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In a well entered competition sponsored by Cullen Kilshaw James Stark picked up the trophy for the 4th time in five years, beating Graeme Wilson in the final. This year saw the introduction of a Low Road.
Click Here for details.
13th January 2012
After the Famous Grouse Border Bonspiel the usual Quizspiel was held in the club bar.
There was an entry of 13 teams and the outright winners was once again the Roxburghe team of Oliver Stark, Ian Fleming, Harry Sangster & Gordon Watson, picking up the Vouchers sponsored by The Waggon Inn and President John Hutchinson.
Many thanks to all our other sponsors.
13th December 2011
Maxwell Trophy Game Border V Hamilton
Borders lost 2 and won 1 on their visit to Hamilton to-day. On good Ice (but not as keen as Kelso especially towards the end of the game) all three games were strongly contested.
The results were (Hamilton first) T Allan 8 J Stark 6; B Smith 7 R Forsyth 4; H Neilson 4 K Prentice 8
6th December 2011
The American tour due to visit Kelso on 17th February 2012 have named their team and this can be found on their Web Site.
30th November 2011
The Border coaching staff have selected the Jnr teams for the south competition at Lockerbie on 22nd December 2011.
Under 15s: Neil Sutherland (S), Callum Potts, Leslie Kerr, Stuart Shaw.
Under 13s: Amy Bryce (S), Angus Thomson, Gregg Cessford, Kirsty Fairbairn.
Reserve: Jack Fleming.
29th November 2011
Our Border Under 17 Curling team of Cameron Bryce (Skip), Neil Sutherland, Callum Potts and Amy Bryce have been competing at Greenacres in the RCCC Under 17s Competition.
The Borders gave Carswell his hardest game and were lying shot on the pot lid at the last end, leading 4 -3. Carswell promoted one of his stones from outside the front of the house with an angle raise and removed Cameron's shot. What might have been, had he not suceeded with this fantastic shot??
We may have a future good young team from the Border Ice Rink, keep your eyes on this space.
18th November 2011
Details have been released for the incoming USA Men's Curling Tour and Male curlers are invited to intimate their interest in playing by the 16th December 2011.
15th October 2011
Kelso and Roxburgh both record wins in the first Province games of the season in the Melrose Kettle
30th September 2011
Curling now well under way. It has been an unusual start with summer temperatures and high humidity.
Jim has continued to make ice; ignoring the dust and a good view of the car park from the ice pad !
Construction is now complete and the Zamboni is in its new home ready for its first cut this Saturday.
9th August 2011
LATEST NEWS from BORDERS CURLING DEVELOPMENT GROUP
The Group recently had a meeting with Caroleann MacLellan, the representative of Peoples Millions, Big Lottery, from whom they won the grant of £47,686.00 last year. The purpose of the meeting was for Caroleann, to evaluate how the 8 to 80+ Project has been delivered & received by Borders curlers. This Project is now in its final stage, with some residue funding left over, to allocate between September/October (due to the snow last season).
This amazing funding has been a wonderful boost to the number of new curlers, young curlers, established curlers, wheelchair curlers – indeed the Border Ice Rink entirely! It has probably been the greatest achievement of the Border Curling Development Group thus far?! Caroleann was very pleased with the way the Project had been set out, delivered, records kept & communication of all. The final end of year report was apparently a role model for other projects?!
The Group attended both Border Union Show & Duns Show & spread the word about the funded Come & Try ice available, for all who would like to come along to try (FREE) the sport of curling from 1.30pm onwards on 22 October, 2011. Please encourage any friends to give it a go – come along with them to help, always appreciated!
The Curling stand will be at Kelso at St James Fair Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4 September, any people willing to help man the stand, will be most welcome.
The Monday Club youngsters are hoping to benefit from sponsored ice during the coming season, as the Group feels that extra ice would encourage/enable continuing successes. There will also be the facility of an 8 to 80+ sheet (FREE) per local Club available this season for Club newcomers, similar to last season. This ice can be booked for any time in the season but MUST be “booked” by the end of October so that it will be paid within the 8 to 80+ Project timescale. Please enter details of all participants as previously, in the Club files, as this helps all to build a data base for the Project.
