News Archive

Ladies Competition

The Braehead Ladies Open is on Wednesday 7th December. Find out about it and download a brochure here.

MacKenzie Crook Competition Details Posted

For those of you involved, please look up the pages to get fixture information and some background to the new format.
Find the Fixure information here.
The new format is described here.

Braehead Ladies Open 2011 - 2012

Last year we ran into difficulty holding the Braehead Ladies Open competition in January, mainly because it clashed with the American outgoing tour.

This year we would like to make sure that the Open suits as many ladies teams as possible and we would like to seek your advice on what would make it a better competition.

The following link allows you to complete a very short questionnaire. Just click on it and answer honestly your views.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/M8F8KNB

We would also very much like your good ideas so that we can design the event to attract as many teams as possible.

Many thanks for your help

Gary Macfarlane
David Horne

BRAEHEAD OPEN sponsored by CARDWELL GARDEN CENTRE

Welcome to the 2011 - 2012 Curling Season.

Braehead Ice Rink invites you to the first major curling competition in Scotland on the weekend of Friday September 30th - Sunday 2nd October 2011.

We promise a great competition, guarantee at least 4 games with the possibility of 6, and with prize money of £2000 at least.

Like 2010, we expect a full 32 entries from across the UK and Europe, and encourage you to get your entry in as soon as possible.

Entries will be accepted in order of date of entry.

To enter just reply to Gary Macfarlane at this email address gary@curlbraehead.co.uk, confirming that your team wants to join us in Glasgow.

Regards

Gary Macfarlane

The Glynhill Volunteers “Bonspiel”

Bruce Harley, Curling manager at Braehead, was so delighted with the organisation and running of the Glynhill International, that he invited all the volunteers and sponsors + his own staff members to come along to the rink for a “Fun Curling Bonpsiel”
Volunteers were put into the following Teams;-
The Canadians;- All members of the Canadian C.C.
The Driving Force;- Mini Bus Drivers.
The Money Men;- The Sponsors.
The Umpires;- The Umpires for the event.
Calendar Girls;- A team of ladies looking after the coffee’s, home baking and selling of “Dodgy Calendars”
The Cool Dudes;- The Braehead Ice Technicians.

The umpires were not allowed to call for a measure and points would be deducted for poorly marked scorecards.
The Cool Dudes were not allowed hands or knees on the ice.
The money men were spoken to about offering bribes.

Two “fun” ends of Curling against 3 different teams, but several teams took it very series. Chris Noble, Senior Ice technician, was seen on the ice 30 minutes before hand to give two of his team who had never played before a quick lesson on how to deliver a stone and how to sweep. Well to everyone’s surprise (except Chris) they won 5 ends out of 6 and won the competition by 10 shots to 1. Interviewed after the game he was still bemused how they lost a shot in the last end.


Winners on the ice with Bruce are;- The Cool Dudes;-
David : Heggie : Calum : Chris.


Taking a break from sweeping;- Wilson Evans (Representing The Glynhill Hotel)


In the bar with their “Booby” prize;- Brian and Wendy (2 Members of the Canadian Team)

Report and photographs.
David Horne
CDO Braehead Curling Rink

MacKenzie Crook Competition 2010 - 2011

The “Crook” was donated by Judy & Johnny MacKenzie. It is played for each year by Braehead Curlers who have already celebrated their 50th Birthday. Play on Monday afternoons from late October until early March and is in a “round robin” league format.
This season had the highest number of entries with twelve teams taking part.
After round one, Gordon Deakins’ team was leading the field, after an 8 – 1 win. Gordon went onto to win his second game but was overtaken by John Finlay who also had two wins but had scored more ends. John Finlay stayed at the top until the 4th round games when he lost by a big margin to Jacqui Crawford’s team. This allowed Jack Steven to move to the top of the field with 7 points after 3 wins and one draw. Jack lost a game in the 5th round and this allowed John McHale’s side to move above him with 4 wins and only 1 loss.
In rounds 6, 7 and 8 Jack moved back to the top spot with fine wins against J Laverty, J McHale and A Clark. However, Jacqui Crawford was breathing down his neck and still maintained a 100% record. (2 games in hand because of postponements).
Jacqui moved to the top after winning one of the postponed games. This was short lived when she lost her 1st game of the season against a delighted John McHale’s side. Jack moved back to the top with a high scoring 17 to 6 win against Alan Sloan’s team.
Only 1 point now separated Jack and Jacqui as we moved into the last few games of the competition.
On the 28th February Jack was playing his last game and like all good finishes it happened to be against Jacqui’s team. A win for Jack or Jacqui would be enough to win the title.
However, a draw for Jacqui could still be enough if she won her game in hand. After 5 ends it was 3 – 3 before Jack stole a 1 against the hammer to go into the 7th end with a slender one shot lead. Jacqui’s team upped their game and with the hammer scored a 3 to go in front and win the game by 6 shots to 4.
Hand shakes and congratulations to the winning team of the Mackenzie Crook for season 2010 – 2011.


