WELCOME TO PARAKEET PÉTANQUE
Fun for all
OUR BACKGROUND
How We Got Here
Established in the summer of 2015 by 4 university friends, Parakeet Pétanque took it’s name after the exotic green and yellow birds that inhabit Hampstead Heath and indeed many of London’s parks. Over the years the club has grown. Currently we have 30 odd players with about half being official members and the rest casual, and we are one of only 3 Pétanque England recognised clubs in London.
We have always been about fun, inclusion and healthy competition and welcome new recruits. Whether newbies, casual players or experienced veterans, all are welcome to come and join in the fun.
THE BOARD MEMBERS
CHAIRMAN
Josh Freeborn
Not only is he our chairman but he is also our chief ambassador. Regularly representing the Parakeets at London Events, Josh is the face of our club. During the spring, summer and autumn you can bet your bottom dollar that Josh will be on the piste. As one of our founding members Josh has embodied our spirit of openness and inclusivity. He’s always approachable (unless mid shot), and happy to talk about the game he loves.
CLUB TREASURERS
David Haffner & Linda Fawcett
Our joint Treasurers are key members of the club, regularly representing the Parakeets at London events. Friendly and approachable, they are also club Ambassadors. Feel free to say hi if you see them on the piste.
CLUB SECRETARY
Louise Lee
Louise Lee is a Stalwart member and chief administrator of the Club. Along with Linda she forms the formidable “Pointer Sisters”. Also a club Ambassador, she is friendly and approachable.
VICE CHAIRMAN
Cem Pakiry-Turgut
Every club needs a top quality ‘Gofer’, and Cem is our guy ‘who can’. Whether it be furnishing club members with his signature handcrafted sac de petanque, producing the club banner or building this website, Cem puts his creativity and love for the club into all things Parakeet related.
SEASON DATES AND GENERAL INFO
Weather permitting, you will generally find a handful of Parakeets on the piste throughout the summer from 2pm onwards
Official days are: Friday afternoon to dusk / Sunday noon till dusk
Our official Home is the piste located by the Tennis courts off Highgate Hill road, however we do on occasion use the piste at Waterlow Park. Neither surface is exclusive to us, but we, along with the U3A (University of the Third Age) and The City of London parks department maintain the piste on Hampstead Heath.
MEET OUR MEMBERS
FOUNDING MEMBER & AMBASSADOR
Seb Cheng
Quality player with years of experience. Always goes deep in club comps. Inaugural doubles comp winner in 2018 along with Jeff Baptista.
CLUB AMBASSADOR
Jeff Baptista
Always ready with a bowl of his famous spicy chicken, Jeff will offer you to a hot wing whilst offering you top quality Scouse banter. No one is louder or prouder to be a Parakeet.
FOUNDING MEMBER & AMBASSADOR
Darren Prior
Another Stalwart of the club, you’ll spot Darren with his left handed action and crouched position. A natural pointer, Darren insists on wearing Doc Martens and black jeans come hell or high water, therefore he tends to stick out on a summers day.
CLUB AMBASSADOR
Tom Lee
Living locally, the piste is a second home for Tom, who can generally be seen sporting a fishing hat with beer and boule in hand. A genuine all rounder.
HEAD GROUNDSMAN
Kris from Michigan
Kris has been integral to the up keep and renewal of the piste. If you’re out early doors you may catch him around 6am digging up and relaying the surface.
VETERAN & NIGHTWATCHMAN.
Tom Hughes
Tom loves playing late in to the night and therefore truly earns his title of Nightwatchman.
VETERAN MEMBER
Alan
Alan came to Petanque late, but his love for anything spherical which can be thrown has made him an absolute natural. His straight arm action has earned him the nickname of the Pendulum.
MEMBER
Viktoria
A fierce competitor and a great pointer. Relatively new to the game Vitoria has taken to petanque like a duck to water
MEMBER
Keefe Wagstaff
Another new recruit Keefe has jumped in with both feet. Fancying himself as a shooter, Keefe is learning fast.
FOUNDING MEMBER AND TECHNICAL MANAGER
Ian & Matt
Sadly both members are rarely to be seen on the piste these days but their contributions to the formation of the club can’t be forgotten.
GET IN TOUCH
Parliament Hill Piste, Highgate Hill road, Hampstead Heath, NW5 London, UK
123-456-7890
