2014 – 2015
SOCIAL NIGHT
30 members turned out for the annual celebration of success and a hot night was in prospect as we took to the long table in Jo’s Kitchen at Carfrae Mill. A great meal, as usual, with some equally good chat was followed by Mr President Graeme, presenting the club trophies. Club members had a hand in winning some 22 Province, BIR or wider national competitions, over the course of the year and it was good to see those trophies on show. The inimitable JC took us on a tour of the ‘Earlston Curler’ dishing the dirt and awarding some generous prizes only he could explain.
The ‘My little pony’ award went to Cammy Pate as the club wished him well on his summer of ride-outs and just being a Braw Lad. Good luck – and dinnae break anything. We need you back on the ice in October.
AGM
Dateline 6th May. Time, 7.30pm. Place, Black Bull, Earlston. 12 members attended the AGM and after a bit of time, found themselves at the conclusion of the night’s proceedings. Notable bits were a fulsome listing by the President, of member’s successes in various competitions, Finances in sparkling form, George re-elected to committee along with Marion. Sheena confirmed as Ladies Rep.
Everyone looking forward now to the proper celebrations for the past year to be held on Saturday night at Carfrae Mill.
GALA CUP
We eeeee eeellll. You know it makes you wanna shout!
Bit of a frustrating, yet probably right, result on the final of the Gala cup. Soor plooms indeed! Bill, Graeme & Leslie Cowe and Sheena fought the final, yet found it a fight too far. Up against the dingers rink led by Paul Jess, they succumbed to a defeat of 10-7.
NATIONAL MASTERS WIN
Congratulations to Liz on winning the Ladies Masters at Greenacres today. Playing in Margaret Robertson’s rink they won all their 5 group matches and in the final, won again against Mary Barr’s team. Wonderful performance. Wouldn’t you say?
STERLING WORK IN STIRLING
Just heard that Marion and Wendy won the Stirling Ladies open on Tuesday. With Marion skipping the rink, Wendy, Margaret Robertson and Nina Clancy lifted the trophy. Formerly known as the British Ladies Open, I just heard it was brilliant.
DRATTED DOUBLES. DRAT
From a personal point of view anyway. What a fine final for the Dram others might say, between Jim & Robert and Bill & Gerry. 1st end to Jim with a 2. Bill took a single in the 2nd. Next came a 3 for Jim and then a fine shot from Gerry brought peels with a 4. It all came down to the last end and in the end it all came down to the last shot. Robert had to draw to the tee line and Bill’s lying shot, it took a kiss and wee rumble, they both tumbled and the measure showed the deed was done. Like I said a fitting final to a good competition.
WALDIE GRIFFITHS
We had 3 curlers playing in the Waldie Griffiths this year. Bill, Jim and Luigi playing in various other’s rinks at Kirkcaldy ice rink, helped see the Borders amass +21 shots against the East of Fife province with all four rinks winning. Not as many shots as last year, admittedly but a pretty good result. At time of writing this report we are in pole position to retain the trophy and have an average of 5.25 points. Fingers crossed – again.
OAK ROOM BONSPIEL
The ladies closing Bonspiel was held on Wednesday 4th March in which 5 Earlston players featured – Liz, Lesley Cowe, Sheena, Russet & Marion. Sheena was in the runners-up rink playing in Margaret Robertson team with Lucy Tile & Rebecca Fraser.
Glynnis Lauder’s rink won the day.
RINK CHAMPIONSHIP
You’ll recall the exciting finish to the RCCC competition at Kelso back in December, well Jim, Wendy, Bobby & Liz were pitched in to the rink championship at Forfar last weekend alongside Yester, to fight the Border’s corner.
Tough times. First up, they went down to a Murrayfield team on the Friday night. Straight out the blocks on the Saturday morn against Fife, it was a fine win. Next came The Peak team and that was a peak too far in Forfar. It all came to a head against Braeheads in the last match on Saturday (3 bloomin games in a day!!) when it went pear shaped. Tough times right enough. Consolation was that BIR winners, Yester, were yesterday’s news with a single win too.
BIRLIN BROOM
The Birlin Broom league concluded last night with Graeme Wilson’s rink top of the sweepings. A great run of performances brought success for his rink of George/Kirsty, James and A.N.O. Not sure of who the ‘Other’ has been over the five matches but last night it was Linda. Crivens! He won this last year as well.
OPEN POINTS
You wait for Points competitions all year then three come at once. The Ice Rink’s Open Points champion from last year is the champ again. Again. Graeme just does not want to let go of that trophy.
