Organisation Type: Playing Fields

The pétanque terrain in Oxney Green Park was installed in 2026.  It is free to use and no booking is required.  You just need to bring your own boules.  Petanque is a very sociable game and is accessible for all.

What You Need:

– 2 teams (1 to 3 players per team)

– 3 boules per player (2 boules if in a team of 3)

– 1 small target ball, called the jack (or ‘cochonnet’)

How to Play:

1. Toss a coin to decide which team starts.
2. Draw a circle on the ground (or use a plastic ring). Stand in it to throw.
3. A player throws the jack 6 to 10 meters away.
4. The same player throws a boule close to the jack.
5. A player from the other team tries to throw a boule closer (or knock the other away).
6. Teams take turns throwing until all boules are used. The team not closest keeps throwing.
7. Score 1 point for each boule closer to the jack than the opponent’s nearest.
8. The team who scored starts the next round from where the jack landed.
9. The first team to reach 13 points wins!

Tips & Terms:

– Boules are usually thrown underarm and lobbed, not rolled.

– ‘Pointing’ means throwing close to the jack.

– ‘Shooting’ means knocking the opponent’s boule away.

– Jack = also called ‘cochonnet’ or ‘little pig’.

– A 0 to 13 loss is called being ‘Fannied’.

Petanque is easy to learn, great fun for all ages, and perfect for social or competitive play!

If you are interested in becoming a member of Writtle Pétanque or joining the committee please e-mail writtlepetanque@gmail.com.

There is an outdoor table tennis table outside the pavillion at Paradise Road.  This is part of the PING PONG initiative run by Chelmsford City Council.  Bats and balls are available from the pavillion.

Why not pop down for a game?

The playground in Paradise Road was redesigned in 2014. It was funded by Maztec, the company that ran the ‘V Festival’.

The play area at Paradise Road is enclosed. The playground is suitable for children up to 12 years. There are several climbing frames with slides and different climbs including climbing walls and ladders. There is also a zipwire and several swings. There is also a small climb on train.

The outdoor gym at the Oxney Green Playing Field on the Ongar Road/East View features a skier machine, rowing machine, chest press, pull-down exerciser, a leg press and horseback rider and is free to use to all over the age of 12.

Funding was obtained from Essex Environmental Trust and the Community Initiative Fund.