Issue 28 January Your Curler 2015 The Royal Caledonian Club Member Ezine In this issue...

Botriphnie Primary School Braehead Curling Forfar Indoor Sports Dumfries Young Curlers Kelso Primary School Lockerbie Ice Rink Moray Province Stranraer Ice Rink Rattray Curling Club

Features Sponsorship Opportunities Available Places available for RCCC Summer Camp 2015 A Look at the 2015 Winter Election of Vice President & Directors

Competitions Asham Under 14 Slam Stranraer Asham Under 17 Slam Forfar Scottish Curling Mixed Doubles Championship Dates for your Diary Scottish Junior Curling Club Challenge Murray and Whyte Take Asham Under 21 Slam Titles at Lockerbie Mouat and Aitken 2015 Scottish Curling Junior Champions

www.royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org 02 Clubs & Rinks January Issue BOTRIPHNIE

PRIMARY SCHOOL Botriphnie Primary School from near Keith took part in a Curling’s Cool session at Moray Leisure Centre in December. They were a truly lovely group and some good curlers among them, whom we would like to see join Moray Junior Curling Club. The adults in the photo are left to right Sandra MacIver, Campbell Ross and Martin Bell. The development group are delighted to welcome Martin to the north east and he has made a great contribution already in raising the profile of curling among the Active School Co-ordinators. Report and photo courtesy of Sandra MacIver

BRAEHEAD CURLING The Braehead Curling Development Group’s (BCDG) Junior Christmas was held on Sunday 28th December 2014 and was a huge success. It provided junior curlers from Braehead and beyond with the opportunity to curl for free, improve their skills and be coached by Team Muirhead. The BCDG’s junior scene is thriving thanks to the hard work of the coaching staff and the junior committee and the Christmas Bonspiel was an excellent way to round off a strong year. Team Muirhead very kindly gave up their time to provide the juniors with on-ice coaching and a chance to ask questions, sign autographs and take pictures. They also, very generously, Report and photos courtesy of Jon Reid provided the BCDG with five Team Muirhead training tops to use as prizes for the juniors. Junior curling continues to develop at the Braehead Curling Rink and the BCDG’s junior program is set to go from strength to strength in the New Year. Session times and dates can be found at: http://www.curlbraehead. co.uk/junior-sessions---dates-and-times.html The BCDG would like to thank all involved for contributing to such an enjoyable event and look forward to seeing everyone in 2015! FORFAR INDOOR

SPORTS The Forfar Farmers Curling Competition 2014 was held at Forfar Indoor Sports back in December. 14 teams took part in the competition which were each sponsored by an agricultural related company. After an excellent two days of curling and great festive fun had by all involved, in the end Team Bartlett Potatoes (Pete Smith) was declared the winning team (pictured).

Report and photos courtesy of Mike Ferguson January Issue Clubs & Rinks 03 DUMFRIES YOUNG CURLERS Dumfries Young Curlers (DYC) started 2015 with its biggest test for the club, the Scottish Junior Curling Club Challenge. DYC have been making steady progress in Division one. After a few years of promotion and demotion, the club have found their way in the event consolidating their position in the top division for the last 3 years. DYC had their best run at the event last season finishing 2nd behind Forfar Young Curlers Club. This season the club were sent a mix of experience with Ross Whyte and Fraser Kingan skipping the two teams and Kirsty Sloan playing vice- for Ross and Sophie Jackson playing Vice for Fraser. Making up the rest of Ross team were Fraser Morton and Mollie Marley-Milligan and in Fraser’s team Hamish Gallacher and Ellie Hamilton. DYC had the youngest average age across the teams. The format was 5 games against the other teams in Div 1. Both teams’ Report and photo courtesy of Graham Sloan scores were combined with the team with most points, ends & shots taking the lucrative title as Junior Curling Club Challenge Champions. After two long days it would all come down to this last fixture against Graham Sloan team coach commented “it’s just a phenomenal Borders Young Curlers. Having maintained a 2 point advantage right from achievement for these juniors at such a young age. They played the first game it meant the minimum requirement for the title was one win fantastic all weekend and I could not have asked for any more and one draw from the two games. Both teams were looking confident and commitment, team work, effort and the skill level they showed was relaxed. Both teams lost the coin toss and Borders would have the hammer consistent throughout the weekend. Our juniors train 3-5nights per in the first end. Fraser made a good steal while Ross forced the opposition week and we have been getting closer to big results each season. to a single. After the 2nd end the teams looked to be settling into the match This is a major achievement for the club and hopefully the start and had a good grip of the Ice conditions. Both teams were in control at of many more to come. We have a great bunch of juniors at the the half way stage and never looked back. Pushing on in the 2nd half of the Ice Bowl but it should also be noted that we have a great group game they both ran out comfortable winners to secure the Junior Curling of voluntary coaches and supportive parents. I am really proud of Club Challenge Division 1 title for the first time in Dumfries Young Curlers the team’s efforts and they deserve all the credit they get for this 20 year history. outstanding achievement.” KELSO