He bettered his club competition result by racking up a huge 47 points in only 7 disciplines. We can only stare in wonder. Well done
DICKINSON WINNERS
Wooohooo. Fantastic and emphatic 12-1 win in the Dickinson final for Marion’s rink on Friday. Aided and abetted by Ewan, Luigi and Graeme Wilson, they quickly got into their stride and sorted the Greenlaw opposition who wanted off after six ends. It was a tougher semi against Lees however but they kept their cool to win through. GW was subbing at lead for Leslie Cowe who played the first two rounds. Well done to all the players. Kerching! Another fine trophy.
OPENCLUB POINTS CHALLANGE
What can I say? Too challenging.
Oh! And thanks to all the helpers. Kelso won.
MARIE CURIE BONSPIEL
Seven curlers had a go, had a go together. Sheena, Luigi, Liz and Jim, Marion, Bill and Rusett. No one made the prizes though, only Marion wi Liz were pipp-ed. 3rd place high was all we got ‘gainst Greenlaw’s Broon who scooped it.
Great competition and fun all round.
THE POINT IS….
Well, more accurately that should be “The Points is…. ” and I’d go on to say one of the most keenly contested competitions in the club calendar. Being more accurate with your shot-making is what it’s all about and exactly ten members slid out last night to do precisely that. Phil, Ewan, George, Liz, two Graemes, Marion, Jim, John Burns and Bill tackled 8 disciplines to amass a fine number of – yes you guessed it, points.
The most anyone got was 45 and that was Mr President. Runner-up was Jim with 42, exactly 1 behind, in third place, was Bill and Graeme Cowe & Ewan were joint 4th. After delivering 32 stones over the course of the session, it was great to adjourn to the bar for the announcement of winner and lift another pint. The two Graemes and Jim will represent the club in the Club Points Challenge next week so we wish them good luck.
DIRECTORS
Congratulations to Bill, Graeme Cowe and Luigi who formed 3/4 of John Stevenson’s winning rink in the Directors competition played out on Friday night. The really excellent trophy was won against James Stark’s team with a 9-6 scoreline. Earlier, the Stevenson Seniors posted a win over fellow Earlstonians, Jim, Wendy Bobby and Liz, who in turn had beat another club foursome – Graeme Wilson, Phil, Ewan and Cam, the day before. If you’re keeping up, that’s 11 club members so far. Also playing in the competition were Marion and Lynsey in June Swan’s rink who exited at the end of the second round and Willie playing for Robert Forsyth, who also made the semi’s.
All in all, 14 folk from the club, which is a remarkable turnout and maybe explains why we have so often this season, had Earlston teams playing against each other in competitions. Frustrating – but marvellous too.
HIGH ON THE HOG
A fairly straightforward win in the final of the Harry Hog for Jim’s team. Too much for Stuart Craig’s Coldstreamers, Jim, Wendy Bobby and Liz settled into the game early and had full control throughout. The semi against Roxburghe was a different pail of piglets though and it came down to a last shot of the game to decide the winner. Good to see the club lift the trophy in the much expanded entry this year.
CLUB BONSPIEL
Super night at the club bonspiel on Saturday 24th Jan. Any thoughts o’ Rabbie were simmering on the rback burner as we set-to in a Rhymers Reel. Partnered by a range of guests oor president raked in – from coaches, juniors, virtuals, novices, invitees and freen’ly clubs, we had a ball.
At the end of it all, we had two teams sharing the same shots difference (+7) and the same number of ends won (5). Ewan’s team of Margaret Sands, Barbara Leitch and Gary Logan (N.E. Wheelies) lifted the prize ‘coz he beat Bill’s Ian Sands, Jock Craig (Selkirk) and Rebecca Fraser (Virtual) in the 6th end taking a 2. Dang!
The night was rounded off with soup and sandwiches, Irish bingo and a wee game o’ heeds or tails. Well done to Mr Pres for keeping things on track and for the much appreciated prizes.
BRAINS R’US
Having suffered the disappointment of being knocked into 3rd place in the Border Bonspiel, these Border braniacs found they had the nous to win this coveted title.
John Burns, Phil, Rusett and James rose to the challenge and put last year’s winners Swinton, in the shade. Good to see we (some of us) know what we’re talking about.
S’KETTLED
January 3rd, hangovers tucked away and a full head of steam, our two kettle teams barreled through the 1st round tie against the Chirnsiders. Mr P’s rink of Marion, John Burns and Lynsey and Phil’s Ewan, Wullie and Lesley Cowe had time to draw breath and contemplate the next challenge. Up against Swinton, they were really up against it. The boot was on the other foot this time and our 8 just couldn’t generate and their gas was put at a peep. Pffft.
PATE WIN FAMILY BONSPIEL
With the turkey tucked away and the mince pies polished off, there was one thing left to do……… and these were the guys to do it. The bonspiel took the form of 3 mini games of 4 ends with a lunch LUNCH??? in between. Phew!
The schenkle system saw the cream keep on rising and Ewan, Cam, Jim and cousin Tommy lifted the prize at the end of the day. Well done lads.
