Minutes of Dunfermline Curling Club Annual General Meeting

1 Minutes of Dunfermline Curling Club Annual General Meeting held in Dunfermline Northern Bowling Club, Dewar Street, Dunfermline 9 th April 2015

Present : C Low, R Park, S Young, A Noble, I Boreland, D Souter, A Kininmonth, G Rae, K Young, A Hempseed, D Ritchie, B Faichney, W Scott, R B Stevenson, J Lindsay, K Kilgour, R Knox, J Stevenson, Robbie Stevenson, J Barr, S Rennie, A Barr. (22)

Apologies : S Barr, A Bowie, D Forsyth, J Geyer, B Mayne, D Mercer, I McDonald, A Rae, D Scott, M Silvera, A Stevenson, Jamie Stevenson, D Templeton, Dave Thomson, D Young

Minutes: The minutes of the AGM held on 10th April 2014 were duly approved, proposed by R Knox and seconded by K Young. Matters Arising: The framed Certificate of Recognition for reaching our 275th birthday from the RCCC is now displayed in the lounge at Kinross Ice Rink Secretary’s Report It is great to welcome back from Non-Playing member status to Playing status both Alan Kininmonth and Alan Mitchell. It is also pleasing to welcome as a junior member Scott Barr and Tommy Fairbairn. The club is in good heart. Our season started with 53 playing members including 4 junior members. Unfortunately Andrew Chesney resigned as he and his family emigrated to America – we wish them all the very best in their new life. During the season the Club was represented at the following suppers/dinners:

Kinross -President Colin Low & Jim Barr Orwell – Steven Young – Orwell cancelled at last minute!! Markinch – VP Alastair Noble & Albert Rae Inverkeithing – C Low Boreland – Robert Stevenson – Doug Templeton Broomhall – No-one as it clashed with our Burt & Graham V Kinross

The Club was represented at the following other club bonspiels:- Tulliallan Bonspiel – Robbie Stevenson, Dougie Templeton, Derek Mayne and Jimmy Low represented the Club and won 10 shots to 7. Boreland 35th Anniversary Bonspiel – C Low, S Rennie, A Noble and Craig Barr represented the Club at Perth Ice Rink on 14 November. They were drawn against Bill Linton’s rink and pleased to report Dunfermline won 9 shots to 3 but Boreland won the Bonspiel over all. A dinner and raffle took place after the curling.

It is good to see that the new ice rink at Kinross was completed in time and ready for the start of the season. All concerned should be congratulated for their efforts. In an effort to support the rink further a daytime league was started, the Neighbouring Club Bonspiel was brought from Perth and run with back to back sessions and the Mixed League was also brought to Kinross from Perth. As a result of all of this the number of 9.45 sessions in the Thistle League was reduced to only one game for most rinks. Our Thistle, 275th Rose Bowl & Mixed League results were kept up to date by Match Secretary Stuart Rennie with the web site being duly populated and kept up to date by Robin Park.

1 2 Unfortunately there was insufficient demand this year to continue the Stevenson League. The Notice Board at Kinross also continues to be used for communicating results. Again the start of the season was a little difficult with injuries but the resulting problems were quickly resolved by the Committee as best as possible. Unfortunately these injuries continued throughout the season the upside being it is good to see Alex Bowie and John Craig now back curling. We trust Richie Knox and Ken Kilgour will be fully recovered for the start of next season. Vice President Alastair Noble was selected to represent West Fife Province in a match against a Royal Cub incoming tour from Switzerland at Kinross on 8 November. West Fife won.

Internal Club Competitions

President (Colin Low) Vs Vice President (Alastair Noble) The game opened our season at Kinross on 23 September and after a tight game Colin’s rink ran out winners by 6 shots to 4. Notwithstanding Alastair’s loss he still provided his rink with small bottles of wine – what a good President in waiting!!