PRIMARY SCHOOL A Festival to introduce Primary Seven pupils from Kelso Primary Schools to the sport of curling was organised by Kelso High School 5th year students, Amy Bryce and Bob Hurren, both of whom are part of the Nationwide Young Ambassadors Programme. Six Primary Schools and 140 children participated in the Curling Festival which took place over two days (Tuesday 25th and Friday 28th November) at Kelso ice rink. Devised by the two Young Ambassadors as means of Report and photo courtesy of Amy Bryce introducing children to the sport, it included on-ice and off-ice activities with demonstrations, participation sessions and guest speakers. The Festival was supported by Cameron Bryce, Curling Development Officer, are a credit to Kelso High School. The Primary 7 pupils were all really Borders Sport and Leisure, The Royal Caledonian Curling Club, curling club engaged and showed true sportsmanship with great teamwork coaches, volunteers and senior pupils from Kelso High School. Kelso’s during all the curling sessions. The club coaches and volunteers Young Ambassadors have put a huge amount of work into organising these made the sessions run very smoothly and there was a large variety curling events and have shown great enthusiasm throughout. They have of activities on offer. The Following week at Monday Night Junior been outstanding role models for all the Kelso Primary School pupils and Coaching there were 10 new curlers in attendance.

Deadline for articles is 12th February 2015 Your Curler is published by The Royal CaledonianFill Curling out Club. the online form on the RCCC website. www.royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org tel: 0131 333 3003 04 Clubs & Rinks January Issue LOCKERBIE ICE RINK The Matt Murdoch Memorial Charity Bonspiel in aid of the British Heart Foundation was held at Lockerbie Ice Rink back in the end of October last year. It was a great tribute that so many people wanted to show their respect in honour of Matt and 80 players from all over joined together, in what was a very sociable and memorable day. After the day’s play, the overall winners of the bonspiel were Matt’s elder son Neil, with David McMiken, David Henderson and Peter Black. The magnificent sum of over £10,000 was raised through a Silent Auction, Raffle and many generous donations. Marion extends her grateful thanks to everyone for their tremendous efforts in making the day such a success. Report and photos courtesy of Norma Lockhart Pictured L to R: David Henderson, Neil Murdoch, Marion Murdoch, David McMiken and Peter Black.

MORAY PROVINCE On Saturday 13 December the Moray Province Curling Development Group organised the Moray Leisure Centre sponsored Christmas Bonspiel. 80 curlers took to the ice, which was fast and swingy. Among the 80 were 2 family rinks (one from the Nicol family and one from the Watt family), 5 rinks of curlers who have only been playing the sport since Report and photo courtesy of Sandra McIver the October Try Curling event and the remaining 13 rinks comprised of a mixture of young and not so young curlers. Every club in the east division of the province was represented. One of the stipulations It may be of interest that Frosty the Snowman (AKA Callum Jacklin) won of taking part in the bonspiel was that at least one item of clothing the impromptu prize in the end for the best dressed curler. Moray Leisure recognising Christmas had to be worn and it was fair to say that some Centre sponsored the event by paying half the ice costs and providing the rinks made more efforts than others. much appreciated soup and sandwiches. North West Castle - Stranraer - Ice Rink - We’re on the Button! Full Board Mixed Curling Weekends from only £150 pp Rate includes 2 nights DBB, 2 Buffet lunches and a min of 3 games of curling!