If any curler has a few hours spare – why not try to attend the Assistants Coach Course being held at our Ice Rink on 1st October 2011 – ask Liz Cullen for further details. There is no cost involved as the 8 to 80+ Project is funding these courses. The coaching staff is always needing new recruits!
THANK YOU Border curlers & friends for supporting the Group in these worthwhile enterprises. The Group would love to hear about new members in particular, but indeed, of any way the Group could help their Club.
15th July 2011
At long last the work has started on the extension at the rink to house the Zamboni ice cutting unit. This new building will be erected on the side of the rink just below the rink-side changing rooms and will have a large under-floor tank to which the ice removed from the rink will be deposited for melting.
27th May 2011.
Ian Middlemas dies at 83. Ian was member of the Kelso Club, a director of the Border Ice Rink and for many years was the licence-holder of the Abbotseat Bar. Ian was involved with curling for many years playing for Kelso, but was a loyal and hard working director of the company applying his knowledge of the retail drinks industry (at both sides of the bar) being a director of the local drinks company A Middlemas & Sons.
The following letter is extended to all who sponsored her for the very worthwhile cause.
Mrs Helen DG Mathieson
The Smiddy,
Mersington
GREENLAW,
Berwickshire, TD10 6UL
Tel/Fax 01890 840 204 or Mobile 07967 87 3438E
mail: thesmiddyfolk@btinternet.com
Dear All fellow curlersMay I through our web page, express my heartfelt thanks to all who sponsored me during my Pink Ribbon Walk for Breast Cancer Care on Saturday 14 May. I walked the 10 mile course through lovely Perthshire in sunny, breezy & sometimes hilly conditions & enjoyed every minute. My efforts raised £450.00 and I accomplished the walk in under 2 hours 15 minutes & was over the finish line among the first dozen. All competitors were given a huge cheer & best of all at the end of the walk a free massage – bliss!Thank you, all curlers &Borders folk, for your generosity to this worthwhile cause.Yours in curling (& walking now!)Helen DG Mathieson.
27th March 2011.
A Kelso team under the banner of "Kelso Reivers" won the "Edinburgh International Gathering" at murrayfield at the weekend. The team of Jimmy Green, Bill Cleghorn, David Kerr and Andy Adams took on challenges from teams from Switzerland, Sweden and Italy as well as three home teams to end the weekend with 6 wins and the title. The Reivers rotated their playing positions for every game which obviously did not do them any harm. Click on the link for details and photos.
22nd March 2011.
Following the two league finals Harry Dodds surprised Bill Cleghorn when he was presented with the Ice Diamond Award for his services to curling at Border Ice Rink. Bill thanked everyone for their support but hastened to point out he was only one of dedicated team of curlers working for the good of curling and accepted the award on their behalf.
22nd March 2011.
In two very close finals the Ladies League and Border League kept a full house of spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Ladies League game on sheet 2 was sitting at an extra end with Fiona Trumbull's counter sitting 4 feet from the button with Marion holding the last stone of the game. Marion could opt to hit or promote any one of her two front stones, opting for the promote she played a corker and took a one to go two up and win the game.
The Masstock Border League final looked like a run-away after Balfour Stewart took 5 at the second end, only to see Colin Martin come back with a 4 in the 3rd. A blank at the 4th was followed by exchanges of one's to force an extra end which was won by Duns.
13th March 2011.
Kelso High School in National Schools Finals starting Friday 18th March
12th March 2011.
The Borders Vurtual Club was one of many who took part in the National Virtul Club Bonspiel. The Border team performed well just failing to qualify for the Semi-Finals.
9th March 2011.
Congratulation to the Border Girls for winning the Morton Trophy. 1st time in 22 yrs. Also thanking everyone who played in the Morton games, ensuring we had enough points to qualify and also thank you to the supporting team yesterday. We made plenty noise.
5th March 2011.