The Thistle League never ceases to amaze although last season’s end of season relegation battle was not nearly replicated!! Least said soonest mended! As a result of a change of circumstances we were grateful for Jamie Stevenson being able to skip Alex Bowie’s rink in the Thistle from the start of the season. Thanks also due to Alan Barr for agreeing to be a permanent sub for Ken Kilgour later in the season. The winners were not decided until the last game of the season. Teams Robbie Stevenson, Jim Stevenson and Colin Low all finished on 14 points. In accordance with the rules shots difference then applies resulting in Robbie being 35, Jim being 22 and Colin being 15 shots up, Congratulations to Robbie Stevenson's rink, winning skip last year also, of S Rennie, J Craig and A Barr (K Kilgour played half the season). Runners up were Jim Stevenson, D Mayne, D Scott and J Low. Well done to Colin in his first season as a skip. Commiserations to Richie Knox, H Geyer, R Ferguson and E McFarlane on being relegated The trophies and glasses will be presented at our Supper in November.

Rose Bowl Daytime League 5 rinks participated with the day being a Friday at lunch time! During the course of the season injuries and obtaining substitutes was a problem. This resulted in some games with only 3 players and at the end of the season not even that!! We have also been grateful to members of neighbouring clubs participating to make up numbers. Notwithstanding all of this the camaraderie was good and the inaugural winning skip was Willie Scott with his team members throughout the season too many to be mentioned if in fact they could be remembered. Willie finished on 12 points with closest rivals being on 8 points. Congrats to Willie, and his regular rink members of J Lindsay and A Kininmonth. The trophy and glasses will be presented at the dinner. See also minutes under Day time/Weekend curling under AOCB.

Sinclair Shield Our opening club bonspiel was played at Kinross on 24 September with no particularly significant results. The results of the games were K Young 6 R Stevenson Snr 4, R Stevenson Jnr 7 J Stevenson Snr 7 and David Thomson 8 Colin Low 5. In closely contested games and with + 3 shots David Thomson won the competition with his rink of Alan Barr, Ken Kilgour and Grant Stewart.

2 3 Borland Insurance Pairs A good entry of 12 teams contested this competition. After many good victories along the way the final was a repeat of last year - nearly - with Jim Barr and Graeme Rae taking on the Barr boys of Grant and Craig on 23 February. After 3 ends Jim was 3 shots up but lost a 5 in the fourth end with this lead being extended by the last end resulting in victory for the ’boys’ over their dad by 8 shots to 5. Yet again out Junior members are showing the ability to teach us adults a thing or two. Congratulations to Grant and Craig. For the second year in succession no representative from Borland Insurance presented the trophy contrary to assurances that someone would!!!

Dow Medal 6 rinks entered this competition and the final was played on 19 November between the rinks of Robbie Stevenson and Colin Low. Robbie’s rink got off to a flier with 4 shots at the first end although Colin then pulled it back by getting 3 shots at the second end. From then until the seventh end where Robbie got 3 shots it had been quite tight. Congratulations to Robbie’s rink of Drew Thomson, J Lindsay and C Barr who ran out winners by 9 shots to 4.

Bob Stevenson League Unfortunately this competition was cancelled as a result of lack of interest.

Barry Stirling Trophy This was played at Kinross on 28 October amongst only 4 rinks – again! This year the format reverted to 4 end mini matches. After both winners competing the final, each team had 3 points. The winners of the trophy were David Thomson (Skip) Willie Scott, D Ritchie and E McFarlane who had the highest shots up overall +6 shots. Commiserations to the other 3 rinks.

Pitfirrane Trophy 4 rinks competed in this bonspiel on 20 November. Whilst each of the games could not be called ‘tight’ the winning rinks both won 10 shots to 2. The winning rink was decided on number of ends won and therefore Jim Barr’s rink of G Rae, D Ritchie and E McFarlane by 5 ends to 4 over Colin Low’s rink. Congratulations to the winners and commiserations to the others.

Centenary Plaque 5 rinks contested this knock out competition. The final was contested between Jim Stevenson and Ken Young with Jim’s rink winning 7 shots to 5. Congratulations to Jim's rink of Graeme Rae (third), Ian Simpson (Second) and Douglas Scott (Lead).

Exxon Mobil Chemical Points Night As with last season again there were a disappointing number of members (9) attending on 10 February. The up side was that 10 disciplines were undertaken. In 3rd position was D Mayne (31pts), in 2nd was J Barr (37pts) and the deserved winner with 39 points was Drew Thomson one of our junior members. Well done Drew.