J Crawford : E Semple ; A MacLennan and P Ross (Not in Photo)

Closing Bonspiel & Turkey Shoot

The Braehead Clan : Ice Hockey at the Arena!

The Braehead Clan would like to extend an offer of free tickets to all Braehead Curlers for their final game of the season on 25th March.
The process for booking tickets is to e-mail Kirsty at The Clan office at: mailto:kirsty@braeheadclan.com
stating name and curling club, two free tickets per person

http://www.braeheadclan.com/

I can thoroughly recommend it as a great night out!
Bruce

The BCDG Golf Tournament

Renfrew Golf Club - Thursday 9th June

You are invited to join us for the first ever golf meeting organised by BCDG.

This is open to all ages and abilities up to a maximum handicap of 24 for men and 32 for ladies.

The cost is £40 and you can register for the event by contacting Bruce or Gary, stating your Curling Club and current handicap.

Use email:
bruce-harley@capshop.co.uk or
garymacfarlane1@me.com

Or telephone:
0141 885 4611

This is a fun event played over a good course with a reputation for fine facilities. You will be looked after on your visit and the day will include prizes in a variety of categories so there is an opportunity to be a winner!

Download the brochure here.

Brechin and Allcomers : Sunday 6th March 2011

Many of you will have been approached ( pestered ! ) by Liz Paul and Valerie Lindsay at some point during the winter months and invited to enter a team for this competition, which in former years was the highlight of the curling season at the Summit Centre. You were asked to get together a team of friends - two men and two ladies - to play in a fun competition over four 5-end games.
There was a very positive response to the recruitment campaign ( despite a clash with Scottish Seniors, Masters , Worlds Juniors and Rink Championships ) 16 mixed teams took to the ice at 10am on Sunday 6th March for a day of "serious but social" curling, hosted by Braehead's manager , Bruce Harley. Norman Cathcart was our Bonspielmaster and kept the score cards , while Stephen and chef Kevin , took care of the bar and catering.

The competition kicked off with a 5-end game to sort out the "serious" from the "social" , after which the winners competed in three further 5-end games in the High Road and the losers played in the same Schenkel format in the Low Road. At stake were two fine silver curling trophies - the High Road prize being the Brechin Trophy - first presented in 1993 by Robin Brechin for a mixed competition over a weekend. The Low Road trophy being exactly 100 years old this season, and formerly contested by the ladies clubs of Crossmyloof Curling Rink. It was brought back into use for local competition at the Summit Centre in 1990. These beautiful trophies in the form of a curling stone with crossed brooms can be seen in the display cabinets in the curling bar.
Great fun was had by all and the day finished around sundown with prizes all round - presented by Braehead Curling, Lennox Lindsay , Liz Paul and Valerie Lindsay. The High Road winners were Charles and Judith Jackson with Don and Maggie Rutherford. The Low Road winners were Bill Masterton , Jim Taylor, Angela Higson and Rosemary Lenton.

Such was the success of the event that it is now re-established firmly in the Braehead calendar. If you missed it this year - ask your club Secretary to look out for " The Brechin and Alkcomers " on the competition forms next year and make sure you get your entry in in good time.

Valerie Lindsay

The Brechin Trophy was won by Charles Jackson, Don Rutherford, Judith Jackson and Maggie Rutherford.

The Allcomers Trophy was won by Angela Higson, Bill Masterton, Jim Taylor and Rosemary Lenton.