Betty Wilson, Coldstream & Hirsel C C died on Friday 25th February. Betty was a well known curler at home and abroad as a club member, a past president of both the RCCC Ladies Section and of the Border Ice Rink Ladies Section. Her Late husband Willie Wilson was also a past President of the RCCC and was the inspiration behind the founding of the Border Ice Rink. Betty has not curled for many years but was still a visitor to the Border Ice Rink, in particular to the Directors Trophy which she sponsored for many years. Betty did not enjoy the best of health recently but was planing to attend the Coldstream Club dinner this spring. The very well attended funeral at Lennel cemetery and afterwards at a service of remembrance at Coldstream Parish Church was made up from friends she had made across her diverse range of interests. Betty was in the course of her lifetime an active church member; bridge player; councilor; bowler; hockey player (goalkeeper); curler; Justice of the Peace and served on many other committees as well as being devoted family person. She will be missed by all and Border Curlers unite in offering our deepest sympathy to the family now that she has gone to play in that grand match above.
4th March 2011.
The Border Province played a Waldie Griffiths match to-day which resulted in a close win for the Borders over the Peebles Province. The 33 - 26 win records a score of +1.75, which will not be good enough to win the silver.
19th February 2011.
As the season draws close to an end the League places are fought for and some of the longer runnig competitions come to a climax. This week saw Yester end the Border Chainsaw Harry Hogg on a high some teams secure a place in the Masstock Border League. Michael Sutherland sponsored the Open Pointswith Angus Duncan just managing to pip Luigi Massari in the play-off.
14th February 2011.
The annual Mari Curie Bonspielplayed at Kelso over the weekend raised a handsome pot for this very worthwhile cause (the total is not yet known). The many sponsors and players alike all contributed greatly to make this another fine weekend of curling and fund-raising. The dinner on the Saturday night was a great success and one comment made was "The table decoration and attention to detail in the colour matching of the seats made the club room look splendid"
10th February 2011.
Borders went to Murrayfield in the recent round of the Maxwell trophy, but only managed one win out of the three games resulting in 4 - 2 in favour of the Edinburgh rink.
14th January 2011.
Border Bonspiel & Quiz.
Earlston were the early run away leaders with three wins taking them to an average of +5.67 shots up. This in a normal year would be classed as a winning score, but Ayton Castle had different plans when Colin Martin's team had a big 20 - 1 win over Teviotdale to push the ayton score to +7.33.
James Dixon presided over the presentation and presented the trophy to Bobbie Forrest the Ayton Vice President in place of President Jimmy Hodge (To whom we all wish a speedy recovery from his accident) Ladies Section Vice President, Wendy Henderson presented the bottles of Grouse to the Ayton players.
The evening was rounded off with the annual Quizspiel which filled the club for the evening and the very narrow winners were "Streamers" from Coldstream (M Hall, W Murray, G Lauder & Robert Walker) with 71 points and close on their heels with 70 point were last years winners "Rox Steady"
from the Roxburghe Club.
6th December 2011.
The Border Bonspiel sponsored by the "Famous Grouse" will be held on the 12th & 13th January and the draw is now available here.
29th November 2010.
The rink remained closed on Monday, it is hoped to open for the Border League games Tue 30th at 2.30 pm. Clearing the snow from the park will be done AM Tuesday.
28th November 2010.
Due to heavy snow in the local area of the Borders there has been some games cancelled. Duns called off a club game and the Province match between Peebles and the Borders has also been postponed. The Henderson Bishop games went ahead. The rink was closed on Saturday due to the cancellation of the Berwickshire Bonspiel. The decision was also taken to close the rink for skating on Sunday. A review will take place on Monday to assess the next actions.
22nd November 2010.
The Past Presidents day on Friday 19th was the usual mixture of socialising and curling, perhaps in that order. The curling just in case you are interested was won by Ian Dykes (Skip), Bill Mitchell, Rob Fortune & Jim Buchanan.
19th November 2010.
The committee of the Border Ice Rink Club have honoured Ian Hill for his 21 years of bar duties at the club with an Honorary Club Membership. Ian who is still curl's for the St Ronans club was delighted with the news and thanked the committee for the honour. Well done Ian, we all wish you and Frances a long and happy retirement.
17th November 2010.