Mixed Bonspiel This match was moved to Kinross from Perth and was played on 26 February with 8 rinks competing. This, as usual, was a very sociable event with sandwiches, shortbread tea/coffee being

3 4 provided post match. Additionally, the ladies were congratulated for the array of prizes provided for the raffle – there weren’t many participants who went home with nothing. Anyway, to the result third placed skip was Karen Scott; second placed skip was Pat McFarlane with first place skip being Alice Thomson with her rink of Doug Ritchie, Grant Barr and a ‘no show’. Well done to the winners.

KCT League The 1st Division was won by Kinross Juniors finishing on 12 points. Grant Barr was congratulated as skip for most of the games. Dunfermline and Boreland were tied on 10 points but Dunfermline was placed 3rd as Boreland had won one more end throughout the season. Dunfermline was represented by skips R Stevenson Jnr, C Low and D Thomson.

John Stewart Double Rink K.O. The first game took place on 6 January against Boreland. Unfortunately with Colin Low’s rink peeling and Ken Young’s rink loosing the Club progressed no further!! The competition was won by Kinross 5 times out of 6 years!!!

Mixed League This season was a battle of the Youngs! Ken and Steven ended tied on 8 points but Ken won by virtue of winning 1 more end throughout the season. Congratulations to Ken's rink of Leslie Barr, K Kilgour (G Stewart/A Noble) and Kathleen Norris

Festive Bonspiel The original Closing Bonspiel trophy has now been beautifully re-branded as The Festive Bonspiel Trophy. This competition took place on the afternoon of 20 December amongst 4 rinks with some members dressed in tasteful festive apparel or not! Anyway the games were fairly closely contested with the highest up rink of C Low, R Park, A Rae and J Craig defeating Ken Young’s rink by 8 shots to 3. They ended 5 shots up whereas Ian Simpson’s rink only managed to be 2 shots up. Congratulations to Colin’s rink and commiserations to the others.

Matches V Neighbouring Clubs

Dunfermline v Inverkeithing Played on 26 October this year the result was a little tighter than last year. This year’s result was 29 shots Dunfermline with 18 shots Inverkeithing. Congratulations to all rinks but particularly Martin Silvera’s rink of third R Park, second S Rennie and lead A Stevenson who won by 12 – 5 against Phil Barton. Other results were : R B Stevenson 6 T Clarke 3, D Thomson 7 A Lamond 2 and R Stevenson Jnr 4 B Tait 8.

Dunfermline v Boreland This match took place on 26 November. This year Boreland, celebrating its 35th anniversary, pulled out all the stops and the first for some years Boreland won by 22 shots to 17!! The scores were S Barr 8 I Baker 7, C Low 4 W Linton 6 and finally D Thomson 5 S Jamieson 9. Boreland were so

4 5 pleased with the win an article about the game was submitted to Dunfermline Press and duly published. Will require redressing the position next year. (Boreland twice published this result in the Press!!)(

Dunfermline v Kirkcaldy Virtual Club As a result of a suggestion from last years AGM it was decided to play this game on 3 December with a view to attracting new members. Unfortunately the rink was mixed and the 2 males were already signed for other clubs. It has been communicated with Kirkcaldy that the whole reason for playing was very much compromised. That said Dunfermline won 9 shots to 1 and the usual camaraderie and banter was enjoyed. The rink was A Noble, A Rae, D Ritchie and K Kilgour

Outdoor Match against Kinross At very short notice this match took place on 29 December with 2 competing rinks from each club. Dunfermline had two rinks of six (Rink 1 Robbie Stevenson, Dougie Templeton, Willie Scott, John Geyer, Hamish Geyer and Eddie McFarlane) (Rink 2 Dave Thomson, Colin Low, Jim Barr, Steven Young, Alastair Noble and Doug Ritchie). This allowed Dunfermline to take turn about and enjoy the social side of Curling. Dunfermline started strongly and after the first four ends was about seven shots up, but the wheels came of the Rink 2 wagon as alcohol consumption set in. After lots of ends (number lost in haze of alcohol and mist), and when the game was declared finished, it was peeled. It was decided that Rink 2 would have to make amends, and without the hammer they stole a one and retained the trophy. The trophy was presented to Dunfermline at the Burt & Graham match.