Other Earlston curlers enjoying the festive fling were the Chrighton, Wilson and Byers families.
PRESIDENT V VICE PRESIDENT
‘Twas two sleeps ’till Christmas and not a soul was prepared for the coming storm of celebration. Before that though, a small matter of the President’s v Vice President’s match. Bursting out of Graeme’s Christmas cracker were Luigi, Ian and Margaret. Lynsey’s selection box held Ewan, Bill and Sheena.
Pres v Vice Pres 231214
With no time left to try and get a refund or exchange, we set to and had a great tussle amongst the tinsel. Mrs VP’s selection eventually creme’d the crackers and we all repaired to the bar. A wonderful Christmas time. Appreciation to the two P’s for the unexpected treats and prizes
SWAN
Gather round, ladies and gents Swansters.
Congratulations to Jim and his rink on flying off with the Gent’s Swan trophy this year in a 15-4 final. Starting the competition with Bobby, Bert Duncan leading and Balfour Stewart at 3rd, there was great drama in the final end of the 1st round beating John Stevenson’s rink of Bill, Graeme Cowe and Luigi. S’no joke – Having most of the match, the Stevenson Seniors were well and truly gazumped and dumped. It surely scared JC though and he upgraded his team by drafting in Keith Prentice for the final. Taking a 7 in the 7th against Colin Martin’s team was the nail in that particular coffin.
Over to the Ladies and congrats to Liz, playing in Glynnis Lauder’s team, winning 6-2 against Fiona Hodge.
RALPH BROOKS
Another competition and another chance!!!! for two Earlston teams to play against each other. John Burns rink of Bill, Phil and Lynsey played a first round match against Jim’s rink. Another close game, peeled at 7-7 and decided on a drawn stone saw Jim, Wendy, Liz and Bobby move on up to the next round.
Another competition and another final for Jim. Unfortunately, coming unstuck this time against Gary Craig’s team going down 8-6. If you want to know how he did it in much more detail, just ask Gary about his 2 in the 6th….
RCCC RINK CHAMPIONSHIP
The two teams in the rink championship rather pleasingly progressed through two rounds of the draw to meet up in the semi’s. Bill, Marion, Graeme Cowe and Ewan had seen off Greenlaw and then Keith Prentice’s Ayton Castle to meet Jim’s rink of Wendy, Liz & Bobby after they had dealt with Swinton and another Greenlaw rink.
A tough game ensued to be decided on the last stone with Jim contesting the final. Unfortunately they succumbed to a Yester Rink in that last match and we missed carrying the silverware.
BERWICKSHIRE BONSPIEL
Our Bonspielers were pipped to top spot in the Berwickshire. Facing Coldstream 1, Graeme Wilson led his rink of Graeme Cowe, Ewan and Lesley Cowe to a win of 17 shots to 5. In the other match, Lammermuir dug deep (nae jokes about their dugs, now) and rounded up a 9-7 win over Jim, Wendy, Bobby & Liz.
Sadly, when all the points were totted up elsewhere, it was Ayton Castle who had most. A spokes man was heard to say #*%$**
LEAGUE IS OVER AND DONE WI’
A Proclamation…………
Super Marion and her team of Luigi, David and Julie played out a storming 1st half of the season to top the leader board and win the League. Having lost only one game (narrowly), they held their nerve to see out the last game and lift the 1st silver of the year – the Yuill trophy. Fantastic performance and congrats to the four team members.
HENDERSON BISHOP
The local playing of the Henderson Bishop took place last Wednesday and Thursday with Marion & Wendy in Venetia Scott’s rink and Linsey, Lesley and Sheena joined by Isla Forsyth as skip.
Our five ladies were fated to play against each other in the first round (ye just love how these draws turn out Eh?) and it was Linsey’s rink who won through to the second day. Gwen Prentice’s Ayton Castle team however saw off our girls the next day and ultimately won the competition to go forward to National finals.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONES
A couple of club couples coupled up in the mixed couples otherwise known as the club championship. Jim and Wendy were drawn in the same section as Marion and Willie but it was J&W who emerged at the head of the group to contest the high road final. Sadly M&W were pipped for getting to the low road.
Jim and Wendy came out champions over Stuart Craig and Nina Clancy in a tightly contested final. Now, couple-up that tractor.
LAID LOW IN THE LAIDLAW
After negotiating their way past both Lammermuir and Foulden, Marion’s team of Ewan, Graeme Cowe and John Burns faced up to Greenlaw in the semi’s. A reshaped team due to Graeme’s need to be elsewhere saw Jim Cullen filling the gap but sadly, with the Greenlaw stalwarts still worth a lot, they stalled our lot.
Next time……..
