18 hours Ago
A free sports facility has opened for Lewes residents. The pétanque piste, near Lewes FC's Dripping Pan, is open to all and requires no booking. The launch was attended by local residents, fundraisers, elected members, and Lewes Pétanque Club on December 14.
The idea for the piste was conceived in 2022 when local resident, Tom Davies, and a friend realised there was nowhere in Lewes to play pétanque, a game they both loved. Davies, chair of Lewes Pétanque Club, said: "It’s incredible to see this pipedream turn into reality. "We were inspired by family holidays in France and wanted to bring the enjoyment of this simple, healthy, and accessible pleasure back to Lewes.
" The club sought support from Lewes District Council, who helped identify a suitable location for the piste. Funding for the facility’s construction was secured through crowdfunding from local residents, East Sussex County Council’s ‘Building Stronger Communities’ Fund, Lewes District Council and Lewes Town Council Community Infrastructure Levy funding, and match funding and support in kind from Lewes District Council. Councillor Johnny Denis, cabinet member for arts, culture and tourism, and leisure, said: "We are committed to supporting diverse recreational opportunities for our residents and are delighted to have played a part in making the idea of Lewes’s first-ever pétanque piste become a reality.
"This fantastic new facility is free to use, and I encourage people to come along and enjoy a game – it is a great addition to our town. "Thank you to Lewes Pétanque Club and all those who donated through the crowdfunder." The piste is a high-quality, free-to-use, open-to-all community asset.
Dr Julie Barnett and Dr Allen Foundry, social prescribing leads, added: "Pétanque is a great way to get more active, more social, and get outside." Lewes residents can now enjoy the game whenever they wish. To find out more about Lewes Pétanque Club, visit www.
lewespetanqueclub.org..