Dunfermline v Markinch This match was played on 4 January. 3 Dunfermline rinks competed. The match finished in a very close win to Dunfermline by 17 shots to 16. The individual results were A Hempseed 3 shots Ronnie Wilson 9 shots, C Low 4 shots K Wilson 4 shots and finally M Silvera 10 shots R Fisell 3 shots. Congratulations to highest up rink on winning side which was Martin Silvera, Graeme Rae, Ian Simpson and Andy Stevenson.

Dunfermline v Orwell Not such a closely fought thing on the night (27 January) than in previous years with Dunfermline eventually winning by only 1 shot – Orwell 31 shots Dunfermline 32. Good games on all 4 sheets .1 player no show from Dunfermline but as tradition dictates no penalty shots were taken by the opposing side. The results: C Low 10 W Stevenson 5, M Silvera 9 I Robertson 4, J Stevenson Jnr 6 C Forshaw 13 and K Young 7 W Robertson 9. The highest up rink on the winning side was extremely close with Colin and Martin winning 5 ends each but Colin clinched it with 4 at his last end. Congratulation to C Low, G Rae and J Lindsay!!

Neighbouring Clubs Bonspiel This took place at Kinross on 29 January with 2 back to back sessions – 5.45 & 7.45. This was fraught with much difficulty for the secretary in that many of our farming members were playing in the YARA during this week – hopefully this clash can be avoided in subsequent years! Whilst making no excuses the secretary apologises profusely for a major administrative error in that 5 rinks were invited to the 7.45 session meaning a no show from Tulliallan for the first session. Fortunately

5 6 Tulliallan were advised not to travel although maybe not from the rink’s perspective. The secretary apologised to all concerned who lost out on a game. Moving on, for the second year running Dunfermline lost. In the first session Dunfermline were 7 shots down but with a good fight back in the second session the deficit ended as only 1 shot. The results were: 5.45 Session - S Barr 2 Kinross 9, M Silvera 4 Boreland 6, A Hempseed 6 Broomhall 4. 7.45 Session – D Thomson 6 Markinch 9, K Young 10 Inverkeithing 6, J Stevenson Jnr 9 Orwell 7 and C Low 11 Dunfermline Ladies 8. Over all the result was Dunfermline 48 shots Neighbouring Clubs 49 shots. Congratulations to the highest up rink on the winning side of D Rodger, P Malcolm, S Kinninmonth & B Melville from Kinross. The rink had gone by the end of the second session and therefore the trophy was not presented!

Dunfermline v Broomhall Unfortunately, on 2 February, Broomhall could again only field 2 rinks. Dunfermline managed to win the match by 14 shots to 9. The scores were C Low 5 M Reid 7 and R B Stevenson 9 Ross Muir 2. Congratulations to Rab’s rink of A Barr, A Noble and Drew Thomson.

Burt & Graham Trophy Dunfermline v Kinross As the result of a recommendation made at the skips meeting and ratified by the management committee Kinross was contacted with a view to introduce a couple of rules for this competition. Agreement was reached whereby if a rink was short of a player there would be a 4 shot penalty. Additionally, it was agreed where any individual played twice they would be required to lead in the second game. It is suggested that this new ruling be noted in the blank page in the recently revised Rule Book. Moving on to this season's match – The result was not as close as last season's match. Doug Templeton and Jim Stevenson's rinks won their games and left the second session well placed for Dunfermline by ending the first session 9 shots up (28 to 19). However, the second session left Dunfermline 17 shots down!! The final result was a Kinross win by 8 shots (Kinross 57 shots Dunfermline 49).

West Fife Province Competitions

League With seven ‘Thistle’ rink teams entered, four being balloted out, we did not do as well as last season where we won. The league was won by Boreland (13 pts), runners up was Bank of Scotland (11 pts and Dunfermline was third – well back on 8 points!!

Mixed K.O. Both Dunfermline rinks were knocked out of this competition by Bank of Scotland. A Noble's rink in round 2 and K Young's rink in the semi finals. The final was contested between Bank of Scotland and Boreland with Boreland winning by 8 shots to 4.

6 7 Graeme Rae and Andrew Chesney, representing the winners of our own Pairs last season, unfortunately lost their first round game against Raith & Abbotshall by 12 shots to 3.