The Broadway Competition

This is run annually at Braehead between Lady Curlers and is run on Wednesday mornings from February into March. Each team is entered under The “Skips” name and this season we had the following eight teams taking part;- Irene Harper : Jane Paterson : Sheila Fleming : Kirstine Cochran : Elaine Semple : Karen Cromar : Doreen Mainds and Valerie Browning. Two sections of four teams in a league format and after the first round games it was Team Sheila Fleming v Valerie Browning and Kirstine Cochran v Elaine Semple. Sheila’s and Elaine’s team emerged to play each other in the final on Wednesday the 9th March. As Elaine was not available Margaret Cameron took over the role of skipping the team.
So it was M Cameron : P Ross : S Elliot and J Briggs taking on S Fleming : E Sturgeon : M Ritchie and I Sturgeon.
Margaret’s team opened up with a 1 at the first end but Sheila’s team rose to the challenge of the final and hit back with a 3 at the second. This was followed by a 1 and then a 2 to open up a 5 shot lead at the half way stage. A 2 at the 5th end brought the scores back to 6 shots to 3 but with the hammer Sheila’s team added another 1 in the 6th and stole a 1 in the 7th so it was 5 shots up playing the last end. Despite their valiant efforts it was not too be for the Cameron team as Sheila’s team simple took out any guards or stones in the house until the result was not in doubt. A 2 was scored and the final result was 8 shots to five for four very happy ladies. The trophy was presented to the team in The Curling Bar and they will receive an invite to attend the BCDG Closing bonspiel and prize giving evening.

Report and photo by
David Horne
CDO

Broadway Winners: Sheila Fleming : Elma Sturgeon : Marlyn Ritchie and Isobel Sturgeon

The Scottish Pairs Competition

The qualifying competition was held recently at Braehead Curling Rink to see who would go forward to represent Braehead at the National Finals being held at Stranraer on the 18th to 20th March 2011.
David Horne who was the organiser and umpire of the competition welcomed The Eight teams who made it to Braehead for an early Saturday morning start. Two groups of four teams would play each other over five ends with the winners of each group playing in the final.

Teams taking part were;-
J Brown & A Cloudsley : R & C Shand : W Highet & D Horne : J Laverty & C Howat : L & V Lindsay : J & N Steven : A Schreiber & K McCall : B Galbraith & A Carnduff.

In the “A” section Robin and daughter Corinne were unstoppable as they racked up 22 shots and 12 ends gaining 6points to qualify for the final. The other 3 teams ended up on only 2 points each but Wendy Highet and David Horne scored more ends to end up in the second spot. In section “B” after 2 rounds, Jack and Norma Steven were sitting on 4 points and 8 ends but breathing down their necks were Young Alastair Schreiber and the not so young Ken McCall. So it was all to play for in the deciding game between the two teams. It was nip and tuck all the way but Jack and Norma just lost out by 3 shots to 5.
So it was a spot of lunch before everyone back on the ice for the final four games of the day. Jack and Norma got over their disappointment for not reaching the final by running out comfortable winners against Wendy and David for 3rd place.
In the final Robin and Corinne were able to reproduce their earlier form but came up against a team who were now playing some great curling. Robin and Corinne took a one at the 1st end but lost a Two against the hammer in the 2nd end. They were then unlucky to lose another one in the 3rd end but came right back into the game with a One at the 4th end. However without the hammer in the last end meant they were going to have to steal a One to take the game it an extra end. This was not to be and they lost another two and the final score meant Alastair and Ken won by 5 shots to two. Hand shakes all round and The winners were presented with a sum of money, compliments of Bruce Harley, who was full of praise for the eight teams who took part.
Report and Photo by

David Horne C.D.O.

Overs and Unders: April 2011

This is an RCCC event held annually at Braehead, this year on 2nd and 3rd April.

There is more information available on the RCCC website and on Bob's Blog.

Alternatively you can get in touch with Bruce Harley at Braehead by mail to:
Bruce-Harley@capshop.co.uk or 0141 885 4611.

We are giving this attention as the competition is short of a few teams and we'd encourage anyone interested to enter and enjoy something a little different!

This is an extract from Bob's Blog: The 2011 event has been scheduled for Braehead, the usual venue, on April 2-3. This new date also clashes unfortunately with the U-21s at Dumfries, but hopefully this will not be a major problem for either event.

At the Unders and Overs, the Ladies' Branch aim is to encourage lady curlers under or over 25 years of age into competition curling and to have two experienced players compete with two less so.

Brenda has asked her Ladies' Standing Committee to visit their junior night at their local rink and ask if anyone is interested. She has also asked them to invite lady curlers from their own clubs who wouldn't normally enter a competition to try and give them some confidence to join with others.

So, to help Brenda, this is a call for lady curlers who would like to play in a fun competition to gain more experience and make friends. Brenda will match them up with teammates if they wish. A minimum of eight teams is needed for the competition. Brenda's email address is mailto:brenda@findonfarm.co.uk , or contact her through Cairnie House 0131 333 3003


And the rules?

(a) The Unders and Overs competition is competed for by teams consisting of four eligible female members of the Royal Club.