Local Curler Andrew Reed teams up with fellow English curlers to compete in the European Curling Championships at Champery, Switzerland on 3rd - 11th December. There is also a ladies English team and of course ladies and gents teams from Scotland, so plenty to keep an eye on.
Good luck Andrew. You can follow the progress of all teams at http://www.ecc2010.ch/
Border Ice rink Ladies section entertained a Canadian touring team, with lunch, curling and afternoon tea. The games ended all square with both sides scoring 29 shot and two wins
each
12th November 2010
Matthew Templeton and Bibby have close games. The main
event for the Matthew Templeton Trophy was going James Starks way until Keith scored a 5, to go 3 up, the next ends went
to James leaving Keith only scoring at two ends but with an advantage of one shot to deny team Stark from lifting the trophy
for the fourth year in a row. Keith like James has also had three wins in a row back in 1985 - 87.
30th
October 2010
Kelso snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in Melrose Kettle. Visit Melrose Kettle Page..
26th October 2010
The board of directors are pleased to report that the acquisition of
the Zamboni Ice Cutting unit is now complete and the unit is in store waiting on the building of the storage area at
the rink.
24th October 2010
BIR was host to 120 curlers in the Indoor Grand Match yesterday (Saturday). there is a report on the Kelso activities Here. You may click on Borders for the results at Kelso or All for other all 15 rinks.
6th October 2010
In the Greenlaw Club's Buchanan Trophy on Tuesday
night the final end resulted in an 8 END for Jim Purdie and his rink of John Stevenson, John Logan and Jim Fleming.
The game had been going their way as they entered the 8th end at 9 - 3 up against John Barker and the team of Ken Sangster,
John Fleming and Graeme Addison, but the 8 ender just put the hat on it!!
6th October 2010
Due
to lack of ticket sales the BCDG have decided to cancel the Harvest Supper Dance due to be held in Ednam Hall on the
15th October.
20th September 2010
The curling season draws ever closer and the final preparation
goes ahead at the rink. The ice is now formed and the rings are just about to be painted. Raymond
the new Barman is helping Paul and Jim with the painting as his introduction to the job. Joe is spending a bit
time at the rink giving the Bistro a little fece lift and getting set for the season.
For those of you expecting to see
Jim riding around in the Zamboni Ice Cutter, you will have to wait just a little bit longer. There will be an
extension added to the side of the rink encroaching ever so slightly in to the car park, this is being built to house the
Zamboni and accept the ice cuttings for draining. Until this is built there is no practical way of using the machine.
16th August 2010
The curling stones at Kelso have been in service for many years, but they never
last forever. Twelve years ago the stones had new granite running surface inserts fitted, these inserts were due to
be honed to give them a better draw, something we have lacked in recent years. This work has now been done at
the stone manufacturer "Kay's of Scotland" based in Mauchline, Ayrshire. The advantage of this rework is a stone that will draw more; the disadvantage
is that the player will have to put on a positive handle. Players who put on very little handle may find the stone
taking the other handle!!! Thank you! to Bert Duncan who provided all the transport of the one and quarter ton
of granite to and from Mauchline with his sidekick Jim Keddie riding shotgun to protect our precious stones. This
is another part of the continuing programme to produce better facilities for the sport at Border Ice Rink.
As mentioned in an earlier report the BIR have acquired a Zamboni Ice cutter, but the installation of this unit into
our rink will take a little time as there is some building work to be done to house the unit and we will be at the mercy of
the planners and builders!!
31st July 2010
The AGM of the Border Ice Rink Club is on the
horizon and there will be some changes to the constitution to bring it up to date with some recent changes. None
of the changes are contentous in any way but have to be addressed. CLICK HERE to see the proposals.
11th July 2010
Border Ice Rink are pleased to welcome Liz Cullen to
the staff as "Border Area Curling Development Officer" (Border ACDO). Liz is well known in the Borders
and in particular to the Border Curling Fraternity. Liz has decided to take early retirement from her position
as Principal Teacher, Learning Support at Earlston High school.
Liz starts during august with some initial
training, updating of contacts and records before settling into the position on the 1st September.