West Fife Province Bonspiel The Club had rinks in the 5.45 and 8.05 sessions at Kirkcaldy skipped by Jamie Stevenson and D Thomson respectively. Dunfermline and Boreland again tied on shots but again Borland won by virtue of shots up. Boreland +14 to Dunfermline +13!! Zermatt This inter province competition was won by East Fife by 90 shots to West Fife’s 62! Our rink of K Young, S Rennie, A Noble and A Rae peeled 6 shots each with Kennoway.

Waldie Griffiths A Dunfermline rink represented West Fife Province against Forth & Kendrick Province at Stirling on23 February. The rink was Alan Barr, W Scott, A Rae and R Park and played against a rink from the Buccaneers. It was a very good game but unfortunately Dunfermline lost by 6 shots to 3. Overall West Fife won at Stirling. West Fife also played against the Borders at Kirkcaldy but the rinks involved lost by 41 shots to 20. Don't quite know why more than 1 match per Province??

Scottish Province Championships West Fife was represented by Dunfermline – yet again. Unfortunately, Ken Young’s rink of …………..failed to qualify. A good effort nevertheless!!

Area 7 Competitions

Inter Province League This was won by Cupar Province and West Fife coming second! The Club rink involved beat Thornton 6 shots to 3. The rink was A Hempseed, S Young, K Kilgour and J Craig????

Inter Province Bonspiel We were not involved but West Fife ended up bottom -18 shots!!

Fife & Kinross Vs Perth This was won by Perth by 160 shots to 149 shots. Martin Silvera’s rink of R Park, A Stevenson and D Souter drew 8 shots all with Delvine and our other rink of Ken Young, A Bowie, D Scott and J Craig ????beat Perth Teachers by 14 shots to 2.

George Sinclair Memorial Trophy This competition played in January was won by Bank of Scotland being + 9 shots. Dunfermline’s rink skipped by R B Stevenson lost 9 shots to 6 to Glenrothes.

North Fife v South Fife This was won by North Fife again by 55 shots to 53. Highest up rink on losing side was Markinch. Dunfermline won their game against Hercules and was represented by A Bowie, W Scott, A Noble and J Geyer?????

7 8 RCCC Competitions Rink Championship Regrettably the Club secretary omitted to enter this competition – a gross dereliction of duty!!

District Medal Balloted out this season

Kinross Closing Bonspiel This was won by Markinch with Fossoway being runner up. The club was represented by C Low, S Rennie, A Noble and D Ritchie.

Other Competitions Congratulations to Robbie Stevenson, Dougie Templeton, Derek Mayne and Jimmy Low in reaching the final of the Inverness Skins. In a very tight game they unfortunately lost a great final with the last shot of the game losing to Euan McDonald and his Scottish Champion team!! Great effort guys. Congratulations to Robbie Stevenson, Doug Templeton and John Geyer for progressing to the quarter finals in the YARA high road. Congratulations also to Alan Barr and W Scott being part of a rink reaching the semi finals of the Low Road in the YARA They lost a very tight game by 5 shots to 4! Congratulations to Alan Barr in being in the winning rink at the National Masters – a proper master curler!! Grant Barr skipped the rink which lost in the final of the Inverness Invitational. Grant also skipped and lost the final of the Greenacres Under 21 Slam. Grant/Fraser Thomson, Tommy Fairbairn and David Laird Jnr lost in the final of the Young Farmers National Championships. Grant Barr was also in a rink which progressed to the quarter finals of the YARA Low Road. Jim Barr and Stuart Rennie with their respective wives won the Kinross Mixed League.

Treasurer’s Report (Note: this report supplied verbatim by Club Treasurer Steven Young and delivered by President C Low) ‘These are the Club Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2015. I’m pleased to report that once again the club has made a modest surplus for the year of £470.67. For a club which really only needs to break even that is a highly satisfactory position. It’s also worth noting that we have managed this without the one-off benefit which we received from our anniversary activities in 2014. Income/Expenditure [details]: Despite the general trend of falling memberships within sports clubs, we continue to maintain our subscription income at a healthy level. Donations are well up this year. These funds are entirely from club members. I believe that the main reason for this increase, ironically, is due to the number of enforced changes to the playing schedule caused by injuries. In many cases, the substitute would insist on paying a donation to club funds, even although the ice had been pre-paid by the original player. Many thanks to these gents for their contribution to this years’ surplus! I’m also pleased to report that our Ice activities came back into surplus this year. I have to admit that a large portion of that surplus was down to the fact that the Ladies section insisted on paying their half of the Mixed Bonspiel.