SWISS TOURISTS
Swiss Men’s tour started off in Kinross on Friday 7th and Jim, being a member of the touring side to Switzerland in 2009, is deeply involved in the arrangements and making them feel welcome. The welcome match saw the home side victorious.
The whole entourage arrived in Kelso on Sunday night where they were welcomed to the Borders with a meal. Bill, Jim & Luigi took part in that evening’s entertainment and Bill and Luigi played against them in the Monday afternoon match. Borders won the clash by 2 shots. Phew.
After a bit more socialising and forging of friendships with a yodel-ee-tee, they were waved on their way to Lockerbie. Hopefully the will continue to enjoy the remainder of their tour.
MATHEW TEMPLETON
The MT and Bibby trophies found new owners on Friday after a week of hard fought competition. Twelve Earlston Curlers played in the competition which is a hugely impressive turnout. Graeme Wilson’s rink of Phil, Ewan and Willie got furthest but succumbed to a determined rink of mostly Glendale players skipped by James Dixon in the semi of the MT. Marion met Cam in one of the Bibby semi’s with Cam’s team of youngsters emerging victorious after a tough tussle. Unfortunately Cam couldn’t play the final and his rink lost narrowly to Stewart Craig’s . T’other Bibby semi featured Bill, Graeme Cowe and Luigi in John Stevenson’s rink but you’ll now have worked out they lost out to Stewart Craig and his ice men.
Inevitably with so many Earlston curlers in the pool, some would meet up and Stevenson’s Seniors prevented Wendy and Bobby from progressing to finals day. Twelfth man was Jim, who played in Wendy’s rink on day 1 but had Swiss Tour duties to attend to later in the week.
At the end of the week the MT went to Colin Martin’s team and the Bibby to Stewart Craig. A fabulous week’s curling.
LADIES CHALLENGE….CHECK.
Congrats to Marion for winning the Ladies challenge this year. Again.
With her team of Nina Clancy, Isla Forsyth and Liz Martin they overcame June Swan’s rink to lift the prize. No mean feat itself but on the way, they beat Kerry Barr’s Scottish Ladies rink. Very impressive performance
EAST WEST? WHAE’S BEST?
So the big event arrived after a year or so of planning. The Grand Jubilee Bonspiel took place on Saturday 4th October.
Competing for the West, Earlston was represented by Marion, Wendy, Liz and Sheena and they took on a Development group select comprising, ahem! Jim and Lynsey, amongst others. The match was drawn. Bill played in the Province team winning for the East against Teviotdale. Ewan and Cam played for the young curlers (West) drawing their match against Coldstream and were voted the folk most likely to be around the next time we have a 50th to reminisce about what a grand occasion the jubilee match was. Willie, also played as his alter ego, with St Boswells.
Anyhoo East beat West and the celebrations moved on to a Grand Jubilee dinner in the Cross Keys. There we were joined by Graeme & Lesley Wilson, Gerry, Russet and Bobby to enjoy a good meal and cracking entertainment by the after dinner speakers.
Jim gave the vote of thanks to guests and officials for their grand efforts. I’ll extend that to the chauffeurs – Murray McGillivray and Mhari Henderson for getting us to the ball.
LADIES OPENING BONSPIEL
1st real competition of the season held on 2nd October and our girls are in the thick of it. Marion, Lesley Cowe, Russet, Liz and Margaret were all there. Margaret came off best this year being in the runners up team. So near and almost the gold.
Speaking of which, that was the theme for the day in keeping with the ice rink’s golden Jubilee. Most of the competitors managed to wear something gold or the colour gold so if you are looking for a good conversation opener, enquire away.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YA. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Thanks to Mr Stevie Wonder for that intro.
1st October 1964 was the date the ice rink opened. 1st October 2014, the 50th birthday and occasion for a Jubilee VIPeeee luncheeee.
Really an excuse for past Directors and Presidents of the various bodies responsible for the organisation of curling at Kelso over the years to get together and celebrate the continuing vibrancy of the rink and toast the vision of the founding members. Our club was pretty well represented at this with Graeme Cowe (Retired Director and past Province President), Jim Cullen (past BIR Club President), Bill Byers (past Province President), Marion Pate (past Ladies President) all there. Wendy Henderson (past Ladies President) unfortunately couldn’t be there. She hopes to make the next one.
NEW SEASON SOCIABLE
Thursday 25th. 7.15 and we’re off. A really good turnout for our first night on the ice. Two sheets. One for the newcomers – and it was needed, a full 8 took the ice and made a pretty good job of it all. On the other one, 8 fools…. No no no no no. A load of regular members had to share the other sheet and rediscovered the delight of watching the perfectly played shot go sailing through the house. Very keen. Very swingy but soon we had the hang of it all. Handily, having the early session, we were all able to get together in the bar and enthuse about the things to come.
Here’s to the new season