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STRANRAER ICE RINK Curlers from the Galloway Province held the first mixed doubles competition ever played at Stranraer Ice Rink in December. Five out of the seven clubs in the province took part, totalling 12 teams, and the overall winners were Jak Kane and Jenni Cannon from Wigtown Curling Club, who were 11 shots up. The runners-up were father and daughter pairing of David and Maura Wilson from Kirkmabreck Curling Club at seven shots up. The teams were spilt into two sections and each section played five ends. Afterwards, Galloway Province President Jim Cannon commented at the presentation of the prizes that the new format had been enjoyed by all Report and photo courtesy of Louise Kerr’ those taking part and he thanked international mixed doubles coach Peter JD Wilson who had given up his time to help the players understand the rules of Mixed Doubles, very different from pairs, as there are stones in play runners-up and then asked his wife Christine to present a gift of before the curling starts and players can swap positions with each other! a Christmas pudding to Peter for helping the teams out. Jim also Officially, there should be a male and a female curler but as this was a taster thanked Gail Munro for taking the time to make the ice for the session, any two curlers made a team! competition, to Jak Kane for making up information cards and to Jim asked Peter to present chocolate prizes to the winners and the Galloway Province secretary Louise Kerr for organising the evening. RATTRAY CURLING CLUB Rattray Curling Club played an internal curling game at the end of last year using the Potlid scoring system and all 16 stones remained in play! All the stones in the house score one point and the nearest stone scores 3. The most any team can score would be 10 points in any end. No team is allowed to hit an opposing stone out of the house but they can move them around and if a stone is removed from the house then it is replaced and the shooter is removed from play. You can however remove your own stones by mistake but they are not replaced. In the end Jan (pictured third from right) promoted a red stone to leave it lying on the button and win the end 10 v 8!

Report by Margaret Scott. Photo contributor Iain Keay

Deadline for articles is 12th February 2015 Your Curler is published by The Royal CaledonianFill Curling out Club. the online form on the RCCC website. www.royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org tel: 0131 333 3003 06 Features January Issue SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE DISCOVER THE DARK SIDE OF RUM The RCCC has a variety of sponsorship opportunities for PROUD TO SPONSOR businesses looking to build their brand profile in the sport of curling in Scotland, with a wide range of associated benefits.

THE SCOTTISH CURLING SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Opportunities include but are not limited to Title Event Sponsorship, Team Sponsorship, Kit Supplier, Contra Partnerships, Grassroots Endorsement and Direct Member Advertising. For delicious O.V.D. For more on partner opportunities and how you can get involved visit dark rum cocktail www.royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org/become-a-partner/ recipes visit Packages are still available for the 2015 Scottish Curling Championships www.ovdrum.co.uk offering great exposure with BBC Sport Scotland’s televised coverage (note artwork and booking deadline of 30th January). Please enjoy O.V.D. responsibly For more information and to book, contact marketing on 0131 333 3003 or 07595 068 833.

RCCC_100x140mm.indd 1 21/01/2015 16:41

Curling Competition Weekend Packages at The Green Hotel Golf & Leisure Resort Running in conjunction with Kinross Curling Join us for a fabulous weekend competition Dates Available packed with fun and plenty of socialising. Friday 30th Jan - Sunday 1st Feb 2015 SPACES Your weekend package includes... available Friday 6th - Sunday 8th March 2015 SPACES • A welcoming Cocktail Party & Dinner on Friday night available • Accommodation on Friday & Saturday nightin a double COST: Only £175 per person* or twin room (*based on 2 sharing a double / twin room) £20 supplement (single • Full Scottish breakfast on Saturday & Sunday morning occupancy) Extend your stay with our special accommodation rates - ask for details. • Guarantee of 3 games on the ice over the weekend • Dinner dance on Saturday night