8 9 So overall a good year for Income. With the “275” effect stripped out, our income has grown satisfactorily. Expenses have again been well controlled. Marginal increases on most lines with only Trophies bucking that trend due to some “275” costs running into this year. Sundry expenses are well down due to the fact that the P vs VP game was self-financing this season! Balance Sheet All of the above is good news, as you would expect, for our operating bank account, which now stands at £2243.77 [1510.21]. This balance is ideal in terms of meeting our annual commitments going forward although, purely from a timing point of view, we still require members to support the club by pre-paying some subs/ice costs in order to retain the benefit of lower [pre-paid] ice costs from KCT. Debtors continues to show in the Balance sheet but this year it is largely down to the fact that some games took place very close to, and indeed beyond, our year end. I am confident that these funds will be ingathered, if not tonight, then very shortly thereafter, as was the case last year. One rather amusing facet is that for the first time, since I was Treasurer, we have a Creditor. The plea to pre-pay which went out with the AGM notice clearly hit a nerve with one of our members who duly sent a bank transfer for part of next seasons’ costs!! If only our slower paying members would take note!! Gentlemen. Before we move on to setting next years’ subscription………………….

Are there any questions regarding the accounts? “RB Stevenson asked the Treasurer whether there had been an increase in ice costs between seasons 14/15 and the previous year. Whilst the Treasurer only had the current year’s costs to hand, the point was made that because of the additional ice taken by the club at Kinross last season [e.g. Day time, Neighbouring clubs and Mixed Bonspiels], a comparison would not be appropriate.”

PROPOSALS:

Annual Subscription As already mentioned, our cash reserves are in a decent state. There is reasonable expectation that next year’s activities will, again, at least break-even or show a small surplus.

On that basis, I am happy to propose that the basic sub of £45 remains unchanged for season 2015/16 This was unanimously agreed

Pre-paid ice costs: Over the last two years we have successfully introduced the concept of pre-paying part of our Sub and Ice commitment. I am keen to see us continue this trend which allows us to meet our pre-season tranche of ice costs to KCT. The financial benefit to members is still well worth the effort gentlemen so again, please come forward tonight with your cheque/cash or indeed bank transfer. As a guide we are asking you for £150 but this is only a guide!

Honoraria:

1. Secretary/Match Secretary: Once again, I am recommending the status quo of £70 for next year. This was unanimously agreed to

2. Accountants: We continue to be provided with excellent service from our accountants, Thomson Cooper, who turns around the books within a few days and at a generous cost. I wholeheartedly recommend the status quo in terms of accountancy services for the season 2015-16.’

This too was unanimously agreed.

Retiring President’s Report (Note: this report supplied verbatim by Club President Colin Low) ‘Brother Curlers Firstly, I have to thank you for allowing me to be President of this most famous Curling Club, especially through its 275th year. There have been a number of highlights during my tenure which include our 275th dinner, which was well attended and enjoyed by all who attended, and our 275 bonspiel. Again I would personally like to thank Albert Rae and his committee for all the organisation involved. This season, I enjoyed our own supper and court, although our speakers did the club proud, I think my choice of speaker will go down as one of the most memorable speeches, outdoing my own speech a number of years earlier. I have enjoyed representing the Club at neighbouring clubs suppers and bonspiels and trust that I have done it in the manner expected of your President. On the ice, we would have liked to win all our Bonspiels, but as someone said, you have to let them win sometimes, or they will never come back. I would like to thank the Committee for all their support and hard work over the last two years, especially Robin, Steven and Stuart in their roles. Before I finish, I would ask my fellow members to remember that the Committee are elected by the members of the club to run affairs on their behalf, and the decisions are made after sometimes long and frank discussions. There have been some issues over the last two years which have been uncontrollable, and the committee did endeavour to find the best solution for the club, not always to every individuals liking. I would also like to remind members that when the skips meet, they rank the members with regard ability, but it is the committee that finally ratifies this order, so between meetings, these placings can change. Can I please ask that you support your incoming President and his committee in running your club over the next two years? Finally, I am delighted to see former playing members Alan Kininmonth & Alan Mitchell back playing the season, and I think we are all supportive of the quality and numbers of juniors within Dunfermline, and hope this number can grow. I should also say well done to Drew Thomson for winning the Points, and Grant and his fellow juniors on winning the KCT league. Thank you again, for your support in the last two years, and I hope I can support your new President during his tenure. At this point A Noble Vice President took the President’s Chair