(b) Each team shall consist of four ladies two of whom are under 25 years of age and two of whom are over 25 years of age at midnight on 30 June prior to the start of the season

The David Duncan Trophy: Semi Final Result

Partick C.C. Defeated Liz Paul's team by 6 shots to 5 in the first semi final of The David Duncan.

The other semi-final has been postponed and is still to be re arranged.

The Broadway Trophy

Fixture details and Results are now available on the Competition menu.

The David Duncan Trophy: Semi Final Line Up

Cadder 1 v Glasgow XX

and
Liz Paul v Partick

Games to be played on Wednesday 9th February at 8:20pm

The David Duncan Trophy

Four games in the above competition took place at the rink on Wednesday 26th January to decide who will play in the semi finals on February the 9th at 8.20pm.

However the 1st game on sheet one was only for pride and David MacFarlane’s Cadder “2” side took advantage of an off form Cathcart Castle side to run out winners by 11 shots to 2. CDO David Horne, playing for Cathcart Castle, summed it up when he said it was our own fault for winning the 1st two ends and getting them angry. Top quality play by the whole Cadder “2” team who must feel unlucky that they are not playing in the later stages of the competition.

The game on sheet 2 between Crossmyloof and Giffnock was very close and the result could have gone either way. The 1st end was blanked (Lennox Lindsay had clearly picked up a few tips at The Glynhill International) but the scoring went back and forth after that and Giffnock were holding a one shot lead going into the last end. However they had the Hammer and Ian MacDonald took full advantage and scored a one to finish with a 7 shot to 5 win. This moved them up to 3rd place in the league but Partick stay ahead in 2nd place by virtue of scoring more ends.

On sheet 3 it was all to play for between Kelvinside and Glasgow XX as they were both sitting on 2 wins from 3 games. The winning team would go through to the semi-finals and if it was a tie, then a countback of ends would determine who went through. Kelvinside, with young skip Alasdair Schreiber, were 3 up after the first 2 ends but a stoppage was called to check the rules as they only had 3 players. Local rules confirmed that they could continue but would incur a penalty of 5 shots, so it was still all to play for. However, this seemed to spur Glasgow XX into action and they scored a 2 at the 3rd end to go 4 shots (2 + 5) in front. Kelvinside hit back with a 2 in the 4th to cut the lead back to only 2 shots. However, John Henderson and his Glasgow XX team raised their game and scored a 3 followed by two 1’s and handshakes all round after 7 ends. The final score ended up 12 shots (Including the 5 shot penalty) to 5 shots. So Glasgow XX proceed to the semi-finals stage.

On sheet 4 Partick took on Drystanes, who due to postponed games, had only managed to play one game which they had lost. Partick, with a victory or a draw, would go onto the next round. Things went exactly to plan for Gordon Lyon and Partick when they took a one at the 1st end. Ian McNair, of Drystanes, took a chance and went onto the offensive and before Gordon knew what hit him “Six” counting stones of Drystanes were in the house. Sometimes it just goes against you and it was one of these nights for Gordon and his team. They only picked up one more shot and after 7ends they shook hands with the score at 11 shots to 3 for Drystanes. Partick, who are still sitting in 2nd place in Section “A” are not guaranteed to go through as Drystanes can still pip them for second place. However, they have to pick up 2 more points and at least 9 ends from their remaining 2 games. The outstanding games have been arranged over the next week by Robin Turner so watch this space.
Report by David Horne
C.D.O.

Rink Championship Final

The final of the Rink Championship qualifier at Braehead between Cadder C.C. and Kelvinside C.C. will now take place on Monday the 14th of February at 6pm.

Glynhill Ladies International

Please note that this tournament is taking place this weekend from 21st January - Friday to Sunday at Braehead.
Come along and watch - it is free to do so and see the cream of the world's curlers in action in stunning reality!
It's far better than your hi definition television!

Waterfront Final Result

The final of the Waterfront competition took place at Braehead on Wednesday the 12th January and what a final it turned out to be. Dumbreck ladies were represented in the final by M Anderson : H Young : E MacGregor and C Bingham, while C Lombardi : E Hall : K McMillan and A Lundie represented The 69 Curling Club.