To book email [email protected] or call 01577 863 467 The Green Hotel Golf & Leisure Resort, 2 The Muirs, Kinross KY13 8AS January Issue Features 07 PLACES AVAILABLE FOR RCCC SUMMER CAMP 2015 Places are still available for The Royal Caledonian Curling Club’s annual summer camp which is taking place in Stirling from 12th to 17th July this year. The camp is open to juniors aged 13 to 17 and offers an action packed week of curling and other activities led by top coaches and athletes. Curling sessions will be at The Peak, Stirling and accommodation will be in Dunblane. The camp consists of daily curling sessions with instructions, drills and games as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor activities which have previously included kayaking, climbing and mountain biking. For more details and to get an application form Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis go to Summer Camp. so get your application form in soon to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity. A LOOK AT THE 2015

WINTER UNIVERSIADE The 2015 Winter Universiade will take place in Granada from 4th to 14th February 2015. The competition is held every two years in a different city and is the biggest global winter multi-sports event for students. More than 2,500 athletes will compete at the event from more than 50 countries, supported by between 1,500 and 3,000 volunteers. The city of Granada will host the curling, , and short track events, with the additional events of , and being held in nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. The curling event will be held between the 5th and 13th February with the first game scheduled for 9:00 (CET) on 5th February. Great Britain has had significant success in the event over the last few years with Anna Sloan, Lauren Gray, Vicki Adams, Sarah Macintyre and Claire Hamilton taking gold back in 2011 and , Derrick Sloan, Cammy Smith, and taking silver in 2013. This year Great Britain will be represented by the following athletes: MEN’S TEAM WOMEN’S TEAM

Kyle Smith – SRUC Heather Morton – Queen Margaret University Stuart Taylor – University of Strathclyde Hazel Smith – SRUC Thomas Muirhead – SRUC Rachel Halliday – University of Strathclyde Grant Hardie – University of Strathclyde Laura Ritchie – SRUC Alisdair Schreiber – Glasgow Angharad Ward – Durham

To follow the event go to 2015 Winter Universiade, Grenada.

ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTORS Nomination are sought for the position of Vice President and two elected Directors of The Royal Caledonian Curling Club. Nominations for the post should be made on the form provided in the ‘Election of Vice President and Directors’ news article on the RCCC website and must be addressed to the CEO and be received at Cairnie House, Ingliston Showground, Newbridge, EH28 8NB or emailed to Bruce Crawford before the close of business on 14th February 2015.

For more information go to the RCCC website. 08 Comps & Events January Issue

STRANRAER 16 teams made the journey to Stranraer Ice Rink through some snowy conditions to compete in the second leg of the Asham Under 14 Slam on Saturday. The final saw James Craik’s team of Campbell White, Matthew McKenzie and Angus Bryce dominate early on, scoring 7 shots in the first 2 ends. After a rare miss in the third end, James Thomson’s team took advantage of the opportunity of a draw to an open house to score 3 and close the gap a little. Team Craik kept the final end simple to win 10-3 and secure their second Asham Under 14 Slam event victory of the 2014-15 season. Winners pictured top right L-R; James Craik, Angus Bryce, Matthew McKenzie & Campbell White For full report go to Asham Under 14 Slam Stranraer