New Presidents Report A Noble thanked Colin Low, retiring President, for nominating him as his Vice President. It had been a great help in preparing him for the honoured position of Club President. Alastair intimated his intention to carry out the role to the best of his ability. In the interests of brevity he concluded by saying – ‘let’s try to win more bonspiels next season’.

Election of Vice President Alastair nominated Robin Park as his Vice President being seconded by Jim Stevenson. In an unprecedented turn of events (going back through minutes from 1979) Robbie Stevenson nominated Jim Barr thereby forcing a vote. The two nominees left the room allowing the vote to be undertaken by a simple show of hands. Robin won the vote by a very tight majority!!

Election of Honorary Secretary/Match Secretary Robin Park agreed to continue as Secretary and Stuart Rennie agreed to continue as Match Secretary. Robin gave notice at this stage that a replacement Secretary should be found within the next 2 years in light of his becoming President in 2 years.

Election of Honorary Treasurer Regrettably Steven Young intimated earlier his resignation as at the date of this AGM. This is disappointing and he should be commended for his good work during his tenure. Ian Borland has offered to take on this role and the Committee recommends his appointment. The appointment was unanimously agreed by the floor.

Election of Honorary ‘Examiner’ Agreed this should continue as Alan Mitchell of Accountants, Thomson Cooper & Co, Dunfermline.

Election of Representatives to R.C.C.C. Agreed to continue as President and Secretary.

Election of Committee of Management Ian McDonald and Willie Scott are due to step down. Robbie Stevenson and John Geyer have indicated a willingness to join Committee. The committee proposes these nominations. The nominations were seconded by I Borland and J Stevenson

Election of Skips and Competition Skips In the election of Skips 42 (forty two) members voted - a 67% response. With 21 (twenty- one) attending the AGM the postal vote stands. Robbie Stevenson as winning Skip in the Thistle League (season 2014 – 2015) is automatically a Skip in the forthcoming season and does not require a vote. Robbie’s third Stuart Rennie is automatically promoted as skip for next season and accordingly also does not require votes. The remaining votes on Skips (Assumes 11 Thistle Rinks) in alphabetical order are

11 12 G Barr, J Barr, S Barr, C Low, M Silvera, J Stevenson, Robert Stevenson, Dougie Templeton and Dave Thomson.

On current Club membership three rinks can be entered in Grand Match/Indoor Grand Match, as normal, Skips nominated are President and Vice President, with them to choose suitable rinks if the event takes place. IGM will take place on 24 October. We have indicated another rink can be on standby to make up numbers if required. The 2 additional skips nominated were Robbie Stevenson and Jim Stevenson for standby rink. R.C.C.C. Rink Championship, West Fife Province KO and Double Rink KO Skips will be nominated at Skips Meeting.

Honorary Membership. Albert Rae was proposed by A Noble as an honorary member and this was unanimously supported by all.

A.O.C.B. Ice Rebates for Juniors As the result of the committee pursuing a rebate (because we pay the ice upfront at adult rates) for the juniors now curling in many of our competitions this has been accepted by Kinross Curling. It will however not be retrospective but will apply from next season and will involve confirming to Kinross Curling that juniors did in fact play. (Photocopy score cards will be proof with names of our juniors already passed to KC) The rebate will take the form of a credit note for each up front payment to be used against each forthcoming payment. It is estimated this could reduce ice fees paid to KC by some £200 per season.