The first four ends played brilliantly by The 69 club using a guarding game saw them pick up one at each end to open up a four shot lead. Mary Anderson, skip of Dumbreck ladies was unlucky not to win one of the ends with some great tap up shots. However, in the 5th end they did manage to get a one on the board and at the 6th end guarded one of their early stones in the house to reduce the lead to only 2 shots. Ceinwin, skip ot the 69 club was unlucky not to take out the lying shot with her final stone as it just failed to clear one of the front guards. At the 7th end 69 club, scored another one with the last stone to go into the last end 3 up. Front Guard stones were put in place by Ceinwin’s team but as Dumbreck were 3 shots down, Mary decided to gamble and got her team to draw round the guards and ended up with there stones into the 4 foot.

69 Club were unable to take out the 3 lying stones or draw round on the other side so it was left up to Ceinwin, with her last stone, to try and promote one of her own front stones. However, she was forced to play the other hand and her stone drew slightly further than they expected and left Mary a draw to win the game. She did not let her team down and drew round the guard stones to pick up fours shots and Dumbreck Ladies run out the winners by 6 shots to 5. Although very disappointed to lose, the 69 ladies were quick to congratulate the winners and everyone retired to the bar to enjoy the hospitality laid on by Bruce Harley, The leisure manager. Photo of Bruce presenting the trophy to the winning team and both teams together on the steps of the Curling Bar.





Report and photographs supplied by
David Horne C.D.O.

“The Braehead Curling Development group would like to wish all Braehead Curlers a Happy Christmas and a good New Year.”

Dates to look out for in January.

Monday 3rd January;- Curling rink reopens.

Saturday 15th January at 10am;- “Free Try Curling session”
Contact David on 0141 885 4611 if you know of anyone who would like to try curling or e-mail him at David-Horne@capshop.co.uk

Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd;- “The Glynhill Ladies International”
The Top ladies teams from all over the world are back again to compete in this prestigious event.

Tuesday 25th January at 10am;- “Braehead Ladies open”
A one day competition with entry fee set at £130.00 per team, and includes Lunch and afternoon coffee.
A competitive, yet friendly “One Day” competition.
Contact David or Gary McFarlane to enter your team.

Tuesday 25th January at 6pm;- Partick Curling Club are running a “Try Curling” session for “males only” in an effort to recruit some new members.
Again let David in the office know if you know of anyone who may be interested or contact Partick C.C. Direct.

McKenzie Crook Games Rescheduled

Games due on Monday 6th December will now be played on Monday 17th January at the usual time of 2:20pm.

Rink Championship Semi Finals Postponed

Please note that these games have now been rescheduled due to the extreme weather.

Rink Championship

Semi Final games scheduled for 8th December will now be played on:
Wednesday 5th January at 7:50pm (Cadder v Glasgow Ladies) and
Wednesday 5th January at 8:20pm (Kelvinside v Duntocher)

The Final will now be played on:
Monday 24th January at 6:00pm

Curling Drop In Clinic Thursdays 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Now has it's own page... Take a look here.

The Saturday Sweep

The sweep is open to all standards of Curler from beginners up to the more experienced Curler. It takes place most Saturdays from 10am to 12 noon and the charge is only £5.00. Coaching provided and names go in the hat for several ends of “Fun Curling”.

The Saturday sweep will be on the following Saturdays during season 2010 to 2011;-

Oct 16th and 30th. Nov 13th : 20th and 27th. Dec 4th and 18th.

2011;-

Jan 8th and 29th. Feb 5th and 26th. March 5th and 12th.

Everybody welcome and there is no need to book. Just turn up on the day with a clean pair of trainers and a warm jumper.

Please do not hesitate to contact David for further details.

David Horne Curling Development Officer David-horne@capshop.co.uk or 0141 885 4611.

VAT UPDATE

The Committee of the Development Group completed an analysis of all bookings and identified Clubs potentially liable to the VAT charge. A number of Clubs have sufficient total bookings but require an increase in the number of separate sessions to gain the available exemption. Those Clubs have been contacted with suggested action.
A possible solution for the BCDG member Clubs with insufficient bookings has been identified and the Committee is currently taking advice from an expert in VAT matters to establish if this solution can be advanced in discussions with Braehead. At the same time the Committee is urgently considering the practical implications which would involve a significant increase in administration and require active input from those Clubs affected. If progress is positive it is likely that such Clubs will be invited to attend a meeting to advance the proposal. An update circular will be issued by email as soon as possible.

Norman Cathcart. Chairman BCDG.

ICE Fees 2011/2012

We have been advised that the charges for next season will be as follows:

Day & Weekend        £76     (9.50 pp); and
Weekday Evening     £92     (11.50pp).

Full details will be provided on this site and included in letters to club secretaries.