"We all wish
you well in your new role Liz and you can be assured of our support."
24th June 2010
Border Ice Rink Ltd continue to strive for better ice at an affordable price at Kelso.
Many curlers have
noticed the steady improvement in curling ice quality over the last couple of years. The first investment
was in the De-Humidifier, then there was the "De-ionised Pebble Water" the "Refrigeration Plant" was then
updated and then the "Nipper" & "Ice-King" added during the last season.
To continue these upgrades
and improvements the stones are being re dressed during the summer to obtain better performance. The recent good
news is that the rink has purchased a "Zamboni Ice Cutter". This new bit of kit will cut the ice surface
down and prevent the build up of ice thickness. The advantages of this is: Better control of Ice Surface Temperature.
More economical to maintain the ice temperature. Reduce the amount of water used. Kinder to the environment.
The end result will be "better ice for all curlers" - it is hoped!
22nd
June 2010
Lorna Shaw has been accepted by the RCCC into the Elite Coaching programme. This is the
first time a border curler has been accepted. Well done Lorna and GOOD LUCK! from all at BIR.
15th June 2010
Our hard working development group never give up do they? This
summer there will be two fund raisers to help fund future development projects.
1. A BBQ in the lovely walled gardens
at Roxburgh Barns (Courtesy of the Stark Family) will be held on Sunday 18th July starting at 2.00 pm and tickets are priced
at £7.50. Please bring your friends for a lovely afternoon out in the nice warm sunny day that is promised.
2. The second event is a new venture, being a "Harvest Supper Dance" in Ednam Village Hall on Friday 15th
October at 7.30 pm, and tickets for this are priced at £15.00.
Tickets for both the above are available from
BCDG Committee or by email to Helen Mathieson
2nd May 2010
Border Development Officer, Jim Buchanan will have a stand
in the Volunteer Hall, Gala at the "Big Event" on 26th May. The event is open from 12 noon 'till
6 pm.
The purpose of Jim being there is to support the Gala Water curling club and try and develop more interest in curling
from that area. If any curler wants to come along on the day please do.
26th
April 2010
Margaret Sturrock Sadly Margaret lost her fight against her long illness. Dave
was very pleased to see so many curlers come along to Hundy Mundy Wood on Monday and thanks everyone for their attendance and good wishes. Margaret was Ladies
Branch Secretary for many years and will be missed around the rink, but Dave said he would be back during next season
to see everyone.
15th April 2010
BCDG give details of the Peoples Millions
Project and how clubs can apply for FREE ICE to develop the sport. Click Here for details.
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| Douglas, Oliver, Frances & Ian |
Statement from the Royal Caledonian Curling Club concerning the Grand Match It is with great disappointment that The Royal Caledonian Curling Club has made the decision not to hold the proposed Grand Match on the Lake of Mentieth. Following extensive discussions with a wide variety of interested parties including Central Scotland Police, The Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and Stirling Council it has not proved possible to address all health and safety concerns and receive the full backing of the Emergency Services within the timescales involved. Without achieving
this it would be impossible to gain the necessary insurance to hold the
event. Every possible effort has been made to facilitate this unique event but it has
been acknowledged that public safety must remain the primary concern. All
parties involved will continue to investigate options available to organise such an event
at some point in the future, and insure that this iconic spectacle is made possible
for the curlers and the public’s safe enjoyment. The Royal Club
would like to thank all interested parties for their endeavours to stage this
match.
After 21 years of association with the Ice Rink Bar, Frances and Ian Hill retire. In
a very busy club after the End Of Season Bonspiel, Oliver Stark presided over the presentation to Frances and Ian.
Ian started at the bar helping his brother Dave 21 years ago but for the last 15 years has been the Bar Steward and has latterly
been assisted by his wife Frances. Frances is not a stranger to the rink in other ways, she has been the club
cleaner for the last 9 years as well as pulling pints in the old Abbotseat public bar as well as the club.
Oliver presented the couple with a cheque, being the result of a collection by the members. Douglas Elliot also
presented with them with a cheque from the directors on behalf of the shareholders. In a joint reply Ian and Frances
said they would use their new camcorder (the present picked by themselves) to video their holiday's and thanked everyone
for their kind donations and good wishes.