Daytime/Week-end Ice A discussion surrounded whether or not the timing of the day time league should be altered and the consensus view was that it should be continued on Fridays at lunchtime. It was also stressed that negotiations with Steven Kerr surrounding no Friday evening ice on these same days should be undertaken by the match secretary. It was pointed out that we should, if possible, continue with a minimum of 5 rinks and it was agreed to pursue the possibility of an ‘invitation rink’ participating – RP will attempt to do this! It was also agreed if no substitutes could be found members wives could be invited to play. It was also indicated that there was no desire to have any further week-end ice other than that already in existence.

Venue for Club Supper A report was submitted by Willie Scott who had done some visiting of venues which could be used e.g. Pitbauchlie Hotel, Pitfirrane Arms, King Malcolm Hotel. His opinion was that King Malcolm could make a good venue provided some kind of screening could separate the dinning area from the bar area. It was then discussed about the possibility of hiring a suitable hall and providing catering and our own drink. It was agreed to investigate further this latter suggestion. Assuming we continue with the third Friday in November (20th) this would not coincide with the Golf Club Dinner if reverting to Dunfermline Golf Club!!

Scottish Province Championships Having come to the attention of the committee that the Club now pays the whole cost (£200) of competing representing West Fife Province as winners of the Province Knock Out it was

12 13 agreed to approach the Province for a subsidy for any club winning the Knock Out and competing. The response was that the committee could not support this idea as it would result in increasing fees. The club has not always carried this full cost and in the days where RCCC only sought a deposit the balance was paid by the team members at the event. The whole cost is now required in advance. A discussion then ensued as to how the club wished to proceed regarding funding for this and it was agreed that each team member (when winning the Province KO) would contribute £10 per game towards the cost.

West Fife Province AGM This will take place 29 April at Fife Ice Arena at 7.30pm. It was mentioned that a review is being undertaken regarding the current structure of Areas/Provinces and how well they serve the curlers. Area 7 is of a view that the existing structure of Area 7 and its constituent Provinces requires no change although this will be fully discussed at the forthcoming AGMs.

Area 7 AGM This will take place 13 April in Fife Ice Arena for 7.30pm

Kinross Curling Trust/Kinross Curling Trustee and member Doug Ritchie addressed the Club.

‘In response to curlers’ pleas, 9.45 sessions were being reduced to 2/3 sessions over Monday to Wednesdays. There would be no 9.45s during the months of September, December, March & April. 10% of income (£29k) comes from 9.45 sessions, so can’t afford to completely eliminate them in one go. The opening next season will be one week earlier, 12th Sept, and the closing one week later, 10th April, to accommodate sessions transferred from the dropped 9.45s. Appeal for clubs to make more use of weekend and daytime ice. Bar sales were up 6% despite the effect of the drink driving limit change. This was mainly due to an increase of 40% in food sales. Over the summer, the kitchen is to be refurbished to make it more fit for purpose. There will be new expanded menus next season. Next season, Peak prices for ice are up 25p per person and Off-peak 50p.’

Offer of Club House facilities from Bowling Club An offer had been received from the above whereby paying a corporate membership of £5 per member (some £250) would offer the bowling club as Club rooms with benefits for curling club members being able to use all the facilities at any time. A discussion ensued the outcome being that the secretary should respond on the basis that no material benefit is foreseen by accepting this offer.

Miscellaneous

13 14 It was pointed out that the Pitfirrane Trophy would no longer be competed for with sponsorship now being provided by Lochend Farm Shop. (Martin Silvera) Further discussion took place regarding the continuation of the Barry Stirling and it was agreed that this should continue. It was further discussed about the possibility of a competition being played in memory of Donald Whyte and whilst the consensus view was that nothing had been offered by Donald’s widow it was perhaps inappropriate to approach her at this late stage to sponsor a trophy. However, it was mooted that it is time something was done in the club to remember Donald by and the committee should investigate rebranding an existing trophy with the Centenary Plaque being suggested. It was suggested that the Club may wish to pursue having a match against the Kinross Virtual Club as a source of obtaining new members.

The subject regarding decisions made at skips meetings being overturned by committee was raised by Robbie Stevenson. It was felt that there is no point in having these if the decisions made are subsequently overturned. This point was noted by the Chair. See also paragraph 6 of Colin’s retiring report.

There being no further business the President formally closed the meeting at 9.35pm.

R Park 15 April 2015 Club Secretary