TO MARK the anniversary of her appearance at the Montreal Olympics in 1976 as part of the GB Archery Team, Wellington Pétanque Club president Rachel Fenwick hosted the inaugural President’s Day.

Rachel and club member Michael Wheatley devised a skills competition based on archery scoring. Sixteen players, in teams of two, threw boules from three set distances from the jack and points were awarded according to how close they were. A direct hit which moved the jack scored an extra ten points.

The weather forecast had threatened heavy rain but in the event there were only a couple of showers, so no interruption to play.

Rachel donated the trophies and presented them to winners Jo Beer and Richard Brickles, runners-up Liz and Bob Ellis and third-placed Alison Newberry and Barry Ede.

Following the competition Rachel hosted afternoon tea in the bowling clubhouse, which is shared with the Pétanque Club, making most of the cakes herself. She was presented with a bouquet and Star Baker apron.

Rachel’s career in archery includes many international appearances and in 1978 she broke six British records and earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records. She co-founded the Wellington Bowmen in 2001.

Rachel is the club’s oldest player, playing at least once a week and entering all the competitions. Pétanque is a game that anyone can play, it’s easy to pick up and beginners can be playing with experienced players straight away.

The club’s Terrain is next to the ponds at The Basins and club sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. During the summer it holds an open session on Wednesdays starting at 6.30 and anyone is welcome to come along to try the game. Please contact them first to make sure boules are available to borrow.

For more information visit www.wellingtonpetanque.co.uk