The Border Curling Development Group won the Ice Diamond Award last year and
have asked for this to be presented anually to a border curler, club or group who have given exceptional service to curling
in the Borders.
Jim Buchanan our Development Officer also retires next month and the committee have selected Jim as the
first recipient of this trophy. This was presented to Jim by Oliver Stark.
27th March 2010
The last competitions of the season were the Weekend Trophywon by Ryan Hogarth and the End of Season Bonspiel, won by Gary Craig, Alan Collett, Mrs Rineke Sangster and Jim Buchanan
6th March 2010
The coaches and volunteers at the rink had a very busy afternoon and evening
on the Saturday Come and Try event. With over 100 new curlers passing through their hands there was little time
for rest.
The event follows on from the TV coverage of curling at the Olympics.
There were new curlers trying
the sport from all over our normal catchment area, but being the most southerly rink on the east side of the country we also
attracted people from Newcastle, Co Durham and Yorkshire.
27th February 2010
The
Board of BIR Ltd have had requests for earlier evening times for curling and all are invited to comment on their preferred
time in this survey, please complete and send to voice your preferred choice.
27th February 2010
The Henderson
Bishop Finals were played at Lockerbie on 22nd - 25th and the home team were the victors of a close final against Kinross
with a final score of 7 - 6.
The Border team of June Swan (S), Glynnice Lauder, Gillian Smith and Joan Forrest reached
the final of the low road for the "Cherry Stone Trophy", But after a very hard fought battle which went to
the last end the Borders lost to Lanarkshire by 5 shots to 7. Well done ladies, a very fine effort!!!
The Border Ladies team
of June Swan (S), Glynnice Lauder, Gillian Smith & Myra Thomson won the Aberdeen Ladies Invitation in January. This competition is an invitation to any national or international Ladies team who have won any major
competitions
14th
February 2010
Marie Curie Bonspiel won by local skip James Stark. When we enter the winners of
border competitions it is a simple case of cut and paste the name James Stark. Well done to the winners and to
all who played in this great fund-raiser. Click Here for results.
5th February 2010
Team Stark keep a
firm hold on the Directors Trophy with an easy win over the Yester rink Skipped by Johnny Shedden click here for full results report.
5th February 2010
The new
display stand housing a record of all the past winners of Border Ice Rink Club competition winners was unveiled by Tommy Neilands
at Border Ice Rink tonight. Tommy was asked to perform the honours as his name was on the very first year of winners
for winning the Cunningham Trophy for the 40 and under age group (he was unable to defend the title as the following year
he was to old).
This new display will be a record for all to view and will be located in the club lounge.
1st February 2010
Congratulations to the border team of James Stark
(S), Andrew Reed, Stuart Craig & Alastair Hodge who are the first full Borders team to win the Yara Farmers Curling Tournament
at the Dewars Centre, Perth, last week. With a hard fight and some close games to get to the final, he had
a good result in the final with a win of 6 - 1. See full results HERE
19th January 2010
The
start date for the 8 to 80+ Project will be 30th March 2010. click here for details.
17th
January 2010
The first full week of the Virtual Club got going with 12 new mew members yesterday. The club also had a
short meeting and organised themselves with a small committee.
The Virtual Club is a progression from the beginners classes and a feeder to the main curling
clubs.
8th January 2010
6th January 2010
Due to the hard
packed ice followed by a fresh fall of over 12" of snow traveling to the rink was a problem and most games and competitions
had to be canceled. The management decided to comply with the request of the local authorities and close the rink
to prevent unnecessary traveling.
It is intended to open on Saturday 9th as normal. Thanks are extended to
Ian Fleming from Sucklawridge for his skilfull clearing of snow from the car park.
5th January 2010.
The BIR Ladies
Pairs have been postponed due to bad weather and the new date penciled in is 16th & 17th Feb. Check here and
on the board at the rink for confirmation.
5th January 2010
- 15.00 pm
By Colin Grahamslaw
5th January 2010 AM
By RCCC