FORFAR Forfar Young Curlers hosted the Asham Under 17 Slam at Forfar Ice Rink from 28th to 29th December. 20 junior teams, split into 5 groups of 4, took part in a very competitive but always friendly tournament. The High Road Final was between the two experienced teams of Luke Carson and Cameron McNay. Both teams were still in the running to win the overall Slam Title and the coveted trip to Fussen provided they won this Report and photos courtesy Ian Taylor final. This was always going to be a close and tense game, and so it was, with one’s being exchanged in the early ends. By the 5th end McNay had built up a 4-2 lead. Carson blanked the 6th perhaps hoping to save the hammer for the last end like he had done in the semi-final earlier in the day. For full competition results go to However he was forced to take his 1 in the 7th leaving the McNay team Asham Under 17 Slam Forfar one up with the hammer going down the last. Team McNay duly took a one in the 8th to win the game 5-3 and take home the Forfar Young Curlers Trophy (pictured). This now leaves them as the sole challengers to Ross Whyte in the final Slam of the season in Perth at the end of February. SCOTTISH CURLING MIXED DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP The Scottish Curling Mixed Doubles Championship took place at intu Braehead from 2nd to 5th January. In the Final Team McCleary (Lee McCleary and Judith McCleary) defeated Team Gray (Logan Gray and Lauren Gray) to take the championship title by a final score of 12-6. McCleary earned their place in the final after a 9-4 win against last year’s champions Bruce Mouat and Gina Aitken in the morning’s Semi-final while Gray secured their spot with an 8-6 victory over Grant Hardie and Rowena Kerr in their Semi-final. In the final McCleary got off to a great start taking 5 in end two followed by 3 in the next to lead by 8-1 after three ends. Team Gray fought back with a four in the fourth but handshakes were offered in the seventh end after McCleary took a three to end the game with the final score 12-6. For all results and standings click Lee and Judith McCleary will now represent Scotland at the World Mixed Scottish Curling Mixed Doubles Championship Doubles Curling Championship in Sochi, from 18-25 April. January Issue Comps & Events 09

Your new look Dates for Dates for your Diary... your Diary... Simply click on the dates to find out more information.

30 JAN - 1 FEB GOLDLINE SCOTTISH CURLING TOUR – 11-15 FEB O.V.D SCOTTISH CURLING SENIOR ACCORD ABERDEEN CITY OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS, LANARKSHIRE ICE RINK CURL ABERDEEN 21-22 FEB SCOTTISH JUNIOR CURLING CLUB CHALLENGE 4-14 FEB WINTER UNIVERSIADE DIVISION 3, AYR ICE RINK GRANADA, SPAIN 23-26 FEB HENDERSON BISHOP TROPHY, 7-14 FEB WORLD WHEELCHAIR CURLING BORDER ICE RINK CHAMPIONSHIP, LOHJA, FINLAND SCOTTISH JUNIOR CURLING CLUB

CHALLENGE The Scottish Junior Curling Club Challenge was held at Murrayfield Curling from Saturday 10th to Sunday 11th January with Dumfries winning Division 1 (pictured) and Kinross being promoted from Division 2. In Division 1 Dumfries had maintained a two point advantage all competition, over defending champions Forfar, going into the final game For all of the results from the competition against Borders. The minimum requirement was one win and one draw from go to the Scottish Junior Challenge the two games to secure the trophy. Both of the Dumfries teams managed to take control of their games to secure the Scottish Junior Challenge title for the first time in Dumfries Young Curlers’ 20 year history. MURRAY AND WHYTE TAKE THE ASHAM UNDER 21

