Founded in 2022, Hornsey Pétanque Club (HPC) has invested over £25k to develop the existing two pétanque courts and four benches in Priory Park N8 8LN, and gifted them to the local community,

Since the courts were created, they have become a valued local asset: a friendly, sociable and low-cost activity that brings people together across ages and backgrounds. The courts are used by club members, local residents, beginners, older people, and visitors to the park. They also have growing potential to support participation by people with mobility challenges and community organisations working to reduce loneliness and isolation.

The present layout is no longer sufficient for the level of interest and use. We now need to slightly remodel and enlarge the layout of the courts, improve the surrounding edges and access, and make the space safer, more welcoming and more practical for a wider range of users.

HPC's aim now is to finish what we started by investing a further £22k to create a safer, larger and more accessible playing space for the local community. Every donation will help us improve this much-valued community facility.

We have already secured £10,000 and are now crowd-funding, drafting grant applications and approaching local businesses and organisations to help us fund the balance of £12,000, again at no cost to Haringey Parks Department.

Pétanque is one of the few activities that is genuinely intergenerational, sociable and easy to take up. It is especially valued by many older people because it combines light physical activity with conversation, routine, confidence-building and outdoor participation. Indeed, for some local residents, this is not just a sport, it is a way of staying active, connected and involved.

The improved courts will benefit:

Members of Hornsey Pétanque Club (HPC)

Older residents and potential users linked to Haringey Circle

Disabled participants and contacts linked to Disability Action Haringey

Priory Park visitors and local residents

Members of the University of the Third Age (over 50s)

Beginners and new community players

In adition to Crowdfunding, we will also be pursuing grants and approaching other local organisations for support to help us raise the balance of £12k. HPC would love to have the help of local people to help us make this happen. A community contribution will show that these courts are valued not only by the club, but by the wider neighbourhood as well.

Every donation, whether large or small, will help us move closer to our goal.