Since the opening of Whitsome Village Hall in 2009 various residents expressed their desire for a Boules or Pétanque court to be created within the grounds of the hall. In 2022 the hall committee successfully applied for a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund towards the cost of building a Pétanque court next to the hall, overlooking a stunning view across the Merse towards the Lammermuir Hills.
The work was carried out by local firm R L Smith & Sons who completed the project in May 2023. The area was landscaped and planted up by various members of the hall committee and Whitsome Enhancement Group, and in July 2023 the hall committee and helpers ran a very successful and well attended BBQ to which we invited Stewart Sanderson, the Lottery’s South Scotland Funding Officer, to officially open the court.

The Official Opening
Members of Whitsome’s newly formed Pétanque players group demonstrated their skills and were quickly joined on the court by many of the BBQ guests, keen to have a go.

Scrutinising the field of play

The demonsration pétanque game well under way

John Smithson, Trustee, Whitsome Village Hall and Stewart Sanderson, National Lottery Community Fund South Scotland Funding Officer
After the opening, over 70 residents tucked into a fantastic spread of Foreman’s burgers and sausages, along with chicken and accompanied by a wide variety of salads and Ford’s rolls. Then we were entertained by three residents with their guitars and ukuleles. A wonderful way to spend an evening with our Whitsome friends – and it didn’t rain!
The court is open to all to play on at any time and can also be booked for a private party through the hall’s booking secretary by emailing bookings.ark@whitsome.scot.