email protected] Alexandra Cnr Shannon & Kenmare Sts Alexandra Sandra Hay 03 4288448 [email protected] Caversham Right of Way off Hazel Ave Kew Park, Dunedin Pam Baird 03 465 7440 [email protected] www.cavershampetanque.org.nz Cromwell Old Cromwell Town Precinct Beside Lake Dunstan Madeline Kilgour 03 4451861 [email protected] Dunedin City 46 Eglington Rd Mornington, Dunedin Cathryn Thomas 03 489 747 [email protected] Excelsior Centennial Park, Oamaru Alistair Duncan 03 4371988 [email protected] Kingswell 50 Brown St, Invercargill Richard Pubben 03 2165009 [email protected] Milton Next to Pipe Band Hall Main Street, Milton Moira Hastie 03 4178542 [email protected] St. Kilda St. Kilda Bowling Club 33 Royal Crescent, St. Kilda Dunedin Wendy Farlam 03 4544202 [email protected] Southland 115 Leet Street, Invercargill Roma Lloyd 03 2159786 [email protected] Taieri Brooklands Park Wickliffe St, Mosgiel Richard Hambleton 03 486 2232 [email protected] Timaru Town & Country 99 Douglas Street, Timaru Mike Curran 03 6880771 [email protected] Waikouaiti Petanque Club Sports Complex Matakana Drive, Waikouaiti Margaret Reynolds 03 4657878 [email protected] Petanque NZ Vol 4 No 6 - Jan 2014
23
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