The David Duncan Trophy Semi-Finals

On Wednesday the 9th of February Liz Paul’s team took on a team from Partick C.C. Skipped by Gordon Lyon. Liz stood aside to let daughter Jennifer skip the team and it looked like the right decision when they scored a 3 at the first end. Partick came back with a 1 but the next 2 ends were blanked so the score was still 3 to 1 at the half way stage. Jennifer picked up a 1 at the 5th but Partick hit back with a 2 to close the game to only 1 shot. Jennifer with the hammer took her 1 at the 7th to go 2 shots in front going into the last end. However, victory was not to be for The Braehead young curling star as Gordon picked up 3 at the last end to win the game by 6 shots to 5.

The other semi-final was played on Friday the 18th of March between two old rivals;- Glasgow XX and Cadder C.C. After 3 ends Chris MacFarlane (Skip of the Cadder team) was 3 to 1 in front. However, everything changed in the next end when John Henderson, skip of Glasgow XX took a “Four” and opened up a lead of 2 shots. Cadder were not finished yet and with time running out they scored a 2 at the 6th to even up the game at 5 shots each. It was clear that the 7th end would be the last so it looked good for Glasgow XX with the hammer. It was not to be as Cadder managed to steel a one and win the game by 6 shots to 5.

Report by David Horne
C.D.O.

Funding News

Braehead Curling Development Group is delighted to announce an Award of £1,930 from The Big Lottery fund. This money is to be used for The RCCC "Curling's Cool" programme and to encourage new primary schools from The Renfrewshire Area to attend at Braehead Curling Rink. David Horne, The CDO at Braehead, has held Meetings with Active School coordinators in the area and pupils from four schools in Renfrew will benefit from the Grant.

Braehead Festive Cup – Saturday 11th December 2010

Braehead Junior Curling club held their annual Festive Cup competition for juniors in The Under 16 and under 21 age group. Teams were attracted from all over the West of Scotland but a team also travelled down from Aberdeen to take part. Organiser Liz Paul was delighted to welcome them and with another 15 teams taking part it meant a full house. Each team were required to play Four x Five end games in a modified schenkel system so it meant a long day of curling for everyone. Umpire, David Horne, was extremely impressed by the various skills being displayed but also praised the attitude of all the youngsters throughout the day. The winning team in each age group came from Hamilton but everyone had a great day and no one left empty handed. Liz Paul, who did a magnificent job of running the competition, thanked Bruce Harley (Leisure manager at Braehead) for his support and all the other helpers. She also made Special mention of the parents/coaches who came along to support the youngsters.


Hamilton Under 21’s left to right;-
(Liz Paul) Hazel Smith : James Allan : Alan Neilson. Missing (Connor Ballantyne)


Hamilton Under 16’s left to right;-
Lizi Dodd : (Liz Paul) : Charley Walker : Luke Carson ; George Ballantyne.

Report and photographs by David Horne CDO

Henderson Bishop Qualifiers

The finals of The qualifiers to represent Braehead at the National finals in the above competition were held at The Curling rink on Friday 10th of December. As Scotland slowly recovered from the worst snowfall for over 30 years both teams managed to get in for “The High Noon” start. Kirsty letton’s team of Judy McKenzie, Pat Orr and Anne McDougal had beaten Liz Paul’s team to make it to the finals and had been installed as firm favourites with a long list of prizes, medals and cups already on their sideboard. Their opposing team in the final was Norma Gourlay, Patricia Thompson, Mary Craig and Sally Smyth. They reached the final by a narrow win against Karen Cromar’s team in the other semi-final. Although they knew they knew they were against strong opposition it did not show as they took to the ice determined to play at their best.

Well, what a final it turned out to be;-

Kirsty took a one at the first end but Norma’s team came back with a Two in the second end and then stole a One against the hammer to open up a 3 to 1 Lead. The crucial 4th end, brilliantly played by Norma’s team meant that Kirsty was facing 3 opposing stones lying guarded to the back right of the 8 foot circle as she went to play her first stone. A great shot by Kirsty, drawing past the guard to lie on top of the shot stone meant Norma had to follow it in to put the pressure back onto Kirsty. Unluckily her stone was slightly heavy and just missed Kirsty’s first stone to lie at the back of the 12 foot. Kirsty then drew to the four foot to even up the match at 3 – 3. Kirsty then stole a one in the next end to go 4 – 3 in front but Norma hit straight back with a one in the next end to even up the game again. However, as the bell went during the seventh end, Kirsty and her team managed to take advantage of the hammer and secured a Two to win the game by 6 shots to four. As Kirsty said afterwards that was too close for comfort and it certainly could have gone either way. Norma’s team graciously accepted their loser’s drink and congratulated the winners wishing them all the best in the Finals to be played at Murrayfield Curling Rink from the 21st to the 24th of February 2011.

