“Fancy a game of bourle?” That’s a question that echoes through the history of the Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph. This historic site provided entertainment for generations. The Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph in Lille represents more than just a game. It embodies community spirit. It revives a tradition dating back centuries.
Let’s step back in time to understand the Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph. This game is played on a curved track. Players throw a bourle as close as possible to a stake. This requires skill and strength. In Halluin, the Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph and the Cercle Saint-Charles were key locations for this sport.
Around 1836, a group of friends began meeting on Sundays. They met at M. Opsomer’s. This was the start of the Saint Joseph society. Pierre Lepoutre bequeathed a house to Halluin in 1857. This was to be used by the society. They were to celebrate a solemn memorial each year on Saint Joseph’s Day. The Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph became more important over time.
The Cercle Saint-Charles was founded to unite the Flemish-speaking residents of Halluin. It was also known as the Flemish Circle. Abbé Marchand and Abbé Timmerman spoke Flemish there. The circle was open on Sundays and Mondays. It was a popular gathering place. It featured a games room and a large bourloire. Parties and Christmas celebrations were organized for members each year. Charles Deleu was the first president followed by Albert Gadeyne. The circle’s activities stopped during the war.
The Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph nearly vanished. Fortunately it was saved. André Vandalle, president since 2006, noted periods of decline. He also noted the subsequent revivals.
The Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph reopened on January 23, 2006. This was after a two-year break. The renovation and addition of a second lane boosted popularity. The Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph is a pleasant place to spend time. This is partly because of its spaciousness and brightness. A special emphasis is placed on creating a welcoming atmosphere.
A game of bourle lasts from one to one and a half hours. Tournaments are held with other local clubs. These are even across the border. People play for fun. They play without the need to compete. The Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph also hosts its annual Flemish bourle tournament.
Roger Leroy played a crucial role in reopening the bourloire. He recalled bourle being played in many cafes when he was young. He helped reopen the bourloire in the late 1990s with Claude Vanhoutte. He created the Bourle Society in 1999.
Today the Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph welcomes young students for introductions to the game. The Bourloire du Cercle Saint-Joseph is more than just a place to play bourle. It is a community hub. It is a place to meet friends and enjoy a traditional game. It keeps the spirit of Halluin alive.