You will remember that Paul Murton visited Penicuik Estate recently to film for part of his upcoming TV series on Scottish Rivers. The Club has had an update from the producers as copied below:
‘ I just wanted to apologise that we haven’t been in touch regarding the transmission of Grand Tours of Scotland’s Rivers – Series Two. We’re still waiting for confirmed details from the BBC. We are now expecting the series to go out in January 2023 but will of course let you know when we have any updates to pass on. ‘
Congratulations to Dave Carr and his rink of Geoff Dawe, Alister McDonald and Jean Cassie for winning the final of the Hurley Competition last night, beating Iain Scott’s rink by 8 stones to 5. A special mention to Jean for winning a medal in her first full season with Penicuik Curling Club.
An enthusiastic team of ladies has raised the first Club Challenge of the season against the current holders, unfortunately still without Keith who is still recovering from his recent injuries. This match will be played on Tuesday 29th November.
Margaret Carr, Liz Anderson, Pam Ramsay and Jean Noble will attempt to wrestle the Challenge Crook from the hands of Martin Hobbs, David Gillespie, Roger Scott and Elaine Lambie, who has stepped in to make up the holders rink.
The second Semi Final of the Hurley Competion has now been completed, with Dave Carr’s rink victorious over Team Anderson in the rescheduled game last Friday evening.
Team Carr will now meet Team Scott in the Hurley Final on Wednesday 9th November at 6pm. Good luck to both teams.
Congratulations to David Gillespie and his rink of Dave Carr, Reg Dunbar and Kirsty McWilliam for winning their first round match in this competition against Duddingston with a score of 9-4 . They will now meet SIAE in the next round on Friday 9th December.
The first winners of the 2022-23 season were decided at the Opening Bonspiel on Sunday 2nd October when 24 keen curlers took to the ice. Craig was on top form, organising the play and keeping everyone right as to their next opponents as they moved about the ice. Many congratulations to Dave Carr, Kirsty McWilliam, Jim Cowper and Ian Neil who finished with a score of +3 to take the Bonspiel Trophy. Jim in particular was delighted to retain his Bonspiel medal.
Bonspiel Winners, Dave C. Jim Cowper Kirsty and Ian Neil (missing from photo)Bonspiel winners presentation at Golf Club.
Craig, on the other hand may not have been quite so delighted to retain the ‘Bonspiel Booby’ Trophy with his rink of Roger, Mike and Saho.
Presentation of Bonspiel Booby prize to Craig, and Roger (Saho and Mike missing from photo)
An excellent meal was enjoyed by participants and members at the Glencorse Golf Club after the Bonspiel. Many thanks to the catering team, to Craig and the Social Committee for organising the event and to Ian Neil for his sponsorship. Lots more to play for in the season ahead.
I would like to take a moment to reflect on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As the late monarch was Patron of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, I am sure many of you will have taken a moment to contemplate recent events. Our thoughts are with the royal family at this sad time, as well as reflecting on our own recent losses.
The first social event of the new season took place on Saturday 6th August, and after a little light rain first thing to revive the drought stricken croquet lawn, the sun shone on what was a fantastic afternoon’s lighthearted competition and fun in the grounds of Penicuik Estate.
The usual team of helpers were busy from early morning to set up. The mini marquee was raised, the lawns measured out, mallets and balls laid out ready – all before the cars started to arrive loaded with around 28 eager competitors, packing folding chairs and picnics. It was great to see some of our new members taking part alongside some old stagers.
A welcome glass of Prossecco, ‘No-ssecco’ or orange juice was on offer along with a wonderful choice of ‘healthy option’ snacks provided by the Social Committee. With rules explained and teams at the ready, Craig called the first few matches and the serious competition began. Amid shrieks of dismay or laughter from opposing teams and spectators, play continued over the next couple of hours, fortified by a few more trips to the catering tent.
Eventually all had played 4 matches, and with scores on the board, Craig called the group to order to announce the results. Clear winners on the day were Jan and David Gillespie, whilst the team bringing up the rear were Margaret Carr and Jean Cassie, here seen being presented with their prizes.
And the winners are – Jan and David G. What a team!Margaret and Jean C. – The ‘supporting’ team.
Enjoying a drink in the sunshine.
Once again the Club is indebted to Sir Robert and Lady Faye Clerk, for permitting Penicuik Curling Club to use the croquet green, and huge thanks are due to Craig, Jan, and Geoff from the Social Committee for all their hard work. Also, to Dave Carr and his team of helpers, and certainly not forgetting all those who came along to make it such a great afternoon. However, all too soon the day was over and with all hands on deck, mallets, balls, string and tent were packed away again for next year. (A few more photos are available in the Gallery)
To round off what has been a successful season of curling, Penicuik Curling Club members met on Saturday 7th May at Glencorse Golf Clubhouse for the annual dinner. It really must have been the ‘go-to’ event of the year with 46 attendees, attracting new and past members and family, as well as our esteemed guests Sir Robert and Lady Faye Clerk. It was great to see so many people there. Everyone had arrived in plenty of time for a quick catch up over a drink or to gaze at the array of prizes and Trophies, which were newly engraved and shining bright after hours of polishing by the Club’s Secretary.
Tables had been set beautifully, with lovely floral arrangements in the centre, individual place names and an Annual Dinner programme for each guest. Once all were seated, the Club’s President Iain welcomed everyone and invited Jim Cowper to say Grace. The catering staff at the Golf Club had provided a lovely menu and did a terrific job of serving dinner which seemed to be enjoyed by all. Then it was time for the highly anticipated part of the night, the prize giving, so President Iain invited Sir Robert to do the honours.
Kettle Winners Dave and Liz Anderson, Ian Neil with Sir Robert. (Jim Hume missing from photo)
A huge congratulations must go to all prize winners from the season. (More photos of the individual Trophy Winners are available in the Gallery page of the Club’s Website) Unfortunately for Dave Anderson, although he went away with an armful of prizes, he also left with an emptier wallet, after having to fill and refill the Kettle with the traditional Rusty Nail.
With proceedings over, Sir Robert thanked everyone for the wonderful evening and congratulated the Club on it’s successes, before David Gillespie provided the vote of thanks to all involved in making it such a terrific evening. There was a little time left for more socialising and maybe the odd drink, but all good things must come to an end and with carriages home awaiting guests, it was soon time to say farewell.
The Curling Social Committee would like to say a huge thanks to everybody who has supported this and other events throughout the year. The 2022 Annual Prize Giving Dinner will be remembered as a tribute to Ronnie Hope who helped organise it with his usual flair and enthusiasm, but who is sadly no longer with us.
Jim Cowper and myself were joined by Sir Robert and Lady Faye on Friday 27th of May, for the purpose of taking part in a TV documentary.
Our participation in the Paul Murton programme in which he walks The North Esk river from source to sea has been in the planning for months. Our friend Ronnie had spent hours making sure that Paul and the production team knew everything about Penicuik Curling Club and of course our participation in The First Grand Match. Ronnie’s enthusiasm ensured that we would be a part of the programme for which the production team were very grateful.
The crew had already spent time with Sir Robert, interviewing him about Penicuik House, and they also visited the Pennycoe Press premises.
Our part was to highlight The First Grand Match and to feature our Curling House. Filming took over two hours for what might be a 2 minute highlight. We were informed that the programme will probably be aired this Autumn.
Let’s hope that we are included in the programme and that Penicuik Curling Club and Curling gains advantage from our participation.
Penicuik Curling Club 