Report and photo by David Horne CDO

The finalists...

Alma Curling Club’s 8 Ender

During this very cold spell it can be extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to get to your local curling rink to play a game of Curling. On The coldest night of the year, with more snow predicted, eight members of ALMA C.C. managed to make it in to The Braehead Curling Rink to play one of their inter club games but wondered if it was worthwhile as they would be facing another difficult journey home afterwards.
However, four of the Curlers forgot all about the weather as the ordered drinks for everyone in the bar after scoring The Magic “Eight” in the final end of their game. They were actually “7” down at the start of the end so it was double celebrations.
The team consisted of (L To R);- Charles Jackson : Bill Thomson : Bobby McEwan and Bill Stephens.

If anyone is interested Charles will be happy to provide them with a breakdown of how the team achieved the score and will be available as an after dinner speaker for many years to come;- Well done Charles and the other members of the team for brightening up a very cold night at Braehead Curling Rink.

Report and photo by David Horne CDO

A very pleased looking team with their top drawer result...

STOP PRESS

Braehead Curlers were devastated to learn of the sudden departure of star curler Garlic (aka “Smiley”) McFarlane from these shores. This is believed to have been caused by ageist comments attributed to Curly Cowan. Informed sources suggest these comments were the result of sheer jealousy as Curly didn’t get the chance to curl with a young attractive Polish athlete like what Smiley did (Ed – who wrote this stuff?)(Webmaster - What?) It appears Smiley may not have thought through his new Curling Academy. Is granite mined in Rwanda? Does he know there is an embargo on imports of gas for the freezing plant? How will Curly get there to take photos? There is little doubt that Smiley will quickly become ranked the number one curler in Rwanda but Braehead needs him and it is hoped that following a brief period of rehabilitation sounder judgement will prevail and if Horney promises not to ask Smiley to arrange more competitions he will return to take up his rightful position among the curling elite at his mother rink. Click here to follow the blog pages for the man with too many names...

The Royal Club/Salsc National Funspiel Competition

The West of Scotland Qualifiers for The Under 13’s and Under 15’s in the above competition were held at Braehead Curling Rink on Saturday the 6th November. The aim of the funspiel is to introduce young curlers to playing against other young curlers but in a fun and friendly competition. The winners then get the chance to go forward and play in the national RCCC/SALSC finals being held at Aberdeen on Saturday 5th March 2011. Six curling rinks from the West of Scotland were able to send teams in each of the two age groups so it was decided to run a “Round Robin” competition so that every team got a chance to play every other team. Each game was 3 ends so it meant a long day for all the youngsters and the parents/coaches who came along to support them.

After the main competition all the teams then played in a “Hotshots” challenge where each member of the team had to play a “Draw” shot and then a “strike” shot with points being awarded. One extra stone was then played in each discipline for double points. Medals and chocolates (Donated by Breahead young Curlers) were given to the winners of the Hotshots.

In the main competition, Hamilton emerged the winners in The Under 13’s with five wins out of five and a total of 10 points. Greenacres under 13’s came in 2nd place with 7 points.

Hamilton Under 13's;- Luke Carson : George Ballantyne : Alastair Torrance : Ian Waddell.

Hamilton were once again victorious in the under 15’s with another unbeaten run of five wins and 10 points and Braehead were in 2nd place with 5 points.

Hamilton Under 15's;- Connor Ballantyne : Andrew Neilson : Carolyn Baird : Heather MacDonald.

The winners and runners up in each age group were awarded with medals and a complimentary gift token from Braehead Curling.

However the emphasis was on fun and getting the chance to meet and play against other young curlers. Certificates were given to every child who took part and Special mention must be made of Cameron Purves from Waterfront C.C. in Greenock who at the age of “nine” was the youngest player taking part. He was actually born on the 1st of January 2001.

David Horne the CDO at Braehead and organiser of the competition was full of praise for everyone who helped make the day such a success but made a specially mention of the parents and coaches who give up so much of their time to support the youngsters.

David Horne (Curling Development Officer)

BCDG Coaching Sessions

Grand Match at Braehead

This took place on 23rd October and featured games throughout the country with teams from the North competing against the South for this event, held only once in every 5 years. 3 full sessions of curling took place at Braehead and some pictures here give you just a flavour of the activity.