SLAM TITLES AT LOCKERBIE In the junior women’s competition, Katie Murray’s team of Sophie Jackson, Hailey Duff and Ellie Fraser were sitting at the top of the leaderboard with 33 points going into the Lockerbie event, closely followed by Rebecca Morrison’s team on 30 points. Katie Murray’s team had a convincing 9-2 win over Rebecca Morrison to secure a place in the final as well as the 2014-15 Asham Under 21 Slam title. The final was a very close affair, going to an extra end resulting in a 7-6 win for Katie, Sophie, Hailey & Ellie (pictured). The junior men’s event at Lockerbie was full of excitement with 4 teams in contention for the Asham Under 21 Slam title and prize of £1000! Team Bryce started on 33 points, followed by Team Brydone on 29 points, Team Barr on 27 points and Team Whyte on 25 points. Team Barr missed out qualifying for the knockout stages and therefore ruled them out of contention. The semi-finals saw Team Brydone steal the 8th end against Team Bryce to get a narrow victory and keep them in contention whilst Team Whyte had an 8-1 win over Team Carswell to also stay in the hunt. The final and 3 v 4 playoff results were all crucial and as expected all came down to the bitter end with both games going to an extra end. The 3-4 playoff saw Team Carswell clinch 3rd place. In the final, Ross Whyte’s team of James Baird, Gavin Barr and Euan Kyle (pictured) took For full results go to Asham the extra end to win 5-4 and sneak into 1st place, winning the Asham Under 21 Slam title for Under 21 Slam Lockerbie season 2014-15. 10 Comps & Events January Issue MOUAT AND AITKEN 2015 SCOTTISH CURLING JUNIOR CHAMPIONS The 2015 Scottish Curling Junior Championships took place at Curl Aberdeen from 20-25 January with Team Mouat - Bruce Mouat, , Derrick Sloan, Angus Dowell (pictured with coach Colin Morrison (right) - being crowned junior men’s champions and Team G Aitken - Gina Aitken, Naomi Brown, Rowena Kerr and (pictured with coach David Aitken (below), junior women’s champions. The junior men’s final was contested between Team Mouat and Team Waddell – Kyle Waddell, Callum Kinnear, Cammy Smith, . Team Mouat took an early lead going into the 5th end break with a score of 3-1 In the 6th end Team Waddell made good use of the corner guard when they forced a miss from their opposition and then split the house to good effect to secure a two and tie up the game. After a blanked end seven Mouat had the chance to make a deuce in end eight but was slightly heavy and only took the single. An entertaining ninth end saw the second players Cammy Smith (Team Waddell) and Derrick Sloan (Team Mouat) trade freezes which led to an opportunity for Waddell to bite the button for two but was fractionally heavy and only managed the single to tie up the game going into the final end. Craig Waddell kicked off the tenth end with two perfect centre line guards which Cammy Smith used to Team Waddell’s advantage with a clockwise draw which covered the pin. Third players Duncan Menzies (Team Mouat) and Callum Kinnear (Team Waddell) traded peels and centre guards, Kyle Waddell’s centre guard attempt with his first over curled leaving Bruce Mouat the opportunity to remove the two Waddell counters from the 4 foot. Waddell played a fantastic hit and roll to the edge of the button behind guards leaving Mouat needing to bite the button. Team Mouat made the inch perfect draw, marshalled by the front end sweepers, to secure the title. The junior women’s final was contested between Team Aitken consisting of Gina Aitken, Naomi Brown, Rowena Kerr, Rachel Hannen and Team MacDonald who had Lesley Young at skip, Amy MacDonald, Louise Joiner and Beth Dandie. Winter Breaks In Perth The girls played an aggressive, yet entertaining game for the crowd, which saw them exchange singles for the first six ends and the score was tied at 3-3. Team Aitken took advantage in the 7th end when Naomi Brown played For a relaxing premium budget a perfect hit and roll across the 4 foot behind guards, which was followed experience this Winter look no further up by a raised take out with Gina’s last stone to score 3. A miss with the last stone in the 8th end gave team Aitken a steal of one shot and take a than Holiday Inn Express Perth. 7-3 lead. The 9th end was set up well by team MacDonald, with a centre guard covering a single stone at the back of the 4 foot. Attempts were made by Included in your stay: both teams to hit and roll from a stone on both wings throughout the end, but didn’t successfully get fully covered and with Lesley Young’s last Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking and Express stone she had an open draw to make 2 counters and got the scoreline Start Breakfast. back to just 7-5. The final end was well played by team MacDonald to try to get their steal and the coveted Scottish Junior Championship title. There were many stones in play and Lesley Young played a lovely draw into the top of the four foot behind guards with her last shot. When Gina came to play the final stone, she was lying 3 against but calmly drew down the same line as Lesley had just played to rest against their stone and only give up one shot to therefore retain her title. BOOK NOW Both teams will now represent Scotland at the World Junior Curling 01738 636 666 Championships in Tallin, Estonia from 28 February to 8th March. [email protected] www.hiexpressperth.co.uk For more information go to the World Junior Curling Championships STAY YOU.™ For full results go to Scottish Curling Junior Championships