Sunday 5th September saw Croydon Petanque Club hold The Mark Barlow tournament, in remembrance of Mark, who sadly passed away in 2020 from coronavirus.
Mark had often spoken to his work colleagues about his passion for the game, filling them in on where he’d spent his weekend playing, come rain or shine. It is because of this they were also keen to come along & join in the day of remembrance.
With a total of 24 players, the day was run as triples, with each of his work colleagues being paired with two club members. Marks sister Pam, together with family friends Phil & Teresa formed their own team.
Throughout the day, games were closely fought, sometimes with the visitors out pointing the club members, which all added to the spirit of the game & bought out the team competitiveness in the friendliest of ways. Highlighting the open, fun & welcoming nature of our club members.
Lunchtime gave everyone an opportunity to mingle & chat to everyone, to learn about Marks work life, how respected he was for his knowledge & expertise within his field & to hear from family & friends about Mark growing up. To look at the pictures on the hut of Mark during his years of play, some action, some pondering but many collecting a winners medal or trophy.
The afternoon games continued to have closely fought matches & after the final game with all the score sheets in, the top two teams both having won 4 games it went down to points difference, also third place was decided on points difference.
1st John, Sarah & Alfie (Alfonso).
2nd Terry, Cliff & Abdul.
3rd. Pam, Phil & Teresa.
When collecting her medal Pam took the opportunity to thank Croydon PC for holding the event & to everyone in coming together to remember Mark & the game he was so passionate about.
Rather than the usual competition entry fee, it was left open for people, if they wished, to make a donation to be given to a charity chosen by Marks sister, Pam.
We raised £200- which is fantastic & Pam’s chosen charity was Cancer Research.
His work colleagues are already looking ahead to next year in coming back when we host this annual event.
All in all, it was a great day.