Ian Rutherford - 94 years of age and taking part in his 6th Grand Match!

He throws the first stone to get the day under way.

Piper Adam brings on the 10am session.



Brooms stacked after 4 ends - off to join the queue for 'Clyde Steamers'...



Braehead catered superbly for 64 curlers!



Gretna CC were winners of session 3.



Highest up rink was Bearsden Ski Club 'juniors'.

Gray Wins Braehead Open : Results

The finalists in the Braehead Open were:
Back L-R: Alasdair Guthrie, David Soutar, Logan Gray (skip) and Lindsay Gray.
Front: Sarah Reid (skip), Kerry Barr, Kay Adams and Barbara McFarlane.

Logan's team (with David substituting for Ian Stobo) had beaten Peter Wilson in the quarters and Neil Joss in the semifinal.

Sarah's side had defeated John Hamilton in the quarters and John Dunn in the semi.

The final was a great game, tied 3-3 after six ends. Then, in a seventh end with lots of stones in play, Logan's side came out with two shots, against the head, and went into the final end two in front. Two great skip's stones finished it off in the last end. Sarah doubled to lie hidden with her first. Then Gray played a raise-takeout with his last, and that was it!



Bruce Harley presented the trophy to the winning team, above.

The other teams in the roster of the winners were those skipped by Ian Gillespie (Seniors), Jackie Lockhart (Ladies), Adrian Meikle (Non-Scottish), John Tait (U-25) and Fergus Corbett (Best Braehead). Chay Telfer, Murray Young, Andrew Ballantyne and David Miller won the Low Road. Finland's Markus Sipila, Pekka Peura, Janne Ojanpera and Juha Paajarvi won the Middle Road.

Pictures by Bob Cowan. Acknowleged with thanks.

Opening Funspiel! Sign up immediately...

You can obtain further details or enter now by contacting David by email from here.

Gary McFarlane in Rwanda

Many of you will already know that Gary has been called to participate in a building project in Rwanda and he is keen to let everyone know about the project and how you can follow his activities.
Here is what he has to say:

"Quite a lot of people have been asking myself and Roger Fleming why we are going out to Rwanda and what we hope to be able to achieve.
Basically I am project managing the building of a new Vocational Training College in Kigali Rwanda. Roger has designed the College and is coming to support myself and the construction process.
The College is aimed at ensuring that 100s of street children develop skills and qualifications, and ultimately get into employment. We expect to have it built by April 2011.
Apart from building the College we are also involved in developing partnerships with UK NGO's, business planning and curriculum development - sounds like a 5 year project to me!
From 19th August we will be away for at least 3 weeks, and then further trips later in the year.
For those who did not know we are going, or who want to keep in touch with us, and how our plans are going for the Ihumure Vocational Training College, we have set up a BLOG to which you can link here at:
www.randomffd.blogspot.com.

This we will try and keep up to date at least once per week, and hopefully more often If any of you want to provide practical help, advice, or have connections in Rwanda then you should know we rarely say no!
We are both very grateful for the interest shown and your prayers for the work.

Regards Gary..."

You can also find a more detailed account of Gary's involvement here, by Bob Cowan, who has written admirably on the subject and his words will fire your enthusiasm for the project.

RCCC Rink Championship

The draw for this competition has been made and you can view it now.
Immediately obvious is the different appearance of this page. This may change from time to time and finally settle on a 'house style' that fits the rest of the site. The details however will be accurate.
You will be assured to know that the draw was carried out in meticulous conditions using the latest technology. The national lottery should envy the extent to which Braehead have gone to ensure a fair and totally impartial result. Here is an official photograph of the system in use.

All draws will be done in the office by Bruce Harley and Pamela Stephen, to ensure fair play.
Visit the competition pages to get details now.

 Go straight there

Braehead Open Mixed Doubles Announcement

Braehead Curling rink are delighted to announce that the Braehead Open Mixed Doubles will take place on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 November 2010, with an entry fee of £80 and prize fund of £750. Visit the competition pages to get details now and get your entry in soon.

Go there now

Outdoor Curling in Vision!

A number of Braehead clubs were involved over the winter in some outdoor curling - Alma, Cadder, Nondes, Gadloch, Cawder House and various other local curlers including Lenzie Ladies, had a fantastic days curling on Sunday 10th January 2010.

This was on the Gadloch in Lenzie.

This has now been captured and edited on video by BILL STEVENS.

You can view the video on Youtube by